<p>I like the approach my daughter and her friends take when they host "specs" -- which is the same approach they encountered on their own "spec" visits. If a "spec" needs convincing, they tell them to go elsewhere. </p>
<p>Why? Selfish reasons. They view the opportunity to be a part of the Swarthmore community as a priviledge. Part of what makes the place tick is that a high percentage of the student body shares that view. It's that shared view, IMO, that underlies the self-deprecating humor about Swarthmore that is one of the defining characteristics of the student body:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/news/commencement/2004/budish.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.swarthmore.edu/news/commencement/2004/budish.html</a> </p>
<p>So, when a "spec" says, "But...I think XYZ University might be better or grad school admissions or might offer this course or that program", they tell 'em to go to XYZ. Not because they believe XYZ would actually be better, but simply because they'd rather open up the slot for somebody who is as excited to be at Swarthmore as they are. In way, it's kind of a cold approach, but Swatties seem to be protective of their community.</p>