<p>Basic Info:
Asian, adopted
attend TAG Magnet
33 ACT
3.67 unweighted GPA
have taken 10 APs (average score of a 4, two 3s, have not failed any AP tests)
am taking 8 APs this year (so far, all As)
I have volunteered at my church from 8th grade on (they offered me a job sophomore yr)
I am a member of Writing, Editorial writing, Lit Crit clubs
middle class family (divorced, one sister, also adopted)
live in Texas
applying RD</p>
<p>Could anyone give me information on my chances and how the overall atmosphere of the campus is? I visited Haverford and Swarthmore, but didn’t have the opportunity to visit Bryn Mawr. I loved Swarthmore, and am applying as my reach. How is it compared to them (social events, research, community, dorms?)? How is it comparable to other schools in the original seven sisters?</p>
<p>Hi Sarahsdowd,</p>
<p>A facet of Bryn Mawr that I really love is the college’s location and relationship with other colleges, which you already seem to have some idea about. As a prospective I had looked at other colleges with consortium relationships but was always weary of how practical it was in reality. I was shocked my first week at Bryn Mawr to find so many of my fellow first years enrolling in multiple classes across the Tri-Co (Tri-College Consortium: Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore). Especially with Haverford, which is just a mile down the road, the free bus system really enhances a fluidity of academic and social mixing. Students can even opt to live on any of the three campuses (although most prefer Bryn Mawr - I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a castle?!). Students also take advantage of our cross-registration privileges with UPenn, not to mention their social events. Philly in general is home to numerous colleges (UArts, Temple, Drexel, PAFA, Villanova, etc) so you don’t just have to be in an academic consortium to meet people. One distinguishing feature of Bryn Mawr students is that every experience is different - it is absolutely what you make of it, allowing each student to carve a totally independent path for themselves. Most students will spend some weekends at events in the Tri-Co, some off campus in Philly, and then some just sitting in with your hallmates watching movies. </p>
<p>Bryn Mawr by far has the nicest dorms. This may sound biased, but the ratings have proved it (Bryn Mawr has been in the top 10 for years). Each room is unique and possesses its own character - whether it be a bay window seat, fireplace, or skylight. Because students in the Tri-Co are free to attend social events at any of the colleges, there’s always something to do and definitely something to suit whatever interests you may have. Last week I went to a performance piece at Swarthmore and a couple days later I went to a concert Haverford. It’s pretty seamless.</p>
<p>Bryn Mawr also has a ton of research opportunities, especially for the sciences, but we also offer opportunities for psychology majors in our labs. The college even has summer stipends for students to conduct research alongside professors. </p>
<p>In terms of the Seven Sisters, I’ve found each to suit a specific niche. From my college admissions days and visiting friends at the other institutions, I would say Bryn Mawr has the most accessible consortium (aside from Barnard) and the easiest access to a city of the suburban schools. It’s just 20 minutes to downtown Philadelphia and the train runs quite late into the evening.</p>
<p>I hope this helps! Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>That sounds awesome! I love Pennsylvania, so I know the weather wouldn’t bother me. I thought the tri-co was the best when I visited some of the consortium, and everyone seemed really friendly and intelligent.
How is the financial aid, though? My parents make about $110k, combined (they’re divorced, though, if that makes a difference?), and my Dad is unwilling to pay more than $10k, because my sister is going to college a year after me, and we have a mortgage to pay off. BUT, because my parents are old (66 and 67), they have a money saved up. Do you think I would get any aid $$?</p>
<p>Every financial situation is unique and I really can’t speak to that more specifically since I don’t work in financial aid and am not fluent on their processes. However, Bryn Mawr does meet full demonstrated need. There are also merit scholarships available that applicants are automatically considered for upon applying.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the insight englishivy! I hope I can go o Swat or Bryn Mawr next year!</p>