<p>How does Swarthmore look at your application in comparison with other people applying from your own school? Or do they not compare you?</p>
<p>At my school, there are 3 people applying ED this year, myself and two other girls. One of the other girls takes a harder courseload than me, but only because she speaks French fluently at home and thus took French and Spanish, and takes AP Chem. and Bio this year because she is very scientifically inclined. I would consider myself to be more of a humanities type, and I'm interested in majoring in English and also being certified to teach through Swarthmore's education program. She has a better GPA, but I feel that I am a stronger writer with more interesting personal qualities. As far as extra-curriculars, we're about the same except that I play sports (Field Hockey and Crew) and an instrument competitively. We also both went to PA Governor's Schools (her - international studies, me - teaching) I feel that I am more "intellectual", but she has slightly better grades and a harder courseload. </p>
<p>The second of the other girls doesn't really do anything. She takes a moderately hard courseload, gets mostly A's, but doesn't do anything extracurricular-wise and is certainly not "intellectual" enough for Swarthmore. The advantage she has is that both her parents are alumni, and her father is, to put it bluntly, filthy rich (he's worth 10's of millions I believe). So how much will Swarthmore care about legacy in her case?</p>
<p>I'm worried because I feel that it's almost impossible for Swarthmore to accept all 3 of us Early Decision. 3 girls from the same high school in PA would just be too many. So then, what are my chances of getting in?
I'm betting that I'm going to be deferred. :(</p>
<p>Your chances will greatly depend on your stats, your essays, and your perceived "fit" into Swarthmore community.</p>
<p>There is nothing you can do about stats, wealth or legacy status of other applicants. So you should concentrate on things you do have some control over.</p>
<p>Applying ED will boost your chances relatively to RD.</p>
<p>Legacy is a tip factor at Swarthmore, nothing more. There are lots of alumni whose kids do not get in to Swat. If the parents have given 10s of millions to the college the matter might be different.</p>
<p>One thing that I've seen have an impact on Swarthmore admissions is athletic accomplishment. If you are a strong player in any sport, strong enough to make an impact on a Swarthmore athletic team, it will be a significant plus for you in admissions. This does not just mean that you would be able to make a team, but that you would have a positive impact. If that might be the case, you should talk to the coach in your sport ASAP. Even if you think you might play a sport at Swarthmore it is a good idea to contact the coach and express your interest.</p>
<p>Just the fact that you have posed the question and recognized the implications of the situation shows that you are smarter than the average bear. Swarthmore will like that!</p>
<p>Honestly, all you can do is ace your application and let Dean Bock wrestle with the "problem" of three desireable applicants from the same school! I know that the year my daughter was accepted they accepted three students each from at least two Massachusetts high schools: Newton North and Greylock Regional (in Williamstown, probably Williams profs' kids).</p>
<p>You sound like a very strong applicant. Make sure that you contact the coach. Also, make sure that you submit a music sample...or better yet, hand deliver it to the chair of the music department. Also, meet with the theater folk. I know Swarthmore gives a little nudge to theater kids.</p>