<p>Just applied to Discover Swarthmore by invitation and was wondering about selectivity, how many students are accepted, and most of all how it impacts the admissions decisions. Are most or all spots for URM applicants?</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>It is selective. In most such programs, if you get in the program, admission is likely.</p>
<p>DiscoSwat is meant to recruit URM kids – that’s not to say that some Asians (or maybe even white) kids get in, but you do have to realize that Swat isn’t as deficient in Asians as some other northeastern LACs. There is only one program date, and consequently, admission rates for DiscoSwat are among the most competitive. </p>
<p>I applied for DiscoSwat last year and didn’t get in. They did give fee waivers to applicants (not sure if they gave them to everyone or if they gave the waivers to just some of us.) I did get and early write to Swarthmore for real admission and they flew me out (in the style of DiscoSwat – free) in the spring. I only remember like four people – an Asian who also got rejected to DiscoSwat and then got an early write, two Hispanics who went to DiscoSwat and got in regular decision, and another person who didn’t have anything to do with DiscoSwat. Moral of the story: people who get into DiscoSwat get into Swat. People who don’t get into DiscoSwat get into Swat. Some people form both groups get rejected. DiscoSwat is good for showing demonstrated interest. </p>
<p>One more thing: the kids that went to DiscoSwat weren’t the ones that got early writes. Getting into DiscoSwat means you’re qualified, but doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at the top of their applicant pool.</p>
<p>@nhdmaniac Which schools (with free visit programs) do have a deficiency of Asians and will take them for their diversity visit programs?</p>
<p>@turnupforwhat it seemed like most diversity programs were willing to take Asians. I went to Colby and Amherst’s diversity visits. I also got into Hamilton’s and Middlebury’s programs, but chose not to go because going to these programs caused me to miss a lot of school and was physically draining. In addition to those, I know Bowdoin’s accepted Asians (though I didn’t get into the program, I met an Asian at Colby that was going). I bet Williams’ program also takes Asians, but I think the application deadline has already passed. Most LACs don’t have an easy time getting Ivy-level amounts of Asians onto campus, so if the program includes Asians in its description of underrepresented students, go on and apply.
Of course, I would say that the majority of students at these visit programs are not Asian, but are the URMs by CC definitions. After all, LACs have an easier time getting Asians than they do Hispanics or African-Americans or Native Americans. It will help to have an essay that shows your culture of you hope to get in. </p>
<p>Noooo! I’m half asian half white and I got in. I don’t think it’s determined solely by race. Apply to all the things!</p>