Early writes

<p>Nope, not debating. Just pointing out a perfectly logical (albeit cynical) interpretation of standard college admissions practices. Swarthmore is more egalitarian than most schools, but it is not perfect, and I agree with the earlier student who questioned the egalitarianism of sending out early writes, which recruit certain admitted students more than others.</p>

<p>I don’t think talking about getting early writes on forums like CC are much of a problem - I think Swarthmore is more concerned with gently reminding us not to rub it in other applicants’ faces that we know in person - it’s probably not a great feeling to see someone running around saying “I GOT INTO SWARTHMORE!” if you have yet to hear from them or got rejected.</p>

<p>For the other early writes - did you get a phone call? I got a message and I’m not sure if I should call the guy back or not. It was a freshman from Swarthmore calling, does anyone know what they want to talk about besides RTT?</p>

<p>@ clariss, I received a phone call from a swat freshman as well. he just introduced himself, reminded me to rsvp for rtt, and asked if i had any questions about swat.</p>

<p>keil, as usual, you missed the BIG picture.
forget the logics, learn to feel and think from the heart instead of your good head.
You just sort of p****d off the nicest mom of the nicest Swat kid in the world.
No, I am not stalking you.
Ciao</p>

<p>congrats to everyone! it must be nice having the stress lifted. i feel like the end of march can’t come quickly enough…</p>

<p>briguy, where in northeastern ohio are you from? (i live here too…)</p>

<p>Thank you, Dramatica, for posting this info! </p>

<p>As the mother of a sweet and bright young girl who is sweating-out the college admissions process, I had been managing to remain calm until she received an e-mail from NYU rather coyly letting her know she’d been admitted. Googling for info about NYU’s somewhat cryptic e-mail, I came across “CC” and found out that Swarthmore also sends “early letters”. YIKES, INSTANT ANXIETY ATTACK!! Swarthmore is one of her top choices and she didn’t get one!!</p>

<p>So thank you for taking the time to explain Swarthmore’s “early letter” process – I will console myself with the idea that, although she’s an excellent student with high test scores, she doesn’t play the viola. This will prevent me from running out and finding someone to sell me some Valium. </p>

<p>P.S. You sound like you work in the Admissions Dept. If you do, this speaks very highly of Swarthmore since you sound extremely nice.</p>

<p>To expand on part of what dramatica posted already: People who are feeling anxious about not getting an early write might want to keep in mind the fact that early writes are sent to students who not only have outstanding applications, but whom the admissions committee thinks might also be interested in other (competing) schools. </p>

<p>If you happen to have written a Why Swat essay that shows how passionate you are about Swarthmore, and if everything else about your application supports the fact that the school is far and away your number one choice, then you’re a little less likely to be a target of the early write campaign. Not getting an early write doesn’t necessarily mean your application didn’t knock them out; it could mean that your application convinced them that you aren’t as much in need of wooing.</p>

<p>I understand why they do it, but I would prefer that Swarthmore (and its peers) not play the early write game.</p>

<p>^^Agree completely. Just offering some thoughts for those who are anxious.</p>

<p>The other thing that applicants should keep in mind about these early writes is the degree to which diversity enrollment is Swarthmore’s #1 priority (academic qualifications being a given). I’m sure that it’s not universal, but I’ve observed over the years that Swarthmore’s early writes are focused noticeably on highly qualified URM applicants and is part of an aggressive diversity recruitment effort.</p>

<p>Interested Dad and others- while it appears that URM status is almost a requirement for an early write at some schools (Duke, Williams and Amherst?). My daughter (most definately not an URM or a development admit) received an early write from Swarthmore two weeks ago. They made may daughter’s week and certainly now have the upper hand in that she is much more likely to matriculate at Swarthmore than elsewhere. Best of luck to all!</p>

<p>Margie,</p>

<p>I am glad that my post helped alleviate some of your anxiety. Do not reach for the Valium just yet. You will be needing it in a few short weeks. If you think this waiting period is nerve wrecking, wait until your D has to choose where to attend!</p>

<p>I do not work for Swat. However, each time that I have to send in tuition (full tuition!) I wish that I worked for them so that I could receive a discount…</p>

<p>I am just a mom with insight and knowledge into the admission process from having spent most of my professional life working at a university. Before fori such as this one sprouted over the internet, early writes did not have as big an impact on candidates who did not receive them. Before the days of the common application and the USNWR rankings the whole admissions process was not the crazy maze that it is today. But the cat is out of the bag and so we must deal with reality and one very important reality is that VERY, VERY FEW applicants receive early writes. </p>

<p>You said that your D received one from NYU. CONGRATULATIONS! NYU is a great school, so your D has a good catch in her hand already. Now just take a deep breath and continue playing the waiting game.</p>

<p>got mine today (:</p>

<p>from Orlando!</p>

<p>I feel really guilty.</p>

<p>I poured all my red blood cells out on my WhySwat essay…so intense that the paper onto which it was printed always bled red…basically me going “PLEAAAAAAASEEEEEEEEE…I’VE WANTED THIS EVER SINCE MY PARENTS CONCEIVED ME!!!”</p>

<p>I got an Early-Write…</p>

<p>but also got one from a school starting with a ‘W’ and ending with a ‘s’…and financial aid wise…yeah</p>

<p>I’m sorry for taking away a spot, guys :(</p>

<p>^You’ve gotten aid from both schools already, and Williams is significantly better? If so, sounds like a prime case for appeal if Swat is actually your first choice. (And I have several cross-admit friends; it’s not an uncommon situation.)</p>