<p>Ok, so I'm applying for sure to 8 out of states: Stanford, Yale, Uchicago, Claremont McKenna, Amherst, Duke, Dartmouth, Cornell (not my choice, my brother went there, so I have to).... I like the intellectualism, political activism, and personal touch of Swarthmore, but I'd probably go to any of the above schools (except Cornell) rather than Swarthmore, unless Swarthmore gives significantly better financial aid than the above schools (it's not in the right location, and I've heard the Econ department doesn't use Calculus or something weird). I have good stats: 33 ACT, 2220 SAT, 780 Math II/750 Bio E/790 Lit SAT IIs, and good essays (I've even written the why Swarthmore essay already). I don't know if I should apply though, since it's so far down on my list, and I don't want to waste my parent's money (we're middle class) and take someone's spot when I'd only go there if rejected everywhere else. The problem is that I've already submitted my Common App main form to them because I submitted it to all the colleges on my list a couple days ago...</p>
<p>So what do I do? Keep on applying or email the admissions office and tell them that I made a mistake. Help!!</p>
<p>Uh, the econ dept def. uses calc. It is very good, and sends an insane number of people to grad school, as well as recently, a surprising number of people to McKinsey. </p>
<p>That said, do what you feel you have to do.</p>
<p>Most Econ majors need to have taken at least basic calculus to be majors, so it is definitely used in their higher level courses. Some of the math "requirements" for Econ are more recommendations than requirements, so you could probably survive without higher-level Calc, but it is not completely lacking Calculus (half of my hallmates are Econ majors, and while most have taken a set of math courses for Econ, some have just done basic calc and stat). I'd do more research about it than what you've heard...you can check required coursework online. :] </p>
<p>As for what you should do, that's completely up to you! We certainly can't make that decision.</p>
<p>Lol, I know you guys can't make it for me, but I was just looking for some feedback.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I've heard from a Swarthmore alumna that their econ classes for the first couple of years are pretty strange... like since the only requirement is very basic calculus (Math 15, I think), they don't use the more advanced methods. I've already had two years of calculus, so it would be a bummer just to sit there and deal with a less basic form in Economics (my desired major). Oh, and I don't feel the "love" factor I have for the other schools. So... it looks like I'm just going to stick to the schools I have.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about econ at Swarthmore (except the fact that it has a good reputation), but I can tell you for sure that there is a pretty high probability that you'll be rejected or waitlisted by all the schools on your list...</p>
<p>Instates... and I'm fine going to them if I have to. Thanks for the support nngmm ; ) lol, I know it's true. But my school has a pretty good track record with Dartmouth, CMC, Chicago, and Cornell (plus I have a sibling legacy). I'm above the average acceptance for CMC / Dartmouth / Chicago from my school and equal to the Cornell one. So, I don't think I'll get rejected everywhere. In fact, I'm willing to bet money I won't. But if, for some reason, I do, then it's honors instate for me.</p>
<p>EDIT: And I'm not basing my reasoning just upon stats either. I have a centralized focus in my ECs that relate to my career goals, and I state how this works in my apps. Plus I have spent eternity on my essays. Just wanted to say that, so it didn't sound like I was expecting to get in to 1/7 colleges because of grades/test scores.</p>
<p>Don't worry about taking somebody else's place at Swarthmore, they do have a waitlist and if you get in then opt out, you will be making somebody on that list very happy!</p>
<p>I was so sure that I was not going to apply... but then I made the mistake of looking at a ton of old posts about Swarthmore. And there's the love factor. Darn you all! I'm applying after all : )</p>
<p>blondie625 I hope you went for Swarthmore! The love factor comes out in essays, even if you don't outright say it. Colleges want students who dream of going there -- it counts more than you think. Believe me. I hope you get in. I think you will.</p>