<p>Hey,
I've been wondering...how much are you supposed to specifically mention swarthmore in the essay? Or do you tell characteristics about yourself that seem to fit with Swarthmore without directly saying "and therefore I'd be a good match at swat because...blah blah blah". : / Yikes. Also, would anyone be willing to read my essay please?
Thanks a million in advance</p>
<p>The essay should be about you. It should show that you will be a good fit for Swarthmore. You don't need to spell it out for them ("and therefore I'd be a good match at swat because...blah blah blah")</p>
<p>It seems to me that people tend to agonize over that essay way too much...</p>
<p>My approach was to basically weave together why I'm a good fit for them and why they are a good fit for me, using specific examples whenever possible. I spent roughly the same number of words on each part because I think they are equally important. We have yet to see if it will be effective!</p>
<p>Like marlgirl, we haven't seen whether or not it was effective, but here was my approach:</p>
<p>Turn down concentration on style. Turn up substance. Don't completely ignore the finer functions of the English language, but try to get the point across: I know Swarthmore and I know myself.</p>
<p>To prewrite, I made a list of the actual things I would include in the essay. I basically wrote a separate piece for each reason that I decided to include, and the "essay" consisted of linking them together in a way that felt natural.</p>