<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I'm not entirely sure what's good etiquette around here, but I really need some help with my "Why Swarthmore?" essay for my Early Decision App. I can post it here if you all think that's a good plan, or you can email me if you're willing to read and give feedback. My otherwise stellar college counseling services at my school are turning out to be absolutely ineffective at giving feedback about essays.</p>
<p>You can send it me by private message if you like. Just click my name and select "send private message".</p>
<p>I don't do grammar and spelling and the like, but I'll give it quick read and some feedback on whether it works overall. Maybe some suggestions for improvements if anything come to mind.</p>
<p>Overall advice: the admissions dean has said on several occasions that students who have really researched the college and can identify specific reasons for a good match with Swarthmore fare better with this essay. IMO, the best "Why Swarthmore?" essays let the reader easily picture a living, breathing teenager thriving as a "Swattie" and contributing to the campus community in some way. The best ones I've read (and there are many, many different approaches) seem to really capture the essence of something uniquely Swarthmore.</p>
<p>If you are visiting Swarthmore this fall, you may want to file your rough draft away and take a fresh look after your visit. Spending the night on campus is a great way to trigger a good "Why Swarthmore?" essay as you reflect on maybe some small little random occurrences or meetings that caught your attention.</p>
<p>I can definitely help you out if you want to send me a message about it. :] I was ED last year, and I know I was freaking out a lot about my Why Swat essay, so PM me if you want some feedback.</p>