How about me, what are my chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>I <em>really</em> want to go to Swarthmore. Can anyone help me as to how likely it will be that I get in early decision?</p>

<p>I had a hard time in 9th grade and got mostly B's and C's, but I got straight A's in sophomore year and straight A's and 1 B in junior year. Here are my stats:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.5 unweighted, 4.18 weighted including 9th grade, 4.8 weighted not including 9th grade
Highly competitive public high school which does not rank, but they do send a sheet which gives percents based on GPA. Roughly 30% of students have more than a 4.0 weighted</p>

<p>PSAT: 750 math, 800 verbal, 740 writing, National Merit Semi-finalist, Finalist data won't be in before I apply</p>

<p>SAT: 760 math, 780 verbal</p>

<p>SAT II: 700 math IIC, 800 biology, 730 writing</p>

<p>APs:
Bio - 5
Psych - 5
Comp Sci AB - 5
World - 4</p>

<p>Senior year classes:
AP Chem, H physics, H astronomy, Photography (must take this to graduate high school), H English, AP calc BC, reg us history (night school, must take this to graduate because I failed it in 9th grade, didn't have enough periods left to take it during the day or else I would have taken AP)</p>

<p>All previous classes honors if offered, 2.5 years of Spanish & another half a year 2nd semester of senior year</p>

<p>School activities - not too much. Computer club, Jaxx club (Vice President), Games Club (Pres. & founder), "Deep Thinkers" club (Vice Pres), Science Honor Society</p>

<p>Community service - a lot, I don't feel like listing it all, but 250+ hours all dealing with young children incl. 2 weeks with a disabled 4 year old</p>

<p>Other activities - Swarthmore Warders of Imaginative Literature, junior member Origami USA, Brown University Summer Program (3 weeks, Forensic Science)</p>

<p>I have really good recs, one from the grad student at Brown who taught the summer program, and others from math and AP programming and psych. My essays are good also, and I'm getting a lot of help from my English teacher so I can make them as good as possible.</p>

<p>I have an interview scheduled for before the application is due, and I know a <em>lot</em> of people who go to Swat so I have an (albeit tiny) chance of actually knowing the student who reviews my application.</p>

<p>Thanks,
Jess</p>

2

<p>I really don't know if they look at 9th grade at Swarthmore. Otherwise, academically you are all right. It would be a good question to ask your adcom....a general question without drawing attention to yourself, as to whether the 9th grade counts. </p>

<p>As everyone has said before, Swat is not numbers driven. You have to express a strong interest in Swarthmore and have your application stand out in some other way.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>I know that they do consider 9th grade, because I asked during an info session. They said they consider grades on an individual basis. My essay addresses my academic weakness in 9th grade so I was hoping they would 'excuse' it.</p>

4

<p>In which part of Maryland do you live?</p>

5

<p>Montgomery County.. Rockville</p>

6

<p>Hi, I would recommend not drawing attention to it in your essay but letting someone else explain it (e.g the GC) if you can.</p>

7

<p>You're already a member of SWIL? I want to be a member of SWIL...
(I helped make swords for the Pterodactyl Hunt when I visited...well, make "sword" - I wasn't very good, haha).</p>

<p>I'm in your position, so the most I can say is "Good Luck!"
-Elizabeth</p>

8

<p>Yeah. "nonmember" actually ;) I've been to the Pterodactyl Hunt twice. It was fun. I think I helped make swords last year, but I wasn't up there this year to.</p>

9

<p>I am in your position as well, applying early decision to Swarthmore from the same area too - Walt Whitman High school in Bethesda MD. Looks like some tough competition :P I have posted my stats/ etc on a thread nearby if you are interested. I too REALLY want to go there, and know alot of ppl from my school in Jakarta who are there. I have some weaknesses as well, so don't stress- we are all worried about our chances.</p>

10

<p>Count me in on being stressed! I really want to go there - got my app in on Sunday, and now can only hope for the best. I'm from NC, by the way -- wish all of you luck between now and December 15!!</p>

<p>P.S. Do they send stuff out that day, or could you know before then?</p>

11

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<p>Last year, they mailed ED letters on Dec. 11th. My daughter received hers on Dec. 13th.</p>

<p>Strictly old-fashioned snail-mail notification.</p>

12

<p>The agony!</p>