How good are my chances at Swarthmore?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I really want to apply early to Swarthmore. I am in the top 10% of my class at high school (my school doesn't rank people beyond that), I have a 4.3 or 4.4 GPA, and this year I am taking 5 AP classes and one Honors class. I have a 2380 on the new SAT, and a 710 and 770 on my 2 SAT IIs. I am the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, president of the Speech and Debate Team (which I have also won fifth place in the state competing in), and I am also involved in several political action/community service activities. (I do some other stuff too, but those are the biggest.)</p>

<p>From that record, I would think I would have a very good shot at Swarthmore. My problem is that almost everyone I know applying to very elite schools either plays a sport or does some sort of art form well enough to submit a portfolio/CD. I do neither of these. Will this significantly impact my chances at Swarthmore? Do I still stand a good chance of getting in?</p>

2

<p>Anyone? How important are sports/art portfolios to the application process at schools like Swarthmore?</p>

3

<p>No, don't worry about it. You look fine. Those things are only important if you are passionate about them, and your passion comes through in other areas.</p>

4

<p>Thanks! Anyone else who might have an idea?</p>

5

<p>Anyone else? How important are sports or arts at schools like Swarthmore? What percent of their classes do they take just based on academics and related extracurriculars, without some sort of other special talent?</p>

6

<p>Anyone? Do schools as elite as Swarthmore want applicants to have some sort of talent outside of academics, such as athletics or some sort of art? Or is it okay to just have a great academic record and a good list of extracurriculars?</p>

7

<p>Very nice SAT score. I think you'll be fine</p>