How hard is Swarthmore, really?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

I just got into Swarthmore RD and it’s high on my list. I’m considering a few other LACs. Can anyone who goes there/ knows someone who goes there speak to the academic rigor? Of course I’ve heard that it’s incredibly rigorous, but what does that look like for a student?

A little context about me - I’m a prospective English/music double major, but I’ve got a lot of varied interests (math, history, political science). I worked pretty hard in high school, but I know the college atmosphere is different.

Thanks!

2

I am not a current Swatie and my sister graduated from there decades ago, but I’ll tell you a joke she heard that’s apparently current.

A Pomona student and a Swarthmore student were both asked what they were doing Friday night. The Swarthmore student said “I’m staying in and studying”, the Pomona student said, “I’m going to a party”. Both of them did the exact same thing, stayed in and studied until 10 then went to a party until 2 AM.

Not that the students don’t work hard, they do, but they enjoy humblebragging about how hard they work.

3

^^
Our Swat tour guide said he had never been to a party and think he will make it through all 4 years without ever attending one. But take that for what it is - a sample size of 1.

4

If you have to ask, Swarthmore is probably not the place for you.

5

Thank you for the responses.

Muad_dib, I disagree - I think that trying to assess the rigor and student life of a place before I enroll there is a practical and smart thing to do. Any other (more specific and relevant) insights?

6

@Clara54 : I think you just proved that you’ll do just fine at Swarthmore. Signed, a Reedie

7

My kid is an active member of a couple of clubs, likes to party once or twice a week. Double major, good grades. Great internship lined up. Was a good student at an average HS. Great decision by him to attend. First year was an adjustment.

8

Thanks, AboutTheSame – I appreciate it. :slight_smile:

And Bürgermeister, thanks for the insight - his experience sounds possibly comparable to mine.

9

I’m a current Swarthmore student, and I’d love to answer any questions, but I just wanted to say - don’t be afraid to come to Swat. I was choosing between many schools and Swat, and I’m so glad I ended up here!