Is there really kind of a school swarthmore 'prefers?'

<p>I'm an international student from Korea applying swat ED II - My school is one of the best in my country, and sending a LOT of student to Ivys or other good schools. Last year, 4 of 6 from Korean Swatties class of 09 were from my schools - and oddly the acceptance rate was over 50%, I think. Since there are bunch of other high schools in korea that send kids to american univs, and acceptance rate for other schools in my H.S was not that high, there's a rumor like 'Swat admission officer liked our school on her visit -' or 'The kids who went there did really well - ' blah blah blah. Actually 4 who went to swat were undeniably Briliant kids, but I wonder if there's a certain school Swat prefers.</p>

<p>If not, isn't it possible that adcoms will consider something like 'diversity' in their admissions process this year? South Korea have sent the most international students last year (6), and 4 from same school - Having visited there and met and talk with admission officers, I eagerly want to attend Swarthmore but I'm worrying that might hurt my chance this year - </p>

<p>Hmm...am I paranoid? - - ;;</p>

<p>I would say that being from your school will help your chances!</p>

<p>Clearly, international admissions favors particular schools. There are probably several reasons. </p>

<p>First, some high schools just concentrate the top students in a particular country. It's easy to name a half dozen schools in India and Asia that dominate in sending students to US colleges.</p>

<p>Second, it's beneficial when a school has a relationship with Swarthmore -- both in recommending Swarthmore to students for whom it would be a good fit, but in recommending students to Swarthmore who would do well there. There's an element of track record and trust between the schools that serves both well.</p>

<p>International admissions is a completely different game from what I can tell -- and one that I wish I understood better.</p>

<p>If anything, it will help you (especially if the kids from your school are doing well at Swarthmore).</p>

<p>one of the four is american study aborad though
but yes, at least there's reason to believe that your school is known to the swarthmore admission officer who are thus able assess the credential of students from your school better.</p>