<p>I applied regular decision to Swarthmore, a very last minute decision. I was originally going to apply to Penn and I switched it for Swarthmore. I don't have amazing stats like many people here, but they are decent. I am worried about my chances of getting in.
SAT: 2020
ACT: 30
GPA: 4.0/4.62
EC: Leadership program, youth voting member of a non-profit board, competitive dance team, internship at a preschool, two part time jobs, tutoring
Essay: wrote it about how swarthmore's unique psychobiology major is perfect for me because what i ultimately want to do is research childhood cancer.</p>
<p>I take my academics very seriously, but I am worried that if i did attend Swarthmore I would sort of be at the bottom of the totem pole academic-wise and that most other students would be smarter than me. I'm not looking for a huge party school either.</p>
<p>Swarthmore attracts students who love learning and who want to use that learning to effect positive change in the world. I can't tell by your stats whether you'll get in, because so many applicants have better stats than you. Anyways, there's no sense in worrying, because you've already applied. If you get in, you'll probably do fine here. You might need to get help, but this is perfectly fine, because being confused about things is part of learning. Also, who cares if some students here are smarter than you? You should be concerned about the best environment for you to learn, not about being the best student here, or being the worst student here.</p>
<p>Let me just add that by no means in Swarthmore a party school. Last week, our Social Affairs Committee had to send out a guilt-inducing email to the student body begging someone to host a party since there were none during the first weekend of the semester. We only have one and a half "party venues". Don't be misled by the red cups strewn across the ground on campus Sunday morning. Much of the student body doesn't ever party, but since Olde Club and Paces, the two places where most parties happen, are so small, you might think that they're crowded because a lot of people are there. It's not true.
I don't think a single person here ever places socializing above academics here. Parties are usually pretty lame, but they're sort of endearing also. I can't explain. Obviously this doesn't apply to the OP, but if you think you want to apply and might want to go to a party here or there, you should definitely stay overnight one weekend and check out a Paces party, then head down to Olde Club slightly intoxicated as it's the only way me or many other people who end up there actually want to listen to the obscure whiny indie bands they bring in weekly. This is the quintessential Swarthmore weekend for the drinking set. There's really no other option for those who booze.</p>