Phoenix article on admissions

<p>The</a> Phoenix Online - Admissions selectivity on the rise, lower yield expected</p>

<p>On the waitlist:</p>

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As a result of the expected decrease in yield, more students were offered a spot on the waitlist this year. According to Bock, approximately 1,000 applicants to the class of 2012 were given this option. </p>

<p>As for the number of students actually on the waitlist, Bock says that the number is unknown, as students are not automatically placed on the waitlist, but are rather offered the option to be put on it. Since decision letters were sent out recently, the Admissions Office has yet to receive any replies to its offers for the waitlist. </p>

<p>In response to those who question why Swarthmore offers so many students positions on the waitlist, Bock said that his reasoning is twofold. </p>

<p>“The quality is there,” Bock said. “What I always say is that Swarthmore is a highly self-selecting institution. Few students apply on whim here … The vast majority is absolutely qualified to do the work here. So a reason that we waitlist so many is because they’re deserving. Another reason is that it makes sense to give the students the opportunity to come here. Also, we are not putting them on the waitlist, we are offering a spot on the waitlist. They have to accept the spots.”

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