Sports and admissions...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>I have been in contact w/ the lacrosse coach from Swarthmore. He told me that if I applied EDII, I should tell him because he would write a letter of rec. for me. On paper, I do not look like Swarthmore material, but I would love nothing more than to go to this school. Do I have a shot if I apply EDII?</p>

<p>I have a 3.63 GPA unweighted, 3.82 weighted.</p>

<p>I have taken AP Physics B, AP Stat, AP Language, AP Spanish, AP US, and AP Biology. I am currently taking AP Psych, AP Lit, AP Macro, AP Physics C, AP Calc BC, and AP Chemistry. I got a 2180 on my SAT's (1450 M and CR).</p>

<p>I got an 800 on Bio SAT II, 720 on Math IC, and 720 on Chemistry. As for EC's, I have been starting on varsity lacrosse since 10th grade, varsity basketball, cross country, and varsity football. I am in NHS, Science Olympiads, Math Olympiads, Diversity Club, WAC, and Chess Club. I have played the violin since 3rd grade. I have been accepted into the Columbia Science Honors Program.</p>

<p>In addition, I have volunteered at a local hospital for over 400 hours. I have also volunteered at a local library. Finally, this past summer I went down to New Orleans and helped out with Habitat for Humanity. I am also in training to become a certified EMT!</p>

<p>I have been doing an internship at a hospital dealing with psychiatry. If all goes well, I will become a co-author of a medical journal.</p>

<p>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>The only thing that can hurt your chances is your GPA, unless your school grades really hard and you are still in the top 10% of your class...</p>

<p>If Swarthmore is your first choice, and you "would love nothing more than to go to this school", then definitely use your coach connection, and apply ED II.</p>

3

<p>Well, Swarthmore is currently my first choice. I applied to Cornell and got deferred. I believe that this is for the better because I just recently had my interview and the interviewer completely sold me on Swarthmore, from the campus to the academics to the sports. I am just worried that EDII won't make a difference for me and I will still get rejected or deferred.</p>

4

<p>You might just as well try. Applying ED helps...</p>

5

<p>Write a thoughtful and enthusiastic Why Swarthmore essay.
You have what you need to get in, as long as you can let them know why Swat is the right fit.</p>

6

<p>I think you look like a very solid candidate, go for it!</p>

7

<p>Hey man, I'm assuming you're a guy and talking about Coach Gress, correct me if I'm wrong. I just got accepted ED I as a lax recruit. I strongly suggest taking an overnight visit. Feel free to pm me for advice or stuff.</p>

8

<p>That's really awesome...I'll be sure to PM you...thanks for all the advice guys.</p>

9

<p>Trugansta:</p>

<p>Athletic admissions at Swarthmore based on up to 15% of the enrolled freshmen slots being allocated for varsity athlete recruits. The process is a discussion between the athletic department and the admissions office with a goal of identifying potential athletes who:</p>

<p>a) The athletics department wants
b) The admissions office will admit
c) Will enroll if admitted (obviously ED or EDII answers this question).</p>

<p>When a recruit falls in or near all three of these categories, the athletic department lists the applicant on the list of "tips" submitted to the admissions office and these students get extra consideration. From what you have described, the lacrosse coach is probably telling you that he will list you as a "tip" if you are willing to commit to Swarthmore EDII. This is a GOOD thing for you. No guarantees, but a very GOOD thing!</p>

<p>Swarthmore just released a report that includes admissions data for recruited athletes. So perhaps the numbers might be interesting.</p>

<p>Last year, Swat had 254 applications from recruited athletes. This is the number of completed applications from recruits who remained on the coach's priority lists after all of the discussion between athlete and coaches and coaches and admissions office. You sound like you would be in this group.</p>

<p>Of those, 167 were actually accepted -- 108 with "athletic consideration" and 59 "without athletic consideration.</p>

<p>Of those 167 who were accepted, 89 actually enrolled at Swarthmore -- 63 "with athletic consideration" and 26 "without athletic consideration".</p>

<p>To be honest, I don't know why you don't think you are Swarthmore material. Your extracurriculars are very strong even without the athletics. Science olympiad, math team, diversity club, science intern, Habitat, and EMT all are things Swarthmore would value. Your test scores are fine. I can't evaluated your GPA because I don't know your high school. Probably a little low, but an athletic recruiting tip can offset one weakness on the application. I think that, if you apply EDII and let the coach know, you have a pretty decent shot. I'd be talking to the coach this week.</p>

10

<p>Wow, I haven't seen those statistics. I appreciate the support, and I am going to hand in my EDII app. this week. Thanks a bunch.</p>

11

<p>
[quote]
To be honest, I don't know why you don't think you are Swarthmore material.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Oops. I meant to say:</p>

<p>To be honest, I don't know why you don't think you aren't Swarthmore material.</p>

12

<p>LOL, I think ID meant to say:
" To be honest, I don't know why do you think you aren't Swarthmore material."</p>

13

<p>Haha, I would hope so...</p>

14

<p>I have a 3.62 and I'm a couch potato extrordinaire. Which, come to think of it, is really the only "extraordinary" about me--ie, no cancer research, athletics, valedictorian-ness, national whatever championships, whatever..</p>

<p>I was flipping out about my grades too, but since it apparently happened for somebody less qualified than you, be hopeful! Very hopeful!!! </p>

<p>Luckluckluck :)</p>

15

<p>Interesteddad:</p>

<p>Could you please give us the link for that info about recruited athletes?</p>

<p>thanks.</p>

16

<p>Spinner:</p>

<p>It's part of a larger annual report on athletics:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/news/athleticsreport2006.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.swarthmore.edu/news/athleticsreport2006.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>