Transferring from Community College

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>I'm going to a community college's honors program for two years (possibly less due to having taken many advanced courses). I have good scores, 3.9 GPA, 6.0 weighted, 2200 SAT, good recs, good interview... I was waitlisted from Swarthmore and I think it was either because the Why Swarthmore essay didn't do a good enough job of expressing why I wanted to go there (or they didn't think it was a good reason) or my extracurriculars weren't strong enough.</p>

<p>I know my chances of getting in as a transfer are slim. However, do you think that if I do some incredible ECs during community college and write an essay that is superior to my (in hindsight) pretty mediocre essay, I have a chance at getting in? Swarthmore has been my top choice for a long while now, and while money issues prevent me from pursuing the waitlist option, I want to go there eventually.</p>

<p>Thanks to all who respond.</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t be able to answer these questions well, but I think it wouldn’t hurt to call or e-mail Swarthmore and ask these questions to them. I think your questions are reflective, and could give you another opportunity to express yourself to your first choice school. </p>

<p>Swarthmore is completely need-blind and is very giving in their financial aid; if you were taken off the waitlist, would you be able to afford to go? Have you thanked them for being put on the waitlist, and given them more detailed information about your interest in the school? They do consider level of interest in their admissions process, and find personal qualities very important.</p>