<p>So, I'm kind of scared ****less about transferring into Swat. The reasons are various but mostly revolve around a complete lack of motivation in high school. Due to some personal experiences in the past year my mind set has done a complete 180.</p>
<p>My question for all the Swatties who could help: What would you suggest I do to help my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>I want to be there so badly, but I'm afraid of being rejected seeing as (according to collegeboard) they accept about 7.5% of transfers (maybe 20 or so people). I have no idea how I can compete with those people who get in, but I'm going to try.</p>
<p>Does it matter very much to an admissions committee where you volunteer? I had read that it's most important to have all of your interests line up. The problem is my current interest is advocating for those with mental illness, raising awareness/knowledge, etc., however, that interest is newly sparked and shows up nowhere in my past. Horses/riding have ruled my life since I was 8, but I'm pretty sure Swat won't care much about horse back riding or volunteering at a rescue.</p>
<p>Advice? Or do you all think I'm insane? I wouldn't blame you. I wonder that from time to time as well, especially when considering my interest in Swat.</p>
<p>I’m not a transfer student, but you sound really desperate. I don’t think they really care that much about what kinds of activities you do. Just do what you enjoy and try to take advantage of what opportunities there are. You might want to think more about exactly why you want to go to Swat–I’m sure you can find many things that Swat has at other colleges and universities (this is me speaking as a senior).</p>
<p>I sound desperate because I AM kind of desperate. I never took advantage or applied myself before now, and it’s really disappointing to realize that because I was such a slacker in high school I can’t really ever redeem myself (at least for undergrad). I got what I deserved, clearly, but it still sucks to realize it.</p>
<p>The reason I most want to go to Swat (aside from the obvious academic prestige and opportunities) is the student body. When I’ve been to visit I’ve just loved the atmosphere… the small community (much like the HS I graduated from), the intellectuals who still know how to have fun, the campus activities, the quirkiness. I’m not sure where I could find that elsewhere, at least near me. If you have suggestions, shoot. Currently, the college I’m planning on attending is Marist (this academic year I’ll be at community college). I have no big problems with Marist aside from how “just okay” it seems–and the fact that the majority of the student body seems to be preppy jocks. Who knows, maybe the college will surprise me once I’m there.</p>
<p>I’ve talked with several people who work in the admissions department, faculty and student workers. They’ve all said that they want students who will take their Swarthmore education and use it to better the world or themselves in some way. They don’t like people who only care about having an elite, rich ivy education. They expect you to be a member of the community and share your unique insight with others, and be willing to learn from people who are very different than you.</p>
<p>The campus is largely a progressive/liberal school, so if you have any interest in that sort of stuff, or have a desire to “make a difference,” you should tell them that, but be honest. For example, I wrote in my “Why Swarthmore” essay that I’m interested in social justice, particularly feminism, although I’ve never gone to a feminist rally. Be honest, not stereotypical. I gave them a solid description of what attracted me to Swarthmore, and what activities I might pursue on campus. I often hear people use the word “passion” to describe the interests of Swatties.</p>
<p>I was also desperate to go to Swat because of the student body, although I didn’t care about the academic prestige. If you believe that Swatties will readily identify with you and appreciate you, explicate that to admissions.</p>