<p>Swarthmore is my top choice, and I'll probably apply ED.</p>
<p>GPA: 4.0 unweighted
SAT: 2300 (but taking it again this Oct.): 800 Math, 750 CR and Writing
SAT IIs: 800 (Math II), 800 (Bio-E)
APs: 5 (US History), 5 (English Lang), taking Euro, Lit, BC Calc, Gov, and French this year
Schedule This Year: AP Euro, AP Lit, BC Calc, AP Gov, AP French, Independent Study Sculpture, Forensics H and Anatomy H
(I've taken the highest leveled classes offered thus far)
ECs:
-4 years of crew
-3 years as editor-in-chief of literary magazine
-2 years as math tutor
-3 years in a community service club
-2 years of sculpture (including independent study and working at an art museum over summers)
-year-long internship at local organization
-piano and composition
-Senior Writing Center Coach
-joining math team next year</p>
<p>Awards:
-Brown University Book Award
-History Junior Book Award
-Math Award
-Le Grand Concours (National French Exam) Gold Medal (10) and Certificat D'Honneur (11)
-(don't know yet about National Merit)</p>
<p>Stellar recommendations</p>
<p>Also, I took a class on creative writing at Brown University this past summer.</p>
<p>Your case looks very strong for admission. Given that many strong students apply and not all can be accepted, a key factor even among strong candidates is the Why Swat essay. You will want to demonstrate why you are making Swarthmore your first choice. You will want to describe with care how Swarthmore is the best fit for you and also how you believe that you will contribute to Swarthmore. In doing so, you will show strong familiarity with Swarthmore (as may be garnered from careful review of its website and/or your campus visit). A characteristic that many Swat students share is that although they are strong in multiple areas, they have a particular passion. If that is your situation also, you may want to emphasize in your application the aspect of your profile about which you are most passionate. Doing so brings out your distinct personality. I also recommend submitting a portfolio with a couple of writing samples and photos of your sculptures. If one of these areas is a particular strength or passion, you may wish to feature only that in your portfolio. As for length, my daughter’s portfolio had 3 poems and 1 short story–about 8 pages total. Best wishes!</p>
<p>Why would you be retaking SAT’s with those scores? Your time might be better spent working on your Why Swat? essay. You should let the admissions officer know what you will bring to the campus. Good Luck!</p>