<p>There are many aspects of Swarthmore that are very appealing but I've been hearing negative things about the campus culture/vibe. </p>
<p>My sister recently graduated from Wellesley, and she hated everything about that school (except for her professors). When I told her I wanted to apply to Swarthmore, she told me I was crazy because Swarthmore = Wellesley + Guys. Now I'm hearing/reading that Swarthmore is "painfully PC," "all work no play," "students have to go off campus to have any fun, ""too opinionated/quirky," etc.</p>
<p>Any current students or recent alum who could share their viewpoint/experience?</p>
<p>I would recommend touring if it’s a possibility. I looooooved Swarthmore on paper and in the days leading up to my visit I was really excited. I glanced through a couple Swattie alum forums and heard people gushing about the school. It sounded wonderful. I got there and was sorely disappointed. Most of the students I saw were walking alone, it seemed like they were really distant. Sitting in on a math class was a whole other disaster that isn’t very germane so I won’t go into the details. At the info session there was a student to answer questions, and it seemed like while there were plenty of opportunities to get out and do stuff in Philadelphia or crossregister at other schools, very few people took advantage of that. After spending the first half of the day there I’d seen enough. I felt like I was walking around a ghost town. My mom and I ended up skipping out on the campus tour and going on a hike in the woods on campus.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I didn’t get the appeal. I think the people who like it end up head over heels, and the people who don’t really really hate it. I feel like I dodged a bullet by touring. If it’s a financial option for you to spend some time there first before you decide to apply, PLEASE do it.</p>
<p>You do need to visit. My kid liked her day visit a couple of years ago, but was later turned off at her accepted student overnight by some of the same things described above. It isn’t for everyone. My advice is to apply if you are interested, but don’t ED. Go to accepted student days if you get in and see what you think. It is a great fit for some students, you just need to spend some time there to judge for yourself. </p>
<p>My son had good interactions on Junior Day’s break out sessions. Also had good rapport with future team mates during an overnight stay. I said it sure is quiet here; and he said he likes quiet. This place is not for me, but is perfect for him. One definitely needs to visit overnight!</p>
<p>Thank you for your responses. At this point, I am wondering if I should bother visiting or just cross Swarthmore off my list. Academically it still appeals to me, but socially it sound a lot like Wellesley. </p>
<p>@ruthadactyl, could you please share your experience in the math class you visited?</p>
<p>If you visit Swarthmore, it’s worth visiting nearby Haverford too. Doing so will allow you to determine if the small liberal arts culture itself is what you don’t like, or if perhaps Swarthmore’s unique character is interesting… or distasteful. </p>
<p>Swarthmore is nothing at all like Wellesley. Obviously no college is for everyone, but I am not sure that you have received good information, and I wouldn’t cross anything at all off your list based on this. Students do not leave campus for fun - people very much stay on campus for formal or informal parties, for shows, etc. I don’t really know what too opinionated/ quirky would mean, if you want docile people I guess Swarthmore wouldn’t be a good match for you? If you have the opportunity to visit, maybe do so and see for yourself?</p>
<p>Funny, my opinion was that Swarthmore was co-ed Wellesley too. But I consider that a good thing. Both schools have beautiful campuses, small classes, strong academics and faculty, an emphasis on learning, easy access to a city and to other colleges, a liberal student body, strong alumni support, and an atmosphere where learning and ideas take precedence. If you want to be anonymous in your classes, go to huge football games, party in a fraternity, there may be other shools which better fill your needs. Some schools are all about the social aspects of the college experience. These two schools place a premium on the intellectual experience.</p>
<p>We visited campus this past Saturday and came away as impressed as we have ever been. The first stop was a poster session in which students presented their summer research. Almost without exception the presenters were poised and engaging. We then walked around the campus and through Crum Woods. Yes, we passed a couple of students walking alone who looked melancholy, and the campus is spacious, which gives an impression of emptiness, but most of the students we saw were in groups. For instance, we saw several small groups lounging on Parrish Beach. We subsequently watched a couple of varsity teams play, attended by small but boisterous crowds. The overall impression was very positive. </p>
<p>This thread began with a question about political correctness and related concerns. I have occasionally been critical of the tactics and tone of the supporters of certain causes. Several points need to be made, however. First, it is desirable to have some controversy. A school with no controversy is a school that is intellectually dead. Second, it is not clear that other top LACs are all that different. For instance, just as some Swarthmore students convinced Robert Zoellick to withdraw from Commencement last year, some of their Quaker neighbors to the north did the same to Robert Birgeneau this year. Neither episode thrilled me, but I respect the convictions of the students involved. Third, there are opposing voices on campus. Just check out the Swarthmore Independent or the article in today’s Daily Gazette pointing out some unintended consequences of policies aimed at climate change: <a href=“daily.swarthmore.edu domain has changed”>daily.swarthmore.edu domain has changed; I have said it before and will say it again: I must be seeing a very biased sample of students because those whom I see and talk to do not fit the stereotypes that OP asked about. </p>
<p>Swat’s had a rep as a pressure cooker since forever. The grads I knew bragged about it but it wasn’t clear if they were just bragging about having survived it. As far as political correctness goes, it afflicts all of the top colleges. </p>
<p>Current sophomore here:
I’ve had a mixed relationship with Swarthmore that always ends up back in love. Some days I wonder what it’d be like with 400 more students, but always appreciate its size because I can see friends everywhere I go. It’s great walking into a library and always have someone to sit with, or going to Sharples and having a friend there to eat with.</p>
<p>In terms of being “PC”, it depends on your friend group. People are hesitant of shouting offensive things in class (which I think is definitely a positive…) though some of my friends are more uncensored when we’re alone. Swarthmore encourages students to be mindful of how one’s words can affect others and I am grateful that I’m learning that here before venturing out into the “real world” outside of the Swat bubble.</p>
<p>I’m one of the few people who go off campus almost every week, mainly to visit friends at UPenn or other TriCo schools (or just to study at coffee shops in Philly) — but I know students who never leave. There are always things going on from lectures to events organized by cultural groups to random picnics to Game of Thrones viewing parties. Social life on campus is varied and I think the Student Body and the Administration is trying to create more programming on the weekends for everyone (wet, dry, etc.).</p>
<p>With all of that being said, we are a quirky and opinionated group. I like to call ourselves passionate. Everyone is passionate about SOMETHING here, but I think that’s what makes us so great.</p>
<p>Feel free to message me or reply if you have any other questions :)</p>