<p>I really do love the things I've read on their website and everything, but I want to know what everyone else thinks; what makes Swarthmore different from the other schools out there?</p>
<p>Among other things, it’s one of the most intellectual PhD prep schools with a heavy work load. A grad school prep college, one of the best.</p>
<p>My son loved the intellectual rigor at Swat but the thing that attracted him the most was the non competitive culture. Students support each other, grades are rarely discussed.</p>
<p>Is it true that Swarthmore encourages people to take classes outside their majors? Like say for example a bio major wants to take film classes.</p>
<p>Yes. One of the ways they encourage exploration is that you are able to take 3 classes pass/fail. That way you can take classes outside your usual comfort zone without worrying about your grade. Many of the majors have fewer major requirements than many schools which leaves room to explore and makes it easier to minor.<br>
It is not at all unusual to see students with interesting major/minors. My son had a friend who majored in physics, minored in studio art another linguistics with a minor in dance.</p>
<p>My S is a double major in a science field and a humanities (performance) field. 
As others have mentioned, Swat has a reputation as being one of the most intellectually intense campuses in the country. However, the students are not cutthroat, grade-grubbing, competitive types. Lots of learning for the sake of learning.</p>
<p>Swat senior here: I think one of the most unique aspects of Swarthmore is the lack of focus that’s placed on grades. First semester is taken entirely credit/no credit by ALL freshmen; it’s required by the school. To me this shows that the school is really trying to accommodate the different ways in which students adjust to life at Swat. It gave me and my friends time to figure out what we could fit on our plates between sports, mock trial, Drama Board shows, Global Health forum meetings, Saturdays of Service, etc.</p>
<p>I’m not saying that Swatties don’t care what grades they get: many Swatties are very driven and strive for a certain personal standard as far as grades go. And sure I’ve lamented a grade once in a while with a close friend or two (mainly during my first two years). But what is different is that, at least in all the departments I’m involved in, my classmates aren’t asking me what I got on the most recent test or paper and they, too, aren’t boisterously volunteering this information. I think there’s just a respect amongst the student body that grades are a personal thing. </p>
<p>My friends, for the most part, and I are all really passionate about what we are studying, so I think we’re more concerned with really getting the most out of our classes and hoping that if we really dive into the material, the grade will happen.</p>
<p>As far as exploring other departments, Swarthmore actually requires this. There are a minimum number of credits you have to complete outside of your major department(s) in order to graduate. I’ve taken classes in Bio, Chem, Physics, English, Peace & Conflict Studies, Math, Theater, Spanish, and Educational Studies (I’m only majoring in 2 of those fields). </p>
<p>Cool double majors of friends of mine: Biology & Theater, Physics & Theater, Engineering & Religion, Math & Music, Neuroscience & Theater, Neuroscience & Music, Chem & Spanish.</p>
<p>As to what makes Swarthmore unique, I’d say the Honors program. Other colleges have senior theses, comprehensive projects, etc., but Swarthmore’s Honors program, with its focus on seminar style learning and outside examiners is truly unique in American higher education.</p>
<p>As to some of the things which make Swarthmore distinctive, but which may be shared by a few other LACs, I’d include:</p>
<p>Suburban location very convenient to a large city and relatively convenient to New York and Washington.</p>
<p>No football team.</p>
<p>As others have written, little academic competition. Most students driven internally to excel in whatever interests them.</p>
<p>Great financial resources. This translates into relatively generous financial aid, support for student activities, support for student research, etc.</p>
<p>Although Swarthmore is no longer officially a Quaker school, there is still some moral sense of the Society of Friends present. This shows up in many ways - equality means that there are no charges for student activities, students can’t pay extra for nicer dorms etc. There is also high regard for social engagement and social service - both from the student body and also in many graduates. Although consensus is not always the way the college is run, there is usually an attempt to reach consensus on important issues.</p>
<p>Sounds amazing.</p>
<p>Tempted to apply, but I feel like I’ll get rejected for sure. lol</p>
<p>I’m applying but I already feel like I have a very slim chance of getting in.</p>