Will not visiting/no information sessions be a problem?

<p>Son has just finalized his list for RD applications. His SAT scores had risen sharply in October, which made it possible for him to look at some schools that he hadn't considered before. Once he had researched and read, he realized the school he most wanted to add to his list was Swarthmore. He is applying to Chicago EA, and, while the two schools are not identical, there are things about the intellectual climate at Swarthmore that are similar to Chicago (although obviously Swarthmore is a LAC!) The only problem is that he hasn't gotten to visit the campus and there were no reps sent to his high school so he hasn't attended any information session. </p>

<p>His basic stats are these:<br>
Sat I - 800 cr, 710 m, 750 w (1510/2260);
Sat II -US Hist. 780, World Hist. 770, Bio-E 720;
AP's US Hist 5, Bio 4, Eng Lit 4 (AP scholar). Will be taking 3 more in the spring.</p>

<p>96.5 gpa UW (school doesn't weight); very small private school that doesn't officially rank but profile will show he is at the top of his class based on gpa.</p>

<p>Also a participant in several summer science programs including Research in the Biological Sci seminar last summer at U Chicago where he earned an "A" and 6.6 credits. Has a reference from the prof.</p>

<p>Very solid ec's but nothing national. Heavy into theater (8 productions), flute (started the first instrumental group at his school), creative writing, and community service. </p>

<p>Most rigorous schedule the schools has. (Now in Adv. Physics II, Adv. Calc, College Composition, Adv. Hebrew, Great Works, Jewish Hist, Jazz Ensemble)</p>

<p>Is it going to be a problem that his prior contact with the school has been so limited? He has been getting mailings from them for some time but it was only with the increase in the SAT scores (up from 1350/2020) that he could add another reach to his list. As he's looked closer at his list, there are a lot of things about Swarthmore, he finds very appealing.</p>

<p>I know for smaller schools, specifically a place like Swat, visiting is indeed a factor. Of course, if due to financial reasons you weren't able to go, make that known and they won't hold that against you.</p>

<p>Interviewing at Swarthmore is highly encouraged, and can be quite beneficial if all goes well. At the very least, (it might be too late) request an alumni interview.</p>

<p>He should contact the admissions office, and see if an alumni interview in your town can be arranged. If that does not work out, he should still apply, and he will have a good chance (based on his profile) if his essays are good. Not everyone can visit, and money is not the only constraint. Colleges know that.</p>

<p>Son has already requested an alumni interview on the website. They said the deadline was 12/1. I guess I'll call on Monday and see if that has come through yet.</p>

<p>Cami:</p>

<p>Let your son call or e-mail. Parents should stay in the background when applying to Swarthmore.</p>

<p>Thanks for the tip, Interesteddad. Son made the online request last Tuesday (11/22) so hopefully Swarthmore will respond right after the holiday. If not, he can send out an e-mail late Monday night. </p>

<p>Phone calls are a little tougher. His school prohibits cell phone use. Plus, this week and next, he's in the final throes of rehearsals and play production so he doesn't leave school till 9 p.m. or later every night. </p>

<p>I hate to let an interview deadline (12/1) go by without a phone call from one of us....or maybe I can twist an arm at the school so he can make a call during the day if he hasn't heard by then.</p>

<p>We are looking into the possibilities of a January visit....</p>

<p>Cami215, I made a call or two to Swarthmore on behalf of my daughter because she couldn't manage it because of high school rules, etc. It doesn't seem to have harmed her application.</p>

<p>Interview and visit are highly recommended. In my S's case, I believe interview sealed the deal. Your S's theater background likely makes him a poised speaker and a strong interviewee. A visit also provides valuable ammunition in support of a convincing "why Swarthmore" essay. GL</p>