Swarthmore, PA
Swarthmore College

Good school, could do better financial aid for returning students. They genuinely want students to succeed and offer an extreme amount of resources to make that happen. If you have a question a professor is always available to talk to you. There are numerous help sessions. Students work together well and it is not competitive at all.

Swarthmore College has exceeded every single one of my expectations and even surprised me with things I didn't know the college could offer me. the professors at Swarthmore hold regular office hours and, in my personal experience, every one of my professors has been willing to meet outside of those allotted office hours if they do not work for a particular student. The campus community is extremely supportive, and Swarthmore is a place I have been welcomed wholeheartedly, making the place feel like home

Since the moment I arrived to Swarthmore through the fly-in program in October of 2017 I loved the campus. It is not only the fact that the campus itself, filled with all kinds of tress, plants and flowers, is utterly pleasing to the sight, but it is Swarthmore's community that make it amazing. The best memory I have from those two days is the fact that no matter who I talked to, student, faculty or staff they all seemed to love whatever it is that they do in the college. That is the way I feel to this day. There is nowhere else I rather be and I could not be happier to be here.

Swarthmore's academics are practically unmatched. My experience in the political science department has been phenomenal, as professors are always available via email and are known for responding thoughtfully and swiftly. Outside of the classroom, Swarthmore has built an incredible accepting society, especially for LGBTQ+ students. The largest issue I have had with the school is the town of Swarthmore; there is little to do off campus unless you plan on going into Philadelphia, a considerable financial and time commitment.

The academics are intense, and professors are world-class. Highly respected by graduate schools. The best thing about this place, however, are the people and the environment. Everyone here is either insanely smart or extremely hard working; usually, it's some combination of the two.

Swarthmore is a fantastic place. For the academically dedicated and enthusiastic student, it is the perfect home away from home. Students, teachers, faculty, and the outside Swarthmore community are extremely friendly. With a beautiful campus (we have trees for days) and easy access to Philly, Swarthmore provides a good balance.

I think Swarthmore College is a great school, but you really have to be a certain type of person to like it here. It's very much a work hard, party hard school. Also, be prepared for constant stress. There's not a whole lot to do unless you're in one or two of the big clubs like Ultimate or want to go to frat parties.

Great school with amazing academics in a small setting. It's the perfect place to form close relationships with friends and have close relationships with your professors! The meal plan has improved over the years so there are more options for what to eat. All the dorms are very livable and offer the chance to form bonds with your hallmates, even if some dorms might be a little more loved than others.

It's okay.

If I had one piece of advise to give a student making the transition to college it would be to not drink alcohol during orientation or the first weekend of the semester. Students often get excited about college night life, which is understandable. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of opportunities! During orientation and the first weekend of college, you will meet many new faces and begin to create extremely important relationships that will last over the next four years. Although substance did not interfere with my creation of relationships, I saw it happen amongst my piers. Substances can hinder developing relationships in two ways. The first occurs when a student gets too drunk at a party and does things he or she would never do sober. Although judgement is frowned upon, it is difficult to ignore terrible drunk first impressions. The second, and equally troublesome instance, occurs when a student creates friends but only feels welcome while drunk. Now, I am not saying to not go out, as it is a great opportunity to meet new people. Instead, my advice is to stay away from alcohol and give yourself a chance to create meaningful and long lasting relationships.

My favorite part of Swarthmore College is the trust demonstrated by the administration resulting in the freedoms the students are granted on campus. For example, the academic buildings are almost never locked, allowing students to use lecture halls for serious matters like student led initiatives or casual showings of the Super Bowl and the Oscars. This trust is a privilege, not a given which speaks to the character of the students. The students on campus and the freedoms the administration rewards the students is unique to only Swarthmore and is my favorite part about the institution.

The most frustrating part of Swarthmore College is linked to the academic difficulty associated with the school. Their are high expectations put on the students to excel and the students respond with maximum effort. I do not mind working hard and would not have chosen Swarthmore College if I was not interested in a challenging college experience. The frustration restults when students do not see results that adequately demonstrate their effort. This frustration is rooted in the fact that their are so many intelligent students here, which is one of the institutions greatest strengths, but can still be frustrating.