Thoughts on Swarthmore's Early Decision?

I've been researching Swarthmore and I'm really interested in applying there. I'm thinking about applying Early Decision. Does anyone have experience with their ED process? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Swarthmore's Early Decision (ED) process is similar to that of other schools, so the general advice for ED applicants can be applied to Swarthmore. Here are some tips and advice to keep in mind when considering Early Decision for Swarthmore:

1. Strong Interest: Applying ED is a binding commitment, so make sure Swarthmore is your top-choice school before applying. You should be certain that you would be happy to attend the college if accepted, and research the school thoroughly to confirm your interest.

2. Financial Aid: Since the decision is binding, consider your financial situation carefully before applying. While an insufficient financial aid package is one of the few reasons you are allowed to break the binding ED commitment, this process can be stressful, and also heartbreaking as you need to tell your dream school no after being accepted. Luckily, Swarthmore is known for offering generous financial aid packages, as they meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for accepted students. However, you may want to still communicate with the financial aid office, if you’re worried about affordability, before locking in on applying ED.

3. Admissions Boost: Applying Early Decision can come with a higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision applications. The exact boost varies from year to year, but choosing to apply ED means you're committed to attending Swarthmore if accepted, which can be a positive factor in the admissions process, as it shows you are genuinely enthusiastic about the school, and also helps their yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who ultimately enroll).

4. Prepare your Application: With an ED deadline in November, you should start preparing your application materials early. Make sure to devote sufficient time especially to your Swarthmore-specific supplement essay, as well as your common application or Coalition application essays. Strong essays are essential when applying to such a selective institution. You can read more about how to tackle Swarthmore’s school-specific prompts on CollegeVine’s blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-swarthmore-college-essays.

5. Academic Fit: Swarthmore is known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and focus on undergraduate liberal arts education. When applying ED, it's essential to show that you're a good fit for the intellectual community, whether it's through your extracurricular activities, essays, or other aspects of your application.

6. Reach Out: If you have any questions about Swarthmore, don't hesitate to contact their admissions office, attend virtual events, or connect with current students or alumni. These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the school and provide valuable insights for your application.

Best of luck with your application to Swarthmore!