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Information for Counselors

parent and student at orientation

Wondering if Swarthmore could be a good fit for your students? Use this site to learn more about us and the types of students that thrive in Swarthmore’s academically rigorous – and uniquely supportive –  residential community. 

We Are Swarthmore.

  • A highly selective liberal arts and sciences college in Swarthmore, Pa., just 11 miles outside Philadelphia, the sixth largest city in the United States.
  • A community of about 1,640 undergraduate students who come from all over the United States and more than 75 countries.
  • A college that offers academic programs ranging from ancient history to engineering to theater, as well as a unique Honors Program that lead to incredible post-collegiate outcomes.
  • An institution committed to educational access, as demonstrated by our loan-free financial aid awards, which meet 100% of determined need. 

What Makes a ‘Swattie’?

Swarthmore students — or “Swatties” — are deeply curious thinkers and doers constantly asking the “why” and “how” questions of the world around them. They are interested in collaborating across differences to create solutions for the common good. In an effort to help you identify who may be a Swattie, we’ve shared a list of qualities and attributes we elevate in our application review process.

We hope you will encourage your intellectually curious, collaborative students from all backgrounds to consider Swarthmore College, and we look forward to working with you and your students.

 

How to Connect with Swarthmore

Swarthmore campus grounds are open for visitors. For more information on outdoor campus tours,  please visit our Connect with Admissions page. Be sure to review our COVID-19 website for the latest information on visitor safety and protocols. We encourage you and your students to continue to explore our virtual visit offerings for more ways to get to know Swarthmore. 

Resources for Counselors

Thank you for the work that you do in supporting students through the admissions process. At Swarthmore, we strive to be good partners, so we have compiled a few resources that may be helpful for you as you do your work. If you have any questions, please email your regional dean. 

College Access Summit at Swarthmore

The College Access Summit at Swarthmore, held annually since 2017, brings together college access professionals from high schools, community-based organizations, and colleges in the mid-Atlantic region to engage in meaningful dialogue about issues and challenges facing underserved students. Colleagues discuss admission and enrollment, financial aid, transitions, and student support for first-generation college and low-income students.

Nominate Your Student for Discover Swarthmore

Our all-expenses-paid fly-in* program Discover Swarthmore is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of college life, interact with the Swarthmore community, and learn valuable information about college admissions and financial aid. 

From the Dean

I send you greetings from Swarthmore College. We are looking forward to connecting with many of you at virtual school visits and professional conferences, or — when circumstances allow — on Swarthmore’s beautiful 425-acre arboretum campus just 11 miles outside of Philadelphia. Please feel free to call, write, or email me if you have questions or comments.

jim bock dean of admissions