Dylon
For the most part, yes. You can definitely see a bit of these stereotypes in most people here. I don't consider myself a hippie, but they are here if you look long enough. Students here tend to be very smart and take their work very seriously. Some people here are very social, and some aren't. I think that compared to the students at my high school, students here are on average less social. That partly has to do with having to do a lot of work and that also has to do with the fact that many people here probably never really partied or drank or got out much. I can definitely imagine most people here not being popular in high school. Although there are some who probably were popular--it's not that easy to generalize. There are a lot of liberals here, and a lot of people who claim to be liberals but really don't know what they're talking about.
Jonathan F
Yes. Most people are nerdy, but some combine it with a great social sensibility. Unfortunately, many don't, and it hits them hard when they graduate. I could name the ten seriously attractive girls in my class. Again, though, I'm not just into pure looks, and I think most people look at it that way. It's a good place to find a wife, because the intellectual capacity of most people means you're more likely to find a "soulmate" or some other stupid term like that. However, if you're hoping to bang someone hot every weekend, you should probably go somewhere else.
The party "scene" isn't there. You either get shitfaced in someone's room, or go to one of the two parties that goes on every weekend night. Pub night is alright too. The good thing is, you'll never get busted for anything. Public safety will let you do crack in your room as long as you don't bother your studying neighbor. Just don't expect any Girls Gone Wild type parties.
Yes, people are weird, but the worst part is how awkward everyone is. Soooo awkward.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Torry
A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.
Arch
It is true for much of the school, but definitely not all. There is still a very sizable crowd that parties, slacks off, and looks ok.
Political Junkie Junior
Swarthmore is a place where some students work really hard on their school work, but others get by just fine without putting too much effort into it. People put their time and effort into whatever is important to them, and for some people this has a more activist or extracurricular focus. Overall, most people do work hard during the week, but there are so many fun activities and parties on the weekends, that you can't resist going out to have some fun on the weekends.
Swatties do kind of fill the stereotype of being awkward nerds, but definitely not in an unattractive way! In fact, some peoples' awkward characteristics are what make them so very human and lovable. Most Swatties enjoy finding out what their friends are interested in and asking them questions about it. I learn so much from my peers from day to day... They are fascinating people.