Swarthmore College Top Questions

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.

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.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

A Swarthmore student discusses stereotypes of the campus.

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.

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.

Swarthmore has been coeducational since its incorporation in 1864; Swarthmore is very liberal; students work very hard but can also let loose, work does tend to overshadow platy though.

For the most part

Pretty accurate, as stereotypes go. Least so when it comes to being no fun, but it is true that Swatties aren't generally into the "play hard" type of partying.

Pretty much, but none of them are in a negative way. There is no competition between students, people compete with themselves as much as they want. There is a lot of work, but it is always manageable. We generally have nerdy interests or are on the intellectual side. We're also liberal, which makes for a more accepting community.

I have found the work and workload to be challenging, but doable. Professors, upperclassmen, etc. are all really good at helping out if you are struggling. People here are unique and interesting, but I like that. Most people have things they are really excited and passionate about. I will say, we are not the most attractive bunch though.

These stereotypes do come from somewhere- Swarthmore students do work really hard and are a little insecure about going to a school that no one has heard of. On the other hand, Swatties do have parties and fun. In fact, Bryn Mawr and Haverford students are far more likely to come to Swarthmore for parties than Swarthmore students are to go to Bryn Mawr or Haverford for their parties.

While it may be true that Swatties are somewhat less adept at social interactions, these stereotypes are largely false. Swatties definitely do know how to let loose and have fun, and the student body is generally friendly and endearing in their quirkiness.

To some extent. I would say that a good group of people here weren't the social butterflies in high school but there are definitely people here that socialize with ease and are fun to hang out with. It's all about what kind of people you want to surround yourself with. I would agree with the fact that everyone here is serious about their work. Some, of course, are more intense than others. However, everyone has an inner-nerd inside of them, or else they probably wouldn't be here.

For some people yes, but many students are very social and "normal". Swarthmore is hard, but there is still a lot of room to have fun and do amazing things outside of your classes.

no