Swarthmore College Top Questions

Mostly. We suffer because we like the work, we like doing it, and often get caught up in doing it well. Also, the "Anywhere else it would've been an 'A'" phrase is true - I'm dating a Williams graduate who was Phi Beta Kappa and I must say that her experience does not sound anywhere near as grueling. Many Swarthmore students grew up watching a lot of PBS, reading even more books, and feeling slightly out of place. We still do and feel these things at Swat, but in the company of other people who are really excited about learning. In my time there, I don't remember grade-grubbers, but I sure as hell remember having to wait around after class for 10 minutes to talk to a professor (not a TA) because there were so many other people who also wanted to clarify a reading or set up an appointment to talk further.

We sure are weird and quirky. Swatties have a way of making things a little more eccentric than the norm...but at the same time, we're an awkward bunch. I guess the second stereotype is partially true. I mean half of the student population pays full tuition ($47,000 a year!) but then you'd only be right half of the time if you said that Swatties were rich. I find some conceited people, but only in places that I don't frequent too often. The groups I'm involved in, the classes that I've chosen are filled with wonderful, down-to-earth people.

to some extent, yes, but definitely not as a rule of thumb-- there are kids who don't seem to me to be possessing any particular genius but can make friends pretty easily.

Although Swarthmore students do have a lot of work to do, they definitely still have time for socializing. Although there aren't as many drop dead gorgeous people at Swarthmore, there's still a good number of beautiful people. Although getting an A in a Swarthmore class isn't impossible, it's not very probable either.

for the most part, yes

I think these stereotypes get blown out of proportion. While the people here are very smart and care about getting an education they also know how to take a break, relax, and have fun. While not every one here is drop-dead-gorgeous, we aren't all awful either.

Swarthmore students don't work al the time. They receive the same amount of work as other schools, in my opinion. The people who complain, including me, just have extra trouble managing time. There are so many cool people and activities to be distracted by. Swarthmore students- some of them are awkward... but the college is gradually admitting non-stereotypical students. Swarthmore students are only pretentious about SOME things...not everything.

No! There is a great diversity to the student body that makes up Swarthmore.

For the majority, yes.

Not accurate, because it does not apply to everyone, just as all stereotypes.