Swat: 2020 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Swarthmore College. We suggest you read until the end… Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Swat, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Swat statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Swarthmore College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you’re interesting in transferring to Swat, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Swat

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT SWAT?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Swat or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School

What GPA do you need to get into Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College’s average GPA is 4.05. Swarthmore College does require GPA. This average GPA means Swarthmore College is brutally selective – the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Swarthmore, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 4.05 then Swarthmore College may be a reach. However, Swarthmore College considers the ENTIRE application – we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 4.05, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Swarthmore College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it… That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year – they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Swat’s campus. These Swat admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

What is Swarthmore College’s acceptance rate?

Last year Swarthmore College’s acceptance rate was 12.48. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

	2016	2017	2018
Acceptance Rate	13.0 %	11.0 %	12.48 %



As you can see, Swarthmore College is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Swat – it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT SWAT?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Swat or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School

Does Swarthmore College Require Test Scores?

Swarthmore College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Swarthmore College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Swarthmore College SAT Requirements

Swarthmore College’s average SAT score is 1465 – this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed – it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Swarthmore College is getting more or less competitive.

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
Math	700	790	745
Reading	680	760	720
2019 Total	1380	1550	1465
2018 Total	–	–	–
2017 Total	–	–	–



Swarthmore College’s average SAT score is 1465. To be a competitive applicant for Swarthmore College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1380, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Swarthmore College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1550.EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

Swarthmore College ACT Requirements

Swarthmore College’s average ACT score is 97. To be a competitive applicant for Swarthmore College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 92, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Swarthmore College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 103.

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
Math	29	34	31
Reading	33	35	34
Writing	30	34	32
2019 Total	92	103	97
2018 Total	–	–	–
2017 Total	–	–	–



How hard is it to get into Swarthmore College?

As you can see from the data above, Swarthmore College is exceptionally difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 4.05 but also SAT scores around 1465. Getting into Swarthmore College is no easy feat and you will need to set yourself apart with more than just numbers and data. Read on to learn how.EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

Swarthmore College Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Swarthmore College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

Recommendations	Status
School Rank	Recommended
GPA	Recommended
School Record	Required



How to get into Swat

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Swat. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Swat, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Swat admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1465 on the SAT or 97 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 4.05.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Swat’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Swarthmore College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Swarthmore has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Swarthmore College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school – they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Swarthmore area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Swat needs to see past your test scores and grades – they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores – your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Swarthmore College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Swat app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Swat’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause – submit your app a few days early.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT SWAT?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Swat or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School

Requirements

As you plan your program you must take into account, in addition to your other goals, the need to satisfy the College’s graduation requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure a broad liberal arts educational experience. The full list of graduation requirements can be found in section 7.1 of the college catalog. For purposes of planning your first semester, the requirements you should be thinking particularly about are:A.Division Distribution RequirementB.Writing RequirementC.Natural Science and Engineering Practicum (NSEP) RequirementD.Physical Education and Swimming RequirementE.Foreign Language RequirementF. Requirement Exemptions for Transfer Students

A. The Division Distribution Requirement

The academic departments of the College are each assigned to one of three divisions as follows:

Humanities: art (art history and studio art), classics (literature), English literature, film and media studies, modern languages and literatures, music and dance, philosophy, religion, and theater.

Natural sciences and Engineering: biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, and psychology courses that qualify for the natural sciences and engineering practicum.

Social sciences: classics (ancient history), economics, education, history, linguistics, political science, psychology (other than natural sciences and engineering practicum courses), and sociology and anthropology.

Note: A few courses do not satisfy the divisional distribution requirement. These are identified as such in the catalog or the official schedule of courses.

To meet the distribution requirements, a student must earn degree-applicable credit in the following areas:

• Complete at least 20 credits outside of one major subject before graduation.
• Complete at least three courses in each of the three divisions of the College. In each division, the three courses must be at least 1 credit each and may include up to 1 AP credit or credit awarded for work done elsewhere.
• Complete at least two courses in each division on the campus at Swarthmore; these courses must be at least 1 credit each.
• Complete at least two courses in each division in different departmental subjects; these courses must be at least 1 credit each and may include AP credit or credit awarded for work done elsewhere.

Courses that have been excluded from counting toward the degree do not count toward the distribution requirements. Students are advised to complete at least two courses in each division within the first 2 years.

B. Writing Requirement

Writing-intensive courses are designed to help students grow as writers in particular disciplines. These courses are “Writing” or “W” courses, and are designated as such in both the catalog and the course schedule.

To meet the Writing Requirement, a student must:

• Complete at least three Writing courses or Writing seminars, and those three must include work in at least two divisions;
• students are advised to complete two Writing courses in the first 2 years.

C. Natural Science and Engineering Practicum (NSEP) Requirement

All students must take at least one course in the division of Natural Sciences and Engineering that has a laboratory component, designated as a “practicum” or “NSEP.” NSEPs are designated in the college catalog and the course schedule. 

D. The Physical Education Requirement

Students are encouraged to enjoy the instructional and recreational opportunities offered by the department throughout their college careers. As a requirement for graduation, all students not excused for medical reasons are required to complete 4 units of physical education by the end of their sophomore year. In addition, all students must pass a survival swimming test or complete a unit of swimming instruction. Most physical education courses are offered for a half a semester and earn 1 unit toward the 4 units required for graduation. A complete list of physical education opportunities including how many units each earns is available from the Physical Education and Athletics Office. More information can be found in the Physical Education and Athletics section.

E. The Foreign Language Requirement

To fulfill the foreign language requirement, a student must either have:

• successfully studied 3 years or the “block” equivalent of a single foreign language during grades 9 through 12 (work done before grade 9 cannot be counted, regardless of the course level);
• achieved a score of 600 or better on a standard achievement test of a foreign language;
• passed either the final term of a college-level, yearlong, introductory foreign language course or a semester-long intermediate foreign language course; or
• learned English as a foreign language while remaining demonstrably proficient in another.

1. 

For more information on any of these requirements, see the Registrar’s Guide to Degree Requirements.

  F. Requirement Exemptions for Transfer Students

Students who enter Swarthmore as transfer students must fulfill Swarthmore’s requirements for the first 2 years, including the natural sciences and engineering practicum. Transfer courses can be applied toward these requirements if specifically approved by the registrar. Transfer students who enter Swarthmore with 8 credits of college work are exempted from one of the three required writing courses and have the credits-at-Swarthmore requirement reduced from 2 in each division to 1 in each division. Transfer students who enter Swarthmore with, at most, four semesters remaining to complete their degree are exempted from two of the three required writing courses and are exempted from the requirement that in each division 2 credits be taken at Swarthmore. Transfer students can either apply transfer PE units toward the 4-unit physical education requirement or opt for a reduction in the PE requirement based on the student’s transfer status, but transfer students cannot both transfer PE units and receive a reduction in the requirement. The optional reduction in PE units depends on the transfer class of the student. Transfer students who enter Swarthmore as sophomores can opt to complete 3 units of physical education and pass a survival swim test (a reduction of 1 PE unit). Transfer students who enter Swarthmore as juniors can opt to complete 2 units of physical education and pass a survival swim test (a reduction of 2 PE units).