How to Visit Swarthmore College

By eHow Education Editor

I Did This Rate: (0 Ratings)

Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is widely considered to be one of the finest private liberal arts colleges in America. Swarthmore awards B.A. and B.S. degrees in a variety of subjects. In addition to its stellar academic reputation, Swarthmore offers many artistic, athletic and social opportunities. Prospective students should plan to visit Swarthmore College to tour the campus and interview.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Go to the Swarthmore College home page. Click the "Admissions" link at the top of the page and then click the "Visit Swarthmore" link on the left to go to the "Visiting Swarthmore College" page. Review the information to take a class, go on a campus tour, attend a group information session, interview, stay overnight in the residence halls, participate in a campus event or all of the above.

Step2

Click the "Visit Planner" link to go to the "Visit Planner" page. Click a date on the calendar to see that day's scheduled campus tours and group information sessions.

Step3

Select the desired date on the "Visit Planner" calendar and then click the "Schedule" link. This takes you to an online interview request form. Make a note of the email and phone contact information at the bottom of the page in case you need to cancel or reschedule the interview.

Step4

Call the Admissions Office at least two weeks before you plan to visit if you want to stay overnight. From the "Visiting Swarthmore College" page, click the "Experience Swarthmore" link in the left pane and then click the "Overnight Policy Permission Form" link to display the form. Print and complete the form and have your parents or guardian sign it. Fax or mail the signed form to the Swarthmore Admissions Office at least 3 days before your scheduled visit.

Step5

Visit the "Getting Here" link on the "Visiting Swarthmore College" page to go to the "Visitors Dashboard" page. Follow the links to find transportation options, maps, directions, lodging and dining options and information on the surrounding area.

Step6

Go to the Admissions Office in Parrish Hall once you arrive on campus.

Step7

Attend a group information session. College admissions counselors conduct these sessions in the Admissions Office.

Step8

Take a campus tour. Tours depart from the Admissions Office. A student tour guide shows you residence halls, athletic facilities, Friends Historical Library, Lang Performing Arts Center and many other facilities. Ask questions about admissions, academic programs, student life and extracurricular activities.

Step9

Meet your student host in the Admissions Office if you are staying overnight. Talk to your host about your specific interests so that he or she can show you other buildings, help you find information about academic programs that interest you, take you to college activities and introduce you to other Swarthmore students.

Tips & Warnings

Call ahead to confirm the schedule of information sessions and tours, especially if you have a number of activities and appointments planned for your visit.
Interviews are held June through December. Swarthmore takes interview requests starting in March. However, high school juniors living outside the United States can schedule interviews in May by calling or emailing the Admissions Office.
If you are unable to visit Swarthmore in person, contact the Admissions Office to request an interview with a Swarthmore alumni volunteer closer to your home. Swarthmore does not guarantee off-campus interviews, but there is an extensive national and international network of alumni admissions volunteers.
Tour Scott Arboretum, visit Crum Creek and hike the trails through Crum Woods to appreciate the natural beauty of the campus.
Swarthmore is a short car or train ride from the city of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens and many other area attractions.
You will not be allowed to stay overnight on campus without a completed overnight policy permission form submitted at least 3 days before your visit.
During the school year, parking on campus is tight. Visitor spaces are available, but allow enough time to find parking and then find the Admissions Office.