Swarthmore essay prompts
2026-27verified Swarthmore College admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August.
Why Swarthmore
Swarthmore’s academic program is built on a foundation of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Describe an academic interest or curiosity—something you have studied or want to study—and how you imagine engaging with it at Swarthmore.
250 words max · Required
Community or Experience
Swarthmore’s community is defined by its commitment to inclusion, equity, and thoughtful dialogue. We ask you to reflect on a personal experience, perspective, or background that has shaped you, and how you would contribute to building an inclusive community at Swarthmore.
250 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Swarthmore essay prompts for 2026-27?
- Swarthmore lists Why Swarthmore (1 prompt); Community or Experience (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does Swarthmore require?
- Swarthmore requires 2 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 2 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Swarthmore supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 250 words max.