Ask a Swattie

Swarthmore students sit in white chairs on the porch of Parrish Hall

Want to learn more about Swarthmore by speaking directly with a current student? We encourage you to reach out to these Swatties ​to hear about their experiences. Prospective transfer students can ask questions of current students who transferred to Swarthmore on our Ask a Transfer Swattie page.

Ask a Swattie

The students featured below are all current Swarthmore students who work with the Admissions Office. They look forward to answering your questions, so please reach out to them at askaswattie@swarthmore.edu. If you would like to write to a specific student, share their name in your email.

Please note:

  • Our students typically respond within 4 business days. Response times may be longer during College breaks.
  • Our students are very happy to answer any questions you have about the student experience via email, but they are not available to meet with you on campus or virtually.
  • Our students do not answer questions about the application process nor offer advice for your application.
  • Questions about admissions are best answered by your regional admissions officer or by emailing admissions@swarthmore.edu.
  • Please contact the Financial Aid Office with questions about financial aid.
  • Swarthmore does not consider ‘demonstrated interest’ in our application review process.
Kacey smiles at the camera

Kathryn (Kacey) ’28

Kacey (she/her) is from Middletown, Delaware. She is currently majoring in political science and minoring in history and film & media studies on a pre-law track. On campus, she is the vice president of the Fencing Club, vice president of the “First Page” Creative Writing Club, and a member of Analög Photography Club, Cinema Club, and Chorus. During the school year, she is also employed by the Lang Performing Arts Center and does work with the Theater Department (acting & directing). Her weekends are constantly spent in Philadelphia, exploring the arboretum, and trying new foods around the area!

Xinyun looks at the camera

Xinyun ’27

Xinyun (she/her) is an international student from Shanghai, China. She is double majoring in sociology & anthropology and architectural studies. She has also had a great time taking math classes at Swarthmore! Outside of academics, Xinyun is an active member of the dance community on campus. She enjoys doing ballet, modern/contemporary dance and is hoping to explore more styles! She is a language tutor in the Chinese program and deeply involved in the i20 club (Swarthmore’s international student club). She loves walking and talking to friends, being in nature and exploring cities! Ask Xinyun any questions you have about life at Swarthmore!

Liam looks at the camera

Liam ’27

Liam (he/him) is a first-generation student from Austin, Texas. He is studying linguistics and German on the pre-med track. On campus, he's involved as one of the captains of Swarthmore's fencing club, and president of Analög, Swarthmore's film photography club. Off campus, he's a volunteer EMT for Springfield Ambulance Corps and enjoys venturing to Philly for live music and good movies. He's excited to answer your questions about Swat!

Shannel looks at the camera

Shannel ’28

Shannel (she/her) is from Seattle, Washington. She was born in Aurora, Colorado and spent a significant portion of her life from middle school to high school living in Ghana. Her major is biochemistry on the pre-med track with hopes to enter medical school after college. On campus, Shannel tutors students from Chester Children’s Chorus (CCC) in math, is involved in a non-profit organization called Thinker’s Academy aimed at teaching basic STEAM skills to students in Liberia and occasionally ice skates with the Motherpuckers ice hockey club. She loves to read books, eat sweet desserts and bake whenever and has started to learn how to crochet!

Max looks at the camera

Max ’28

Max (he/him) is from rural Boonville, California. He is majoring in chemistry and religion on the pre-med path. When not doing organic chemistry homework, he enjoys tutoring local students in math at the Chester Children’s Chorus, participating as a member of the men’s épeé squad on the Swarthmore fencing team, and training for a marathon in November. Currently he is also working on getting an EMT certification in Pennsylvania with the intent of volunteering at a nearby firehouse. Max enjoys reading Indian literature (except Roy’s Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which was a disappointment to say the least), playing piano (not concert level, to be clear), and building furniture in Swarthmore’s MakerSpace.

Itzel looks at the camera

Itzel ’28

Itzel (she/her) is from Los Angeles, California. She is pursuing a major in economics. Outside of academics, she serves on the executive board of ENLACE, Swarthmore's Hispanic and Latino organization, and Swarthmore's Petey Greene Chapter, which works to improve educational access for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. She enjoys reading, the outdoors, and exploring new cities. In addition to academics, ask her about the social scene and the various clubs on campus!

Rania looks at the camera

Rania '28

Rania (she/her) is from Alexandria, Egypt, and she's pursuing a double major in computer science and psychology. She’s a skilled traditional artist who’s always sketching or painting, usually outdoors. She also loves talking about astronomy; ask her about star maps or the James Webb Space Telescope anytime! On campus, she’s part of the women’s épée squad on the Swarthmore Fencing Team and works as a CS tutor and student grader. When she’s not out in nature, she’s likely wandering through Philly’s art museums or catching a movie with friends. Ask her anything about computer science and psychology, art at Swat, or the best nature spots on and off campus! 

Sylvia smiles at the camera

Sylvia '26

Sylvia (she/her) is from rural southwest New Mexico. She is a double major in Peace & Conflict and Environmental Studies. She is the captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team and Kitchen Coordinator for Kehilah (a Jewish student group). On campus, she also works as an Interfaith Intern and as a clerk at the mail office. She loves to spend time with friends, pretty much any activity that has to do with the outdoors, read, and make good food.

Curious about engineering? You can also read about our Student Advisory Group in Engineering (SAGE) or reach out to current Engineering students through the Engineering Department.