Chance me for Swarthmore College ED2 [PA resident, 3.85 GPA, 1530 SAT, economics and statistics]

tsbna44
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:43:31 +0000

I read back your old thread. You are trying to please parents.

I understand it’s cultural but they need to also understand that you are going to school.

Initially you discussed Michigan and Williams. Williams wasn’t happening.

Whether you go to Michigan or UVA or Pitt, Williams or Dickinson or Susquehanna, the common ingredient is you.

Study what you want, not what will get you into higher ranked.

Look in work places - tons of higher rank grads work for people who went to lower rank. Heck, I’ve got an MBA from a top 40 at the time and my boss has an undergrad - from a school I never heard of - W Georgia.

You’re not career safe at a school your parents perceive as strong nor are you doomed if you are at one they don’t.

When you look at any ranks on job success - you see those I mentioned, often ahead of the Ivies. I get that it’s hard but its your journey - not theirs.

The reality is - you are unlikely to be a top school candidate as you define it but no one has more data than LinkedIn on career success.

They rank Babson 7 - ahead of Stanford, Norhwestern and tons more

Bentley 15

Lehigh 17

Bucknell 21

Villanova 23

SMU 37

Trinity college 42

Richmond 44

Lafayette 48

I don’t think Trinity nor Laf have finance but these are more likely for you. And you don’t go in thinking transfer. You go into crush it and have a great life.

Large schools that fit you - 24 UIUC, 33 Purdue, 35 Miami Ohio, 40 Penn State, 47 Indiana.

The Wall Street Journal ranks Babson #2 behind Stanford and ahead of everyone else. Bentley #12, Loyola Maryland - bet you didn’t see that one coming is #19 and Swat is #24, Michigan 25, Lehigh 29, UVA 31 but easier to get into Delaware near equal at 38.

There’s so many great schools out there it’s unfortunate your parents have a narrow focus.

Truth is, once you stopped math, you likely no longer were a top school candidate. But you struggled so you took a rest it’s ok.

You’ll be great but it will be because of who you are - driven and dedicated.

Your parents will see that, in time
And no you didn’t make a mistake stopping…you went too fast and you were a bit out of your league and your mental health frayed best you got that under control.

And there are fantastic names that would love to have you. Forget the price tag on the privates - many have merit aid.

I hope you’ve balanced your list and that your parents will be proud of you no matter where you enroll