<p>To expand on part of what dramatica posted already: People who are feeling anxious about not getting an early write might want to keep in mind the fact that early writes are sent to students who not only have outstanding applications, but whom the admissions committee thinks might also be interested in other (competing) schools. </p>
<p>If you happen to have written a Why Swat essay that shows how passionate you are about Swarthmore, and if everything else about your application supports the fact that the school is far and away your number one choice, then you’re a little less likely to be a target of the early write campaign. Not getting an early write doesn’t necessarily mean your application didn’t knock them out; it could mean that your application convinced them that you aren’t as much in need of wooing.</p>