<p>Hi, I have a pre-med daughter at Swat and I want to add a few things. </p>
<p>She has just completed her third year and has been getting an excellent education. She absolutely loves it there. However, I have not heard of Swat being described as a school with grade inflation. My D. has had to work VERY hard for all of her grades, particularly in the sciences. A high median GPA is related to the school’s culture of academic excellence and the high number of students who are planning to go on to graduate school. It is because the students work hard, not because the classes are easy.</p>
<p>This is from Swat’s pre-med FAQ page:</p>
<p>What kinds of grades will I need to be accepted?</p>
<p>Currently, with a strong B+ (3.5) average, both overall and in the sciences, you can apply to medical school with reasonable confidence in being accepted, assuming you have good MCATs and impressive non-academic experiences. The very top schools are generally only interested in applicants with A- (3.7) averages and above. However, there are many individual factors that come into play in the admissions process, so students should consult with Gigi about their individual situations.</p>
<p>Do medical schools make allowances for Swarthmore’s rigor and lack of grade inflation?</p>
<p>Yes, many medical schools are aware of Swarthmore, and the excellence of its students and its academic program. They are often willing to consider our applicants with grades that are slightly lower than those of their typical admitted students.</p>