<p>Just a note, the 2012 Swarthmore application only had one supplemental essay, the “Why Swarthmore?” essay. So, the 2014 application actually added a second supplemental essay. I’m not sure what the requirement was in 2013. Anyway, it’s not like the 2 supplemental essays have been a long tradition.</p>
<p>Here was the 2014 second essay question:
Swarthmore’s residential liberal arts community is shaped by its intellectually and culturally vibrant members, who come together to learn and grow through their shared and unique experiences. Briefly discuss how your academic and life experiences would inform, affect, and strengthen our community of thinkers. (500 word limit)</p>
<p>Personally, I think the “Why Swarthmore?” prompt is a much better prompt and the second essay is almost redundant. So, I support Swarthmore’s decision to eliminate the second essay. However, it’s extremely difficult to write a Why Swarthmore? essay in 250 words. It’s no longer an essay, it’s simply a short answer and lacks the depth I think of with Swarthmore.</p>