<p>I have no idea whether the additional essay is the reason for the drop in apps, but I know my son (Swarthmore class of 2018) struggled with the new essay (admittedly it was in the last couple of days in December when the dear procrastinator was doing a lot of supplements). It did seem redundant with the one that’s always been there. (Also, we are unlikely to hear on this thread from anyone who didn’t apply because of the essay, since frankly, the vast majority of people interested in a thread about Swarthmore have some vested interest in it. Those who did not apply have surely moved on).</p>