swarthmore college supplemental essays 2023

Swarthmore College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

You Have: 

Swarthmore College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: Two essays of 250 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community

Please complete both prompts below (in 250 words or fewer). 

Topic 1: swarthmore college maintains an ongoing commitment of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive residential community dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry., all who engage in our community are empowered through the open exchange of ideas guided by equity and social responsibility to thrive and contribute as bridge builders within global communities., our identities and perspectives are supported and developed by our immediate contexts and lived experiences – in our neighborhoods, families, classrooms, communities of faith, and more., what aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own. .

If there were an award for the longest supplemental essay prompt ever, Swarthmore would win. Luckily, this prompt is pretty straightforward at the end of the day. Admissions wants to invite students to campus who are eager to meet new people, exchange ideas, and contribute to their inclusive community. To determine if you are a good fit, they want to hear a story about (1) what has shaped your identity and (2) how you have navigated differences in the past. Maybe you want to write about your experience moving around the country as a military kid and how attending a new school every couple of years forced you to step outside your comfort zone time and time again to try to make new friends, regardless of what region of the country you were in. Perhaps you want to write about your experience getting involved in a community service project, in which you met people from all walks of life and worked together toward a common goal. (If you go this route, however, you won’t be the only one, so you’ll want to make sure your essay is so specific, no one else could have possibly written it.) Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their diverse, inclusive community.

Topic 2: Swarthmore’s community of learners inspire one another through their collaborative and flexible approach to learning. Swarthmore students are comfortable with intellectual experimentation and connection of ideas across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies through a liberal arts education.

Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. what made you curious about this has this topic connected across other areas of your interests how has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring .

Swarthmore wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to rant and rave about your current obsession! Maybe you find Greek mythology to be absolutely fascinating and cannot read enough about all the gods and goddesses (and their very messy timelines). Where did your interest originate? Are you also considering a major in Classics ? Or perhaps, after recently joining your grandfather on a bird-watching expedition, you’ve developed an interest in all things avian. How does this fascination connect to some of your other interests and what about birds keeps you observing (quietly from afar)? What was the last fact or skill you learned that truly captured your imagination? The bottom line here is to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, or learning style.

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Swarthmore Supplemental Essays 2023-24

September 25, 2023

Getting accepted into Swarthmore College, one of the very best liberal arts schools in the country, is equivalent to gaining acceptance into an Ivy League school. With sub-7% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027, Swarthmore rejects the bulk of perfectly qualified candidates who apply each year. Therefore, those who want to maximize their chances at getting in need to shine in every single aspect of their application. The required Swarthmore supplemental essays provide one such opportunity.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Swarthmore? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Swarthmore College: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay – Prompt #1

In our experience, successful Swarthmore applicants have a few things in common. In addition to near-perfect grades and test scores, they also compose exceptional Common App and Swarthmore-specific essays. Let’s dive right in and begin examining the two required essay prompts that Swarthmore offers.

Swarthmore College maintains an ongoing commitment of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive residential community dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry.

All who engage in our community are empowered through the open exchange of ideas guided by equity and social responsibility to thrive and contribute as bridge builders within global communities.

Our identities and perspectives are supported and developed by our immediate contexts and lived experiences – in our neighborhoods, families, classrooms, communities of faith, and more.

What aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own. (250 words)

This essay has two parts: 1) a discussion of an aspect of your identity or background that is most significant to you and 2) a reflection of how said aspect has enabled you to collaborate and/or navigate differences with others outside of your immediate circle.

First, let’s tackle part one. Take note of its wide-open nature—you are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)?

Now for part two: after you select/discuss an element of your identity/background that is meaningful to you, you’ll need to share how it has also enabled you to better navigate differences with others. The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization, and within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, Swat is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded and intellectually curious young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage or collaborate with people who hold opposing positions on topics of great importance to you or are outside your immediate community. One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

Most importantly, your story should be personal, sincere, and revealing of your core character and developing values system.

Swarthmore’s community of learners inspire one another through their collaborative and flexible approach to learning. Swarthmore students are comfortable with intellectual experimentation and connection of ideas across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies through a liberal arts education.

Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring? (250 words)

This prompt is an opportunity to reveal more about the way you pursue knowledge and make connections across disciplines. Swarthmore is a school that places serious emphasis on one’s intellectual curiosity and drive for knowledge. Similar to Brown University or Wesleyan University , Swat genuinely wants to know that you are the type of student who will take intellectual risks and will continue those pursuits outside of the classroom.

In light of that…out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Immerse the reader in your intellectual journey of choice. Share what made you interested in the topic, how you’ve pursued it, and what types of cross-disciplinary connections you’ve made. Finally, be sure to address what you’ve learned about yourself and why the experience has encouraged you to continue boldly pursuing newfound knowledge and skills.

How important are the Swarthmore supplemental essays?

Overall, Swarthmore views six factors as being “very important” to the admissions process. Those factors are: the rigor of your high school classes, GPA, class rank, recommendations, character/personal qualities, and your application essays. In fact, the essays are of greater importance than test scores,  activities, or talent/ability.

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In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced essay coaches as you craft your Swarthmore supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Swarthmore Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1864 by Quakers , Swarthmore College is found just outside of Philadelphia in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The beauty of Swarthmore’s campus is renowned; the Scott Arboretum showcases robust gardens and delicate landscaping. If you know that Swarthmore is the place for you, read our guide for how to best respond to the Swarthmore College supplemental essays!

Breaking down the Swarthmore College supplemental essay prompts

Swarthmore College is a small liberal arts college that contains just 1,643 undergraduate students . To become a part of this small community, you will need to make your answer to the Swarthmore supplemental essay questions stand out. 

Swarthmore asks applicants to respond to two Swarthmore supplemental essays. The maximum allowed word count is 250 words for each Swarthmore supplemental essay. 

Swarthmore College maintains an ongoing commitment of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive residential community dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry.  All who engage in our community are empowered through the open exchange of ideas guided by equity and social responsibility to thrive and contribute as bridge builders within global communities.  Our identities and perspectives are supported and developed by our immediate contexts and lived experiences – in our neighborhoods, families, classrooms, communities of faith, and more.  What aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own.

This is the time to showcase your unique background and culture and how it has shaped you into the person you are today. Therefore, think about all the aspects of your life that make “you” unique. Think about the communities you belong to and environments you grew up in. Some examples might include having five siblings or how group-project oriented your high school was. 

Once you select one aspect of your upbringing that has impacted your life, write about it! Briefly describe what exactly this aspect of your life is and how it has affected you. For example, having five siblings may have taught you to be more independent or constantly taking part in group projects in school taught you how to be a leader.

Showcase the “why” of a positive trait you possess. Meaning, you want to give context into why you are the way you are. Therefore, select something that has truly impacted you and made you into the person you are today. Remember, that’s what the admissions officers want to read. They want to get to know a potential student who is able to thrive in the particular environment or situation they were part of. 

Questions to consider

• What is an important piece of your background? 
• How have you contributed to your community? 
• What makes you unique? 

Swarthmore’s community of learners inspire one another through their collaborative and flexible approach to learning. Swarthmore students are comfortable with intellectual experimentation and connection of ideas across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies through a liberal arts education. Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently- either inside or outside the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring? 

There is a lot of freedom allowed in this response! Try to pick a topic that interests you, it can range from academic subject to an extracurricular topic. Just ensure that you are being extremely specific about your niche interest to demonstrate your passion. 

Brainstorm subjects you’ve been obsessed with lately! Try to think of the last rabbit hole you went down online and what you discovered.

Then, describe a story or anecdote that reveals how you became interested in this topic. Talk about what this topic means to you. How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring? 

Lastly, create connections between other interests you may have including your intended major at Swarthmore! This will flawlessly tie back your passions with your career interest and demonstrate your interest in your intended major which can give you a leg up on the Swarthmore competition.

• What is a subject you are fascinated by? 
• How do you go about exploring a subject you are interested in? 
• Why are you passionate about this topic? 

Final thoughts on responding to the Swarthmore supplemental essays

Remember, this is Swarthmore you are applying to! You want to ensure that every piece of your essay responses are well-thought out and planned ahead. Just make sure you are not going over the 250 word limit. 

After reading this guide, you are ready to absolutely ace the Swarthmore supplemental essay questions. Good luck in your writing! 

Next steps after applying to Swarthmore 

Once you have completed your response to your choice of the Swarthmore supplemental essays, it is time to submit your application! 

Now that your application is submitted, keep checking the following: 

• Your Email 
• Swarthmore portal
• Any Swarthmore social media accounts

For any updates to your application status! Once again best of luck to you! 

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Application Materials & Deadlines

First-year applicants may apply to Swarthmore via the  Common Application , Coalition on Scoir Application, or QuestBridge Application . Swarthmore does not have a preference among any of our application options. Please submit only one application in an application year.

International students , homeschooled students ,  undocumented students , and transfer students should review information specific to their situation.

Learn more about:

Required Materials

Optional materials, submitting materials, early decision applicants, admissions privacy policy.

• Common Application, Coalition on Scoir Application, or QuestBridge Application
• What aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own.  
• Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring?
• $60 application fee or fee waiver*
• School report: This form provides information about your school and is submitted through an application platform by your school counselor. 
• School counselor recommendation
• High school transcript
• Midyear grades: If your school does not have midyear grades, please provide a midyear progress report from your teachers.
• Two academic-subject teacher recommendations/evaluations

*Eligible students for application fee waivers to Swarthmore College are determined by Swarthmore College, Common Application, NACAC, The College Board, or the ACT. All students with financial need are welcome to complete  SwatPass  to find out if you qualify for an application fee waiver.

• Self-reported or official standardized test scores ( Swarthmore's Testing Policy ).  For students applying to Swarthmore in the 2023-24, and 2024-25 admissions cycles, we have suspended our requirement that applicants submit SAT or ACT scores. Instead, test scores are optional. 
• Swarthmore offers optional interviews . Please note that applicants who do not interview are not at a disadvantage.  

All students have the option to submit a video response as a supplement to your application. We want to hear directly from you and give you the chance to give us unique insight into your thought process or experiences. After you submit your application, you will have the option to record a video response in your Swarthmore application portal. Application portals open by mid-October.

• Students with especially strong backgrounds and interest in pursuing the arts at Swarthmore can share samples of their work via  SlideRoom , free of charge. We accept supplements in creative writing (written or spoken word poetry and fiction), dance (performance and choreography), music (performance and composition), theater, and the visual arts. Submissions provide our Admissions Committee with examples of students’ artistic talents and are subject to faculty review. Please know, however, that we cannot guarantee all works will be evaluated.
• Please review financial aid application instructions and deadlines for first-year applicants.

Your school documents must be submitted directly from a school official, including teacher recommendations and transcripts. School officials can submit these documents via the Common Application, Scoir, QuestBridge, Naviance, or Parchment/Docufide. In rare cases, school officials can submit relevant documents as PDFs via email .

• Fall Early Decision Application Deadline: November 15 All testing should be complete by early November. Admission decisions are released online in mid-December.
• Winter Early Decision Application Deadline: January 4 All testing should be complete by mid-December. Admission decisions are released online in mid-February. 
• Regular Decision Application Deadline: January 4 We strongly encourage all applicants to complete testing by mid-December, but may be able to consider scores for tests completed by early February. Admission decisions are released online by April 1.
• Transfer Decision Application Deadline: April 1 Admission decisions are released online, typically in mid-May, through the applicant portal.

If you will apply Early Decision, please include:

• Common Application Early Decision Agreement [PDF] , Coalition on SCOIR Application Early Decision Agreement [PDF] , or  QuestBridge Application Early Decision Agreement
• First quarter/trimester senior grades

Admission applications and application credentials submitted to Swarthmore College are treated with confidentiality. As such, admissions staff members communicate directly with applicants about their application materials and admission decision. Admissions communicates primarily via email with applicants at the email address provided in their application. In limited circumstances, admissions staff may communicate with a parent/guardian, a school official, or a college access advisor.

The Admissions Office receives and processes admission applications and application credentials. The educational records of matriculating students are shared with appropriate campus departments, including Information Technology Services, the Registrar, the Dean’s Office, and faculty advisors. The Admissions Office purges the evaluative materials of all applicant records, including any notes from admissions reader review forms, interview reports, faculty and staff evaluations of supplementary materials, and all other supplementary material.  Application credentials for students who do not matriculate are also purged.

Note to applicants:  Swarthmore College reserves the right to evaluate an application and make a final decision, even if all parts of the application have not been received. Swarthmore College may be required to report incidents of abuse that are disclosed in applications.

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Swarthmore Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays 

Writing the Swarthmore supplemental essays is an important step for any applicant hoping to gain admission to this competitive school. Swarthmore College is one of the best colleges in Pennsylvania and one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Considering Swarthmore’s 7% acceptance rate, students applying to Swarthmore need to do everything they can to strengthen their application. That includes writing stellar Swarthmore supplemental essays.

While you have little control over past course grades or teacher recommendations, you do have full control over your Swarthmore supplemental essays. Even better, you’ll have the opportunity to wow admissions with not just one Swarthmore essay, but two! Indeed, knowing how to get into Swarthmore is synonymous with knowing how to write great Swarthmore supplemental essays.

In our guide to the Swarthmore College supplemental essays, we will: 

• Discuss both Swarthmore essay prompts
• Give you tips for writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays
• Review the Swarthmore requirements and more!

Later on, we’ll also provide additional information about Swarthmore College and why the admissions team cares about your Swarthmore supplemental essays. But before we jump into the Swarthmore essay prompts, let’s go over some essential information about the Swarthmore application process.

Swarthmore College: Quick Facts

Swarthmore college quick facts.

• Swarthmore College Acceptance Rate : 7% – U.S. News ranks Swarthmore College among the most selective schools in the country.
• 2 (~250 word) Swarthmore supplemental essays
• Swarthmore College Application: Students can apply to Swarthmore through the Common Application , the Coalition Application , or the QuestBridge Application . In addition to your Swarthmore supplemental essays, you’ll also need to complete all essays required by each respective application platform.
• Fall Early Decision: November 15th
• Winter Early Decision: January 4th
• Regular Decision: January 4 
• Swarthmore College Essay Tip: A fundamental tip for writing standout Swarthmore essays is showing how you embody the college’s values. Check out Swarthmore Admissions’ list of “ What We Look for in a Swattie ” for some key traits. See if you can frame your experiences in the context of these characteristics within your essays.

Does Swarthmore have supplemental essays?

Yes. There are two Swarthmore College supplemental essays. Both of the Swarthmore essay prompts are designed to help admissions learn more about who you are as a student and individual. The prompts for the Swarthmore supplemental essays are complex while only having a word limit of 250 words. Therefore, your main challenge in writing each Swarthmore essay will be answering the prompt completely and concisely. 

The first Swarthmore essay can be characterized as a cultural diversity essay. This is one of the most common essay topics , so it’s likely you’ve come across a cultural diversity essay in your other college applications. This Swarthmore essay focuses on your personal identity, asking you to reflect on how certain aspects of your life have shaped you. In addition, you’ll write about how your background influenced the way you interact with others who are different from you.

The second Swarthmore essay is about intellectual curiosity. More specifically, this Swarthmore essay prompt asks you to reflect on a topic you are passionate about. The topic can be anything you have learned either inside or outside of the classroom. As long as it has sparked a genuine and ongoing interest, it’s fair game.

Make sure you review the prompts for the Swarthmore supplemental essays to be sure you understand exactly what they’re asking. Obviously, that goes for any essay—but don’t underestimate the complexity and small word allowance of the Swarthmore supplemental essays. We’ll break down the Swarthmore essay prompts later when we discuss Swarthmore essay #1 and Swarthmore essay #2 in detail.

How many essays does Swarthmore require?

Swarthmore requires all applicants to complete two Swarthmore supplemental essays. However, the total number of essays Swarthmore applicants are required to complete will depend on their application platform. 

Both the Common Application and the Coalition Application require students to write a 650-word personal statement responding to one of their listed prompts. That means students applying via the Common App or Coalition App will submit three essays in total.

The QuestBridge application requires applicants to write both an 800-word personal essay and a 500-word topical essay. So, students applying via QuestBridge will submit four essays for their Swarthmore application. While you probably won’t forget to write your personal statement, it’s always good to check your workload when planning applications.

Regardless of which application you use to apply, all applicants will need to write two Swarthmore College supplemental essays. So, let’s look at the Swarthmore essay prompts in more detail. First, we’ll break down Swarthmore essay #1, which concerns diversity and community. Then, we’ll give you tips on what to focus on in your Swarthmore supplemental essays. After that, we’ll break down Swarthmore essay #2, the intellectual curiosity essay. Finally, we’ll give you tips on actually writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays.

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay #1

First, let’s start with the Swarthmore essay #1: the cultural diversity essay. 

Swarthmore College Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity

All who engage in our community are empowered through the open exchange of ideas guided by equity and social responsibility to thrive and contribute as bridge builders within global communities. our identities and perspectives are supported and developed by our immediate contexts and lived experiences – in our neighborhoods, families, classrooms, communities of faith, and more.  , what aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own..

This essay requires both internal and external reflection. The first part of this prompt asks about significant aspects of your identity or background. These are very broad topics that could relate to a number of things, such as your faith, ethnicity, hobbies, where you grew up, your family situation—the list goes on. Though you likely have a community around this identity, you’ve certainly met people outside of it. This is where you have to think outwardly.

The second part of this prompt asks you to reflect on how you interact with those who are different from you. There are two specific avenues you can explore: navigating differences or collaborating across communities. Either way, you must highlight ways in which you recognized and interacted positively with difference.

“Navigating differences” is a broad statement, which leaves itself up to interpretation. Maybe you disagreed with someone with a different point of view from you but then learned to see their side. Maybe you’ve diverged from your parents’ beliefs about certain people or concepts. You might think of times of conflict with others: how did differences among people contribute to the conflict—or its resolution?

Or, maybe your mind goes straight to collaboration. When have you had to come together with those with different ideas to work towards a common goal? Regardless of which slant your story takes, remember to circle back to a personally meaningful aspect of your background. How did that part of your life prepare you to or influence the way you connect with others?

How to Answer Swarthmore Supplemental Essays

Although neither of the Swarthmore essay prompts are your typical “why school” essays, remember the overarching goal of your Swarthmore supplemental essays. You want to demonstrate to the admissions team why you are a good fit for Swarthmore College.

One way to do this in your Swarthmore supplemental essays is to demonstrate your connection to Swarthmore’s values. When writing your Swarthmore College supplemental essays, keep these values in mind as inspiration when choosing your essay topic:

• Intellectual curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning
• Creative and proactive problem-solving
• Generosity toward others
• Civic engagement
• Willingness to work hard and to seek help
• Potential contributions to campus life
• Sustained commitment
• Open-mindedness in general and to the liberal arts at large

For instance, your first Swarthmore essay might discuss how you’ve supported others or contributed to community service or activism. Tying in these values can be subtle, so don’t worry about obviously stating you hold any of these values. Instead, let your actions speak for themselves—show, don’t tell! You can read more detailed descriptions of what these values mean to Swarthmore on their admissions page .

Obviously, it isn’t necessary—or possible—to embody every single one of these traits in two short Swarthmore supplemental essays. However, it is necessary to answer all parts of the Swarthmore essay prompts. Remember, supplemental essay prompts are different for each school and seek answers that recognize the school’s offerings and culture. The prompts for the Swarthmore supplemental essays were crafted by the admissions team to ask about different facets of a student’s character and experiences. That means every word, and every question, in the prompt matters.

When writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays, you need to address both the what and the why . The exact history of your chosen topic is less important than your emotional connection to it. Only include details that illustrate the depth of your connection, what it means to you, and the impact it has on you.

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay #2

Now, let’s go over Swarthmore essay #2: the intellectual curiosity essay.

Swarthmore College Essay Prompt #2: Intellectual Curiosity

Swarthmore’s community of learners inspire one another through their collaborative and flexible approach to learning. swarthmore students are comfortable with intellectual experimentation and connection of ideas across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies through a liberal arts education., tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. what made you curious about this has this topic connected across other areas of your interests how has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring.

Of the two Swarthmore essay prompts, this one is perhaps the more fun one to write. For your second essay topic, feel free to dig deep, but try to focus on something you are interested in now. Avoid something you maybe liked when you were younger but are now no longer interested in. As stated above, this prompt asks you how your experience with this topic has shaped you and why you’re still interested in it. So of course, you’ll want this to be a current interest.

There are many different aspects to this prompt, which makes writing these Swarthmore supplemental essays challenging. Here are some extrapolated questions that you’ll likely want to address in your essay:

• What is the topic?
• When did you first become interested in this topic?
• Why did you become interested in this topic?
• Did exploring this topic introduce you to new interests?
• Did exploring this topic influence the way you engage with other topics?
• How has your interest in this topic shaped who you are?
• Why do you still engage in this topic?
• What do you hope to do with the knowledge you gain about this topic?

As you can see, this prompt can answer a lot of questions, but you only have to choose a few. Answering even a handful in just 250 words might seem impossible, but that’s why every word counts. Let’s say you’ve been passionate about animation ever since you saw Finding Nemo as a kid. You probably don’t have the space to write about your experience watching the movie for the first time. However, you can easily introduce the topic of animation and your first experience watching the movie in a single sentence. Then, you can quickly move into what drew you to it.

Feel free to play around with the order you present information. However, each detail should lead to the next—did you notice many essay prompts guide you along a timeline? This prompt is no exception: start briefly with why you got interested. Then, move to the effects it has had on you and your other interests. Lastly, explain why that interest continues to grow. If you’re not sure how to structure your essay, feel free to use this linear progression as a framework.

How to Write Swarthmore Supplemental Essays

At this point, we hope you have a better understanding of what to expect from the Swarthmore supplemental essays. Now you know what the prompts are asking of us—but how do you actually write a Swarthmore essay?

Regardless of how you feel about your writing abilities, writing college essays is a whole different ball game. Writing about yourself, within a limited word count, answering a multi-part prompt is no joke. Here are some tips to help you write your Swarthmore College supplemental essays, from finding a topic to getting them submission-ready. (Better yet, you can use these tips on all of your college application essays, not just your Swarthmore supplemental essays.)

1. Start with a brainstorming session

Before you jump into writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays, start with a brainstorming session. If you’re having trouble thinking of ideas, do a few timed free writes . Set five minutes on the clock and think of the prompts for the Swarthmore supplemental essays in general terms. Consider aspects of your personal identity and background and topics that fascinate you.

2. Freewrite and outline

Once you have some initial ideas, try to think of the ones you connect most with. Then write down everything that comes to mind when you think of that idea: experiences, feelings, people, places, anything that comes to mind. Then, outline how that idea connects to other aspects of the prompt. What details can you use to show that connection?

3. Write a first draft

Depending on the kind of writer you are, this can be the hardest part of writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays. Focus on just getting a draft down on paper without worrying about making it perfect, or even coherent. Don’t slow yourself down by trying to edit this as you’re writing. Anything is better than nothing, and more is better than less when it comes to a first draft.

4. Revise, revise, revise

Here’s where the magic happens. Editing your Swarthmore supplemental essays is how your essays go from okay to fantastic. Remember, every sentence and every word matters. Does every sentence somehow build your story, somehow connecting back to the prompt? Omit any unnecessary details, don’t be afraid to reorganize, and you’ll soon find the best flow of ideas for your story. 

5. Get a second opinion

When you finally get a draft you think is great, show it to someone. Get a second pair of eyes from a trusted mentor or friend who will be honest about your essay. Did they see a clear connection between you, your essay, and the prompt? Ask them what ideas or themes they were left with after reading. That way, you’ll know if you were successful in translating your thoughts into words.

6. Proofread and polish

There’s nothing more distracting from a compelling story than typos. Look for any spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes that will get in the way of your reader connecting with your words. Of course, polished Swarthmore supplemental essays also show admissions that you care about the work you share with others.

Follow these six steps, and you’ll have your Swarthmore supplemental essays written in no time! Now, let’s talk about why the Swarthmore supplemental essays matter.

Does Swarthmore care about essays?

Yes, Swarthmore definitely cares about how you respond to the Swarthmore essay prompts. The Swarthmore College supplemental essays are part of the Swarthmore requirements for a reason. Admissions want to learn more about your experiences and strengths because these are the things you’ll bring with you to campus.

There is no single formula for how to get into Swarthmore. Swarthmore Admissions evaluates applications with a holistic, contextual approach. That means every part of your application will be evaluated with equal weight, in the context of your background, identity, challenges, and opportunities. Everyone who gets into Swarthmore does so thanks to a unique blend of factors, including their Swarthmore supplemental essays.

The Swarthmore College supplemental essays are your chance to share your strengths within the specific context of your life experience. A well-written essay that clearly expresses your ideas in a coherent and engaging manner also showcases your strengths as a writer, thinker, and communicator. These are all skills that make for a well-prepared college student.

Additional information about Swarthmore College

Still have questions about Swarthmore ? Let’s take a look at the Swarthmore requirements.

Application requirements

Below is a list of the required Swarthmore application materials :

• A completed application (Common, Coalition, or Questbridge)
• 2 Swarthmore College supplemental essays
• Application fee (or waiver)
• School report
• High school transcript
• Mid-year grades (or progress report)
• 1 school counselor recommendation
• 2 academic-subject teacher recommendations

Optional admissions materials include test scores , interviews , a video response , and an art portfolio. If you have additional questions about the admissions process, you can contact Swarthmore Admissions by phone, email, or mail.

Financial aid

Have questions on financial aid? As a school dedicated to affordability and access (ranked #4 in Best Value Schools ), Swarthmore details three commitments to college access:

1. “Need-blind” admissions

Applicants are considered for acceptance independently of their financial status and ability to pay for college. (This applies only to U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students attending/on track to graduate from a U.S. high school.)

2. Meeting full need

Swarthmore will meet 100% of determined need . This means admitted students will receive financial aid that covers the gap between their family’s financial resources and the cost of attendance.

3. Loan-free aid

Swarthmore does not offer loans, meaning your financial aid package will consist of only grants and work aid. Work aid is essentially an expectation of an on-campus job. This might look different from other school’s financial aid packages, so be sure to keep that in mind when comparing schools.

On Swarthmore’s Financial Aid page, you can read more on tuition and fees and how to apply for financial aid. In fact, you can even use their net price calculator to determine your estimated aid. There’s also a great video on Understanding Swarthmore’s Financial Aid Process alongside many other informative videos on Swarthmore’s Youtube page .

Campus life

Home to a vibrant community of just over 1,600 undergraduate students, Swarthmore is a small, close-knit college. Located about 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia, a suburban setting acts as the backdrop to this beautiful school. As home to the nationally recognized Scott Arboretum , Swarthmore also offers students an environment rich in natural beauty. Swarthmore is rich in tradition and existing events for its student body, from its First and Last Collections to the annual Crum Regatta.

Want to learn more about what it’s like to attend Swarthmore? Check out SwatStories to find first-hand accounts of life on campus written by those who know it best: Swarthmore students. Thinking about the future? You can also learn more about what Swarthmore students have gone on to do after graduation .

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

We hope, after reading our guide to the Swarthmore College supplemental essays, that you feel more prepared to tackle your application. Remember, all students are required to complete two 250-word Swarthmore College supplemental essays as part of their application. Consequently, there are two unique Swarthmore essay prompts: the cultural diversity essay and the intellectual curiosity essay. Because of the word limit, your Swarthmore College essays must be focused and specific to comprehensively answer the prompt.

If you’re looking for more resources to help you with the application process, CollegeAdvisor has everything you need. For more Swarthmore-specific info, check out our How to Get Into Swarthmore guide .  For more tips on writing your Swarthmore supplemental essays, check out our article on How to Write Better Essays . And don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays and Supplemental Essays 201 webinars. For more personalized guidance, contact us today to speak to one of our admissions experts.

This essay guide was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How Are Admissions Essays Viewed at Swarthmore College?

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Daniel Sheeran in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered

Why application essays matter for the swarthmore admissions process, how essays can help a swarthmore application.

• What to Avoid in Swarthmore Admissions Essays

In a normal admission year at selective schools, essays are the single most important personal component of your application. They constitute about 30% of your admissions decision. 

The bulk of an application consists of objective and quantifiable data. Test scores, the number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes on a transcript, GPA, and class rank are all easy to categorize. Even demographics and the number of clubs listed can end up being impersonal. 

Since Swarthmore College promotes practicing holistic admissions, it considers all aspects of an applicant fully. Traditionally, it places a higher level of emphasis than similar colleges on the essay as a way to distinguish applicants from one another and make the process more human centered. 

More information about Swarthmore College’s 2022-2023 essay prompts is available here . 

A good essay will show an admissions officer what they have in common with an applicant and can provide the reader with reasons to overlook any of their concerns. 

For applicants with confusing or weak parts of their application, such as a possible dip in grades for a particular year or a lack of extracurricular activities, the essay is a great opportunity to explain the situation and offer context, focusing on the personal element behind the event. 

The Swarthmore essays are about expressing who an applicant is as a person: what dreams they have, what their aspirations are, and what unique things they may have experienced. Writing about these themes and how they relate to extracurriculars or a desired area of study can be beneficial and offer admissions officers a glimpse into how an applicant could contribute to their campus. 

What to Avoid in a Swarthmore Admissions Essay

Just as essays can bolster an application, they can also be major hindrances. In certain instances, a bad essay can result in an otherwise qualified applicant being rejected. So, it’s important not to give the reader any reason to disqualify an application. 

Essays that do not align with a student’s image, as based on other application data, are particularly problematic for admissions officers. Any kind of discord between material like GPA and test scores when compared to the essays can cast doubt on the applicant. 

It may indicate insincerity in the essay or a lack of genuine connection to the school, and it can also raise doubts about an essay’s author. If a student has an “A” in English, for example, but their essay is poorly written, the entire application seems suspect. Suspicions of plagiarism would surely impact an admissions decision. 

It is also helpful to avoid overly cliché topics or themes. Valedictorians, for example, may want to avoid discussing being top of their class in their essays. Although it may qualify someone to be admitted from a numerical standpoint, it does not distinguish them from other candidates with similar accomplishments. 

For more advice, check out CollegeVine’s guide on “ How to Write the Swarthmore College Essays .”

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, swarthmore college supplemental essays advice.

Hey folks! I'm applying to Swarthmore College and I'm seeking some advice on their supplemental essays. What tips or experiences can you share about Swarthmore's prompts? Appreciate the help!

Hey there! Swarthmore's supplemental essays are important as they help to showcase your unique voice and background. Here are some tips to help you tackle the prompts effectively:

1. Be specific about why Swarthmore: When discussing your reasons for wanting to attend Swarthmore, connect them to your personal values and experiences. Researching the college's programs, traditions, and culture can help you make these connections.

2. Focus on your personal growth: Share a meaningful experience that highlights your growth, insight, or a way in which you've made an impact.

3. Be authentic and creative: Swarthmore is known for its unique environment, so don't hesitate to showcase your personality or take risks in your writing.

To sum up, focus on making personal connections, demonstrating your understanding of Swarthmore's environment, and showcasing your personality through your writing. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

Securing admission to Swarthmore College, renowned as one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the nation, carries prestige akin to Ivy League acceptance. With a Class of 2027 acceptance rate of sub-7%, Swarthmore’s rigorous admissions process leaves the majority of well-qualified applicants in the rejection pool. Thus, for aspirants seeking to bolster their chances, excelling in every facet of the application is imperative. Among these crucial components, the required Swarthmore supplemental essays emerge as a pivotal opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualities and enhance their candidacy.

Also read Swarthmore College Acceptance Rate | Strategies and Insights for Admission Success 2024

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays 2024

Swarthmore supplemental essay – prompt #1: unveiling your identity and collaboration skills (250 words).

Swarthmore College beckons applicants to explore the depths of their identity and collaboration abilities through its thought-provoking essay prompt. Let’s dissect this multifaceted prompt and strategize how to craft a compelling response.

Understanding the Prompt

Swarthmore College champions diversity, equity, and inclusivity, nurturing a vibrant community driven by rigorous intellectual inquiry. Applicants are tasked with reflecting on the elements of their self-identity or personal background that hold the utmost significance. Furthermore, they must elucidate how these aspects have shaped their ability to navigate differences and collaborate effectively with individuals beyond their immediate circles.

Crafting Your Response – Part One

Embrace the openness of the prompt by delving into a perspective, experience, community, cultural or family background that resonates deeply with you. Consider what facets of yourself remain unexplored or underrepresented in your Common App personal statement and activities list. Choose a topic that allows you to unveil a layer of your identity that embodies your uniqueness and authenticity.

Crafting Your Response – Part Two

Following the exploration of your identity or background, pivot to illustrating how this aspect has facilitated your ability to navigate differences and collaborate across diverse communities. In an era marked by heightened polarization, emphasize your openness and intellectual curiosity in engaging with individuals holding opposing viewpoints. Share personal anecdotes that showcase your journey of growth and learning, demonstrating your willingness to expand your perspectives and engage in civil dialogue.

Key Takeaways

Ultimately, your response should be personal, sincere, and reflective of your core character and evolving values. Strive to convey authenticity and depth, offering insights into how your identity shapes your interactions with others and your commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding within global communities.

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay

Prompt #2: unveiling your intellectual curiosity (250 words).

Swarthmore College beckons applicants to delve into their intellectual pursuits and interdisciplinary connections through its captivating essay prompt. Let’s unravel the intricacies of this prompt and strategize how to craft a compelling response.

Swarthmore fosters a vibrant community of learners who thrive on collaborative and flexible approaches to learning. Applicants are invited to share a topic that has captivated their interest, whether inside or outside the classroom. They must articulate what sparked their curiosity, how this topic intersects with their other areas of interest, and the impact of this experience on their intellectual journey.

Crafting Your Response

Embrace the opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary connections. Reflect on a topic that ignites your passion and drives you to explore beyond conventional boundaries. Whether it’s astrophysics, existential philosophy, or urban sociology, immerse the reader in your intellectual journey. Share what initially sparked your interest in the topic, how you’ve pursued it through research or exploration, and the insights gained from making connections across different disciplines.

Highlighting Cross-Disciplinary Connections

Demonstrate your ability to connect ideas across various fields of study, showcasing your versatility and breadth of knowledge. Whether your fascination with quantum mechanics intersects with philosophy or your interest in environmental sustainability spans economics and political science, illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of your pursuits.

Reflecting on Personal Growth

Conclude by reflecting on how this experience has shaped you as a learner and individual. What have you learned about yourself through this intellectual exploration? What motivates you to continue delving deeper into this topic and exploring new avenues of knowledge? Share your aspirations and commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

In crafting your response, aim for authenticity, depth, and clarity. Share your genuine passion for the topic, your ability to make interdisciplinary connections, and your commitment to intellectual growth. By immersing the reader in your intellectual journey and sharing insights into your evolving interests, you can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the values of Swarthmore College.

Also see Best Computer Science Schools in the USA 2024

The Importance of Swarthmore Supplemental Essay

In Swarthmore College’s admissions process, six factors hold paramount importance, including the rigor of high school classes, GPA, class rank, recommendations, character/personal qualities, and application essays. Surpassing test scores, extracurricular activities, or talent/ability, the essays stand as a crucial component in assessing an applicant’s suitability for admission. Swarthmore values the insights provided by applicants through their essays, recognizing them as a key indicator of academic preparedness, personal qualities, and alignment with the college’s values and mission.

The Swarthmore supplemental essays play a pivotal role in the college’s admissions process, standing alongside other critical factors such as academic rigor, GPA, and personal recommendations. As Swarthmore seeks to cultivate a diverse and intellectually vibrant community, the essays offer applicants a valuable opportunity to convey their unique qualities, aspirations, and readiness to thrive within the college’s rigorous academic environment. By crafting thoughtful and compelling essays, applicants can effectively demonstrate their suitability for admission and their alignment with Swarthmore’s values of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

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How To Write Swarthmore Supplemental Essays (FAQs)

• December 6, 2022

Swarthmore Supplemental Essays: Swarthmore College offers three different supplementary essays.

However, unlike many schools, which likely ask their candidates to provide answers to each prompt, Swarthmore College only asks for a response to any of the three supplementary essay prompts.

Moreover, you will find writing a stellar Swarthmore supplementary essay easy if you know what is expected of you.

So, this article will discuss the three Swarthmore College supplementary essays and provide tips on how to scale through each of them.

Table of Contents

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay Prompt 1

Swarthmore students’ worldviews are often forged by their prior experiences and exposure to ideas and values. Our students are often mentored, supported, and developed by their immediate context – in their neighbourhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community?

This essay prompt can be referred to as a “community essay.”

This college admissions board expects you to discuss how a particular community has significantly impacted your life.

To write a stellar response to this essay, begin by using a commanding and captivating opening statement.

Ensure that your introductory paragraph is inviting and engaging as well.

Moreover, use short paragraphs made up of a few sentences throughout the essay, and try to ensure that each mini-paragraph is talking about something different.

You can respond to this essay as a story, which will be very engaging.

Also, recall that your response is not limited to your learning experience; you can also share how you have impacted other lives.

Swarthmore looks forward to learning about how you apply the knowledge you acquire.

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay Prompt 2

We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk – inside or outside of the classroom. How have those experiences shaped you, and what questions still linger?

Swarthmore is a school that places so much value on intellectual development within and outside of a classroom.

However, in this prompt, you are not asked to discuss your academic achievements but to give an excellent response and show your in-depth knowledge of a thought-provoking project you overcame.

When responding to this prompt, ensure that you share enough details so any reader who does not know the subject you are talking about will still understand.

Also, connect between the projects or research you completed and the field of studies you are passionate about while also providing a few details about some of the small impacts you made along the way.

Furthermore, describe what you feel the future has in store for you and the improvements you want to make to the research or project you were working on.

This will make a good impression on the reader, who is looking for candidates who don’t rest on their laurels. 

Swarthmore Supplemental Essay Prompt 3

Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore? (250 words)

In this essay prompt response, you are expected to provide reasons why you think Swarthmore is your ideal study destination.

To write an excellent response, ensure that you take some time to complete your research about the school, the academic facilities they have, and some of their professors that you look forward to working with, and mention all of them by name in your essay.

However, when writing your essay, don’t talk about the location of the school, the size of its campus, or even its ranking among other academic institutions.

Moreover, don’t talk about the traditions of the school or copy information from the school’s website into your essay.

Talk about the talents and skills you possess and how you feel Swarthmore can maximize them.

Also, talk about your academic interests and the resources the school has that will benefit you.

Keep your sentences short but clear, and ensure you don’t exceed the word limit when writing.

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College Tips For Swarthmore College

If you are accepted to Swarthmore College, use the following tips to do well in your classes:

1. Don’t skip classes

Whenever you show up to class, you get to learn more than when you read alone. You also get to take good notes that can help you immensely.

More importantly, your questions will be answered quickly and easily when you are in class. So, don’t skip classes for anything.

2. Join a study group

The academic benefits of group study cannot be overstated.

If you have any questions as you read, you can easily get them answered by other students.

Furthermore, having a member of the group ring at your door to escort you to your reading nook might push you to read and keep going even though you feel sluggish about it.

So, form a study group with your colleagues committed to academic excellence.

3. Focus your studies on topics covered in class

There is a unique curriculum for each course you take. Make sure that you follow it.

The questions you’ll be asked in the exam or test room won’t be based on anything you’ve read outside the curriculum.

So don’t waste your time studying what you won’t be asked in the exam or test.

4. Use the Internet to your advantage

Even while preparing for Swarthmore supplemental essays, you can use the internet to further your education and do several other beneficial things.

Since the internet is a wealth of knowledge on virtually any topic, you can use it to obtain materials on areas that are unclear to you.

Also, use social media to connect with experts in your field so you can get an internship and advice from them.

5. Communicate well with your instructors

Find the professors in your major and introduce yourself when you first arrive on campus.

Make an effort to engage with and become friends with every one of your instructors.

Professors can be great resources for outside the classroom, such as finding relevant internships.

They can also write you a glowing letter of recommendation that will help you get a prestigious scholarship.

6. Pay the majority of your time to your study

As a college student, you must accept that your studies precede anything else. If you haven’t studied enough, don’t engage in a non-academic activity.

7. Relax periodically

If you’ve been putting in a lot of study time, it’s important to take some time off to rest periodically and rejuvenate to avoid burning out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Swarthmore Supplemental Essays

Swarthmore only asks for a single supplemental essay, while other schools may ask for several.

Think back on a time when you were forced to think critically, when you were moved to action, or when you took a calculated intellectual risk, whether in or out of the classroom. How has it changed you, and what questions do you still have? This question comes to the heart of the intellectual life at Swarthmore.

They won’t give you much chance if you don’t have the SAT score and grade point average they’re looking for. Your safest bet is to shoot for the 75th percentile, which requires an SAT score of 1550 and a GPA of 4.05 or higher.

Many students apply to Swarthmore each year, and the college’s selectiveness is a direct result of the high standards of academic rigor , extensive extracurricular offerings, and other features of the Swarthmore experience.

There are a total of three supplemental essay options at Swarthmore.

On the other hand, Swarthmore College only requires an essay response to one of the three optional essay prompts.

However, writing a great Swarthmore supplementary essay will be a breeze if you know what is required.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

Editor’s Recommendations:

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• How To Write The University Of Florida Supplementary Essays
• How To Write Cal Tech Supplementary Essays (FAQs)
• How To Write “Why This Major” Essay (FAQs)
• How to Write an Essay: Comprehensive Guide for College Students
• How Students Can Get Essay Writing Help

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Abasiofon Fidelis

Abasiofon Fidelis is a professional writer who loves to write about college life and college applications. He has been writing articles for over 3 years. He is the Content Manager at School and Travel.

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