Transitioning from high school to college can be a daunting experience, but at Swarthmore, there are unique opportunities and resources to help you navigate this journey with confidence. From the innovative pass/fail semester to the abundance of campus resources, there’s no shortage of support to aid in your academic and personal growth. As you embark on this new chapter of your life, consider these tips to make the most of your time at Swarthmore and embrace the challenges and triumphs that come your way.
Tip #1: Try something new.
One unique aspect of Swarthmore’s approach to academics is the pass/fail semester. This is the first semester of your freshman year, in which you will receive a credit or no credit for each class you take instead of a grade on your transcript. Your papers and exams are still graded, but as long as you don’t completely neglect your grades, this makes the transition from high school to college smoother and less stressful. Additionally, it can make pursuing a new subject much less daunting. I would highly suggest that you take something completely foreign to you in your first semester at Swarthmore.
Tip #2: Figure out your study style and find a good study spot.
Even if you consider yourself to be somebody who has good study habits, I would highly recommend that you take the change in scenery as an opportunity to try out some new techniques. For example, if you don’t think you study well with others, you might want to give it a shot! Additionally, finding a spot on campus where you are able to completely focus will come in handy on days when you might not be quite as motivated as usual. (My study spot of choice tends to be a carrel in McCabe basement.)
Tip #3: Get involved in an extracurricular or two.
Swarthmore has a myriad of clubs and activities to choose from, all of which you’ll see at the club fair during the first few weeks of school. These range from club athletics like ultimate frisbee and tango dancing to academic clubs that focus on the ways in which the humanities and health sciences interact. You’ll almost certainly find something that interests you, and if you don’t, you can always start your own!
Tip #4: Use your resources.
Swarthmore has resources of all sorts all across campus, all of which are worth exploring. Meet with a Writing Associate to help you edit your first essay of college; check out a fun book from McCabe; head down to Ware Pool to swim some laps and beat the September humidity; walk around Chinatown in Philly using your free SEPTA pass, and much, much more!
Swarthmore’s campus is a rich environment where you can thrive academically and personally as you transition from high school to college. Be sure to remember to embrace the opportunities to try new things during and following your first semester of college!
