Ask a Swattie

Swarthmore students sit in white chairs on the porch of Parrish Hall

Want to learn more about Swarthmore by speaking directly with a current student? We encourage you to reach out to these Swatties ​to hear about their experiences. Prospective transfer students can ask questions of current students who transferred to Swarthmore on our Ask a Transfer Swattie page.

Ask a Swattie

The students featured below are all seniors at Swarthmore who work with the Admissions Office. They look forward to answering your questions, so please reach out to them at askaswattie@swarthmore.edu. If you would like to write to a specific student, share their name in your email.

Please note:

  • Our students typically respond within 4 business days. Response times may be longer during College breaks.
  • Our students are very happy to answer any questions you have about the student experience via email, but they are not available to meet with you on campus or virtually.
  • Our students do not answer questions about the application process nor offer advice for your application.
  • Questions about admissions are best answered by your regional admissions officer or by emailing admissions@swarthmore.edu.
  • Please contact the Financial Aid Office with questions about financial aid.
  • Swarthmore does not consider ‘demonstrated interest’ in our application review process.
Aidan smiles at the camera.

Aidan

Aidan (he/him) is from Brooklyn, New York, and he’s completing a special major in medical anthropology with a minor in French. He has recently completed a semester abroad in Paris, France, through the Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris. You can find Aidan doing a series of things on and off campus, ranging from taking on leadership roles in student clubs, such as the Swarthmore African-American Student Society, to doing research, or simply dining with the French Table during lunch when time permits in his schedule. He loves exploring cities, dedicating time to self-care, and has recently developed an interest in biking outdoors. 

Billy smiles at the camera.

Cheng-Yen (Billy)

Cheng-Yen (Billy) (he/him) is an international student from Taipei and Suzhou. He is double majoring in sociology & anthropology and peace & conflict studies. On campus, Billy is involved as a Lang Opportunity Scholar and Writing Associate, focusing on generating community impact and learning. He is also an avid member of Rhythm n’ Motion, the hot and trending Tri-Co dance group! Outside of school, he navigates the intersection between media and social interactions, with experiences in digital marketing, strategic planning, and content creation. From time to time, Billy enjoys a random day-trip (most likely a dance trip) to neighboring cities just to explore!

Chris smiles at the camera.

Chris

Chris (he/him) is a current senior from Queens, New York. He is currently double-majoring in economics and English literature, with a concentration in creative writing. On campus, he serves as the president of the 180 Degrees Consulting chapter, a Student Academic Mentor (SAM), and has also been involved in various extracurriculars such as the Southeast Asian Student Association (SEASA), the Swarthmore QuestBridge Chapter, and more. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, reading, exploring new parts of Philadelphia, and trying new types of food. Feel free to ask him anything about Swarthmore!

Doris smiles at the camera.

Doris

Doris (she/her) is a first-generation low-income (FLI) student from Long Island, New York. She is double majoring in biology and medical anthropology. Outside of academics, Doris is involved in Garnet Singers, the Swarthmore QuestBridge Chapter, and Swarthmore Health Humanities. Doris is heavily involved in the FLI community on campus and has studied abroad in Denmark. She enjoys playing tennis, going to concerts and traveling! Ask her anything about the Biology Department or research opportunities available through Swarthmore!

Emma smiles at the camera.

Emma

Emma (she/her) is from Miami, Florida. She is pursuing a double major in English literature with a creative writing focus and classical studies. Outside of academics, she works as a Resident Assistant and a Head Tour Guide. She is an active member of Swarthmore's women's ultimate frisbee club and spends a lot of time throwing discs on the many green spaces on campus. She studied abroad last year in Rome for ancient history and she just got back from working on an archaeological excavation in the mountains of the Peloponnese. She is also an avid writer and interns for a small publishing house in Philadelphia. When she's not working, Emma likes to experience new things: movies, live music, and Philly restaurants. 

Gabby smiles at the camera.

Gabby

Gabby (she/her) is from Orlando, Florida. She is double majoring in psychology and dance, with a choreography concentration. She also has taken several history and English literature courses! On campus, Gabby is an active member of the dance community, including her involvement as the logistics director of Rhythm n' Motion. She works as a research assistant in the Swarthmore OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders (SOAR) Lab, and is a Student Academic Mentor (SAM) and First-Generation Low-Income Peer-Orientation Program (FLI-POP) Mentor. In her free time, Gabby enjoys reading books, listening to music, and watching competitive figure skating.

Georgie smiles at the camera.

Georgie

Georgie (she/her) is a senior from rural Illinois, double majoring in environmental studies and a self-designed special major in English literature and religion . On campus, she works as a President’s Sustainability Research Fellow (PSRF), Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research fellow, Admissions Senior Fellow, and as the head associate of the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC). She is also involved in WSRN (Swarthmore’s fiercely independent, student-run radio station) and the Good Food Garden Collective. When she’s not working, she loves spending time in the Crum Woods with her friends, listening to Joni Mitchell, and baking in the GSC. Ask Georgie any questions about the humanities, study-abroad (especially in Ireland!), and life at Swarthmore.

Howard smiles at the camera.

Howard

Howard Wang (he/him) is from Hangzhou, China. He is pursuing a double major in applied mathematics and engineering. On campus, Howard is a member of the track team where he enjoys running long distances. Outside of athletics, he expresses his creativity through painting, calligraphy, and photography. These artistic pursuits provide a balanced outlet from his technical studies and allow him to connect with his cultural roots. As an international student who completed high school in Utah before coming to Swarthmore, Howard brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences across different educational systems and cultures. He enjoys helping prospective students navigate the transition to college life, especially those interested in STEM fields or coming from international backgrounds. 

Katie smiles at the camera.

Katie

Katie (she/her) is from Durham, NC. She transferred to Swarthmore College after her freshman year at Davidson College. At Swarthmore, she is pursuing an honors major in peace and conflict studies with an honors minor in political science, as well as a course-based double major in political science. She is an editor of The Tri-Co Law Review, an editor of The Phoenix newspaper, a former member of the varsity women’s soccer team, and an Admissions tour guide and Senior Admissions Fellow. Additionally, Katie serves as a Resident Assistant, is a Make A Play (MAP) Foundation Fellow, trains students in the gym as a personal trainer during her free time, and works on two different research projects with political science and peace and conflict studies professors. Additionally, Katie is religiously involved on campus with Jewish life as a board member of Swarthmore's Chabad chapter. Katie loves reading, walking around the Ville, and all types of physical activity! 

Maya smiles at the camera.

Maya

Maya (she/her) is a senior from Wilmington, Delaware. She is an honors economics major, honors political science minor, and course political science major on the pre-law track. In addition to her role in Admissions, Maya works as an economics teaching assistant and a writing associate. She founded and leads a club for Women and Gender-nonconforming Economics Students (WAGES) and holds leadership roles in The Phoenix (our student newspaper) and the international relations club. Maya studied abroad in Copenhagen, and she loves to travel, read, and drink any drink from the Kohlberg cafe.

Mikaela smiles at the camera.

Mikaela

Mikaela (she/her) is from El Paso, Texas. She is an honors major in environmental studies, with a double minor in honors biology and psychology. On campus, she's involved in various sustainability projects and clubs, such as the Campus Coalition Concerning Chester (C4) and Good Food Garden. Outside of academics, she prides herself on her work as a Resident Assistant (RA), as well as the Chief Steward of the Swarthmore RA Union. She enjoys going to the movie theater, camping, swimming in Crum Creek, and reading outdoors. 

Sophia smiles at the camera.

Sophia

Sophia (she/her) is from Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing a double major in Spanish and religion. On campus, she's involved as a Spanish tutor for fellow Swarthmore students, has worked in Admissions and Inclusive Excellence, and is a member of the varsity swim team. She loves reading, creative writing, cooking for friends and family, and enjoying a sweet treat. You can find Sophia at Kohlberg, her favorite academic building on campus, curled up with a good book and a cortado. 

Curious about engineering? Ask Howard above! You can also read about our Student Advisory Group in Engineering (SAGE) or reach out to current Engineering students through the Engineering Department.