Swarthmore College has specific language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. The general English language proficiency requirements include the following tests and minimum scores:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

   • Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT).

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

   • Minimum overall band score of 7.5.

3. Duolingo English Test:

   • Minimum score of 120.

4. Cambridge English:

   • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

5. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

   • Minimum score of 68.

Exceptions:

• Students who have completed at least three years of full-time education in an English-speaking country or in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from submitting standardized English test scores.

Swarthmore’s admissions office reviews applications holistically, so meeting the language requirement is just one aspect of the application process. Always double-check with the admissions office for any specific program requirements or updates.

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Swarthmore College is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Some of its standout specialties include:

1. Engineering: Swarthmore’s Engineering Department is unique for a liberal arts college, offering a broad-based engineering education that integrates technical knowledge with social responsibility and ethics. Students receive a solid grounding in both theory and practice, preparing them for various engineering fields or graduate studies.

2. Political Science: Swarthmore’s Political Science Department is highly respected, emphasizing political theory, comparative politics, American politics, and international relations. The program’s critical approach and focus on real-world applications prepare students for roles in public policy, law, or academia.

3. Economics: The Economics Department at Swarthmore has a strong emphasis on economic theory, econometrics, and public policy. The program also offers a quantitative and analytical approach, which is well-suited for students interested in finance, policy analysis, or economics research.

4. Biology and Environmental Studies: Swarthmore’s Biology Department is known for integrating research with learning, especially in areas like molecular biology, ecology, and environmental science. The Environmental Studies program is interdisciplinary, covering the science, policy, and social aspects of environmental issues, and includes fieldwork.

5. Computer Science: Although smaller than many university programs, Swarthmore’s Computer Science Department is robust, offering courses in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and theory. The program emphasizes problem-solving and computational thinking.

6. Psychology and Neuroscience: The Psychology Department offers a comprehensive program that includes cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and social psychology. The interdisciplinary neuroscience program allows students to explore the connections between brain function and behavior.

7. Classics and Philosophy: Swarthmore’s Classics and Philosophy Departments are well-regarded, emphasizing rigorous analytical and critical thinking skills. The college has a tradition of excellence in these disciplines, preparing students for careers in academia, law, and public service.

8. Peace and Conflict Studies: Swarthmore is one of the few liberal arts colleges with a dedicated Peace and Conflict Studies program. The interdisciplinary program draws from sociology, political science, anthropology, and history to explore the causes of conflict and pathways to peace.

9. Linguistics: Swarthmore offers a unique and well-respected linguistics program, examining the structure, use, and psychology of language. The program is interdisciplinary, often combined with studies in psychology, anthropology, and cognitive science.

10. Mathematics and Statistics: Swarthmore’s Mathematics and Statistics Department offers a broad curriculum, including advanced courses in pure and applied mathematics, as well as statistics and data science.

Swarthmore’s programs emphasize a critical and analytical approach to learning, encouraging students to connect their studies to broader social, ethical, and global contexts.

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Faculty & Staff

Swarthmore College has had notable alumni and faculty who have contributed to fields that align with the Nobel Prize, although the college itself does not have any Nobel laureates among its faculty or alumni as of now. However, Swarthmore’s intellectual environment and academic rigor have produced numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to science, politics, economics, and social justice.

Notable figures with connections to Swarthmore College include:

1. Richard H. Thaler – Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2017): Richard Thaler, known for his pioneering work in behavioral economics, is an alumnus of Swarthmore College. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions to understanding how human psychology affects economic decision-making.

2. J. Michael Bishop – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1989): J. Michael Bishop, a prominent molecular biologist, received the Nobel Prize for his work in discovering the role of oncogenes in the development of cancer. He attended Swarthmore College before completing his graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania.

Though Swarthmore College is not typically associated with having multiple Nobel laureates, the intellectual climate at the college has helped foster many individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to their fields.