Northwestern University vs Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is the more selective of the two at 7%, versus 8% at Northwestern University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.
Northwestern University vs Swarthmore College: the differences that matter
How Northwestern University and Swarthmore College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.
Northwestern University and Swarthmore College are almost equally selective (8% vs 7%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.
The two also read applications a little differently. Northwestern University leans more on a similar mix of factors, while Swarthmore College puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.
On test scores, Northwestern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and Swarthmore College's is around 1530. Admitted students at Northwestern University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.
What each school weighs
Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Northwestern University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, with a 7% acceptance rate versus 8% at Northwestern University.
What's the difference in SAT scores between Northwestern University and Swarthmore College?
Northwestern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and Swarthmore College's is around 1530.
What are my chances at Northwestern University and Swarthmore College?
That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.