Chemistry - Biochemistry

Drug discoveries, space exploration, computer innovations, agricultural progress, and developing alternative energy sources - these and many more innovations rely on advances in chemistry and biochemistry.

The work of chemists and biochemists impacts how we live as well as how we relate to one another and our environment. At Swarthmore, students benefit from working side by side with top-notch faculty in both the laboratory and the classroom.

Participation in research exposes students to the practice of chemistry as a process of creating new knowledge. Students proceed through our well-defined progression of instruction, which incorporates laboratory work into every core course. The department enables students to obtain a solid understanding of scientific principles, a mastery of experimental technology, an appreciation for the scientific method, and a concern for the social impact of research. In a colloquium series, students gain exposure to cutting-edge research and interact closely with well-known researchers from around the world.

• Common Application or QuestBridge Application
• Swarthmore College Short Answer
  • As part of the Common Application, you will be asked to submit no more than 250 words in response to a short answer question (QuestBridge applicants are asked the same question on our Swarthmore-QuestBridge Intent to Apply form). For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, students will be asked to choose one of the following three questions:
    • 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 neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community?
    • 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 has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger?
    • Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?
• $60 application fee or fee waiver*
• School report
• 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

Applying via the Common Application

You can easily add Swarthmore to your list of colleges in the Common Application.

In addition to the Common Application's personal statement (you can choose one of seven essay prompts), we ask you to submit no more than 250 words in response to a short answer question. For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, students will be asked to choose one of the following three questions: 

• 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 neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community?
• 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 has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger?
• Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?