About

See what students say:

Academics

Smith College is "an incredibly prestigious...and socially liberal" institution that places a premium on "academic freedom." Students here are encouraged to explore, "find and pursue [their] passions." To that end, there are no course requirements beyond a writingintensive for first-years (and your major credits). This sense of autonomy even extends to the "self-scheduled finals" that allow students to take exam week at their own pace. Undergraduates are also quick to note that Smith is "one of the most prominent women's colleges in the country." They applaud the school's efforts in "build[ing] the self-confidence of smart women" and note that "most classes, even in math and sciences, are very interdisciplinary and often have a feminist" slant. Additionally, students heap praise on their "inspiring, dynamic, accessible, and brilliant" professors. It's evident that Smith's faculty really "care deeply about students" and "take the time to get to know you on a first-name basis." They also excel at fostering "engaging [classes that] promote critical thought." Of course, learning goes on far beyond the college's hallowed academic halls. Smith maintains a "wonderful study abroad department" where students can choose from over 100 different programs on six continents. Students also benefit from the ability to "take classes at the other four schools nearby (UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and Mount Holyoke College)" through the Five College Consortium. Perhaps most importantly, as graduation nears, undergrads can rely on an "excellent alumnae network" as well as a Career Development Office that does "everything in its power to help you get a job."

Student Body

Undergrads at Smith don't deny that they prioritize their academics. Students arrive here ready to "study hard." And many admit that they've been known to get "ridiculously stressed" about their courses from time to time. As one student explains, "It's the nature of Smithies to be driven, but we all want to see our friends and housemates succeed as well." Of course, this go-getter attitude extends far beyond classwork; students "are passionate about everything they do." Undergrads also applaud the college's ability to attract a diverse student body, both in background and personality. At Smith, you'll find "a great mix of nerdy, edgy, and traditional" students with over a third of undergrads identifying as a person of color and 74 different nationalities represented on campus. Students eagerly embrace this diversity noting that there's a "strong sense of community" and everyone "fits in easily." Additionally, "one thing all students have in common here is the will for women's empowerment and acceptance of any gender or sexual preference." Finally, while you can find students across the political spectrum, most Smithies hold "very liberal views," and many are "very conscious and aware, not only of their community but the world in general."smith college

Campus Life

It's easy to understand why Smith students declare that their "quality of life is outstanding." After all, the college's "dorms are...beautiful houses" and the dining halls are a cut above, serving up delectable dishes like custard French toast and spicy chorizo shakshuka. Of course, there's far more to the Smith experience than this. Academics take precedence here and Smithies "strive to succeed in [their] classes." This means that they spend a lot of time "study[ing], writing papers, rehearsing, or practicing," along with attending various "lectures and symposiums." Outside of coursework, many of these idealistic students are involved with "community service and activism for global issues, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, the environment, and pretty much anything that fights oppression." When they need a break from studying, undergrads can enjoy "free movies and concerts, plays, speakers, sports events, and dances," as well as "school-sponsored house parties almost every weekend" and "other college parties at surrounding campuses." They can also look forward to school traditions like Mountain Day, when the college president randomly cancels classes on a beautiful fall day.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Debra Shaver
Director of Admission

Address
Office of Admissions
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063

Phone
413-585-2500

Email
admission@smith.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Smith Art Museum
The Botanical Gardens
Campus Center
Mendenhall Center for Performing Arts
Ford Hall (Engineering, science)

Most Popular Places Off Campus
The Summit House, Skinner State Park
Old Deerfield
Downtown Northampton
Emily Dickinson House
Yankee Candle

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and Saturday
8:30am-4:30pm and 9am-1pm
413-585-2500

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: No
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
mid-March - Jan.

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
Other

Contact Email Address for Visit
loberbil@smith.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Mon-Thurs from late Sept to early Dec an

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Bradley International Airport near Hartford, CT, is approximately 30 miles from campus. Shuttle-bus service is available from the airport to campus; call Valley Transporter at 800-872-8752 or 413-253-1350 as early as possible to arrange for this service. Amtrak train service is available to Springfield, MA. Valley Transporter also provides shuttle service from the train station to campus; call as early as possible.

Driving Instructions to Campus
Take I-91 to Exit 18; then take U.S. 5 N. into the center of Northampton. Turn left on Massachusetts Rte. 9. Go straight through four traffic lights. Turn left on College Lane shortly after the fourth set. The Office of Admission is on your right, overlooking Paradise Pond.

Local Accommodations
A favorite with Smith visitors is Hotel Northampton (36 King St. N.; 413-584-3100), a restored 1926 building in the heart of Northampton within walking distance of the college. Also within walking distance is the Autumn Inn (259 Elm St.; 413-584-7660), a colonial-style, nicely appointed, moderately priced hostelry located on Rte. 9 adjacent to Smith. It has a swimming pool and provides parking.

Admissions

Applicants: 6,064
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Average HS GPA: 4.00







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