Smith College (SC)

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."

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

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.