Smith's academic program is amazing -- a lot of hard work but extremely worth it. Since there are no distribution requirements (unless you want to go for latin honors, that is), students can take a variety of courses in a variety of academic disciplines without worrying about gen ed. There's so much academic freedom here, from that to the freedom we experience thanks to the honor code (self-scheduled exams).
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I personally am not enjoying my overall experience. As someone who is politically conservative, not from the Northeast, a proud Christian, and who has a lot of guy friends, Smith is too much of a change for me, and not in a good way. Although I am very happy with the academics, I find that perhaps there is too much freedom and choice for an indecisive person like myself. I don't feel comfortable as a conservative on campus, or as a Christian in most circumstances. I have gotten used to the female environment but very often I find myself wanting to get away from all the estrogen. I'm from the Midwest and being in New England is neither as exciting or as pleasant as I had imagined it to be. The Northampton area is extremely hippie and bohemian, which some people really like, bust most days I just wish I could walk to Walmart or go home every once in a while. Please don't judge Smith on my personal experience however...but remember that Smith is a very unique experience that is not for everyone, even though the great majority of students I have met here are wonderful people in love with the school.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Smith is EXTREMELY expensive. For the most part, students feel like they are getting a bang for their buck. Room and Board covers our very nice dorms (Dorms Like Palaces) and The Board Plan, which includes three meals a day at the 15 or so dining halls on campus. There is also a lot of diversity in our meals, including food for vegans and those who prefer their meals to be gluten'free. Warning: if you really like meat, beware! Also, there are a great many resources on campus, from the CDO (Career Development Office) which will help you put together your resume to our Art, Performing Arts, Science, and general libraries. Not going to lie though...there will be times when I ask myself again, why are we all paying 50k?
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. A general college app tip...don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Even if you think Smith or some other school is for you, make sure you keep yourself open!
2. VISIT. I recommend Discovery Weekend...get to be someone's prospie and get to know the girl you shadow.
3. Take advantage of the 5 college area!
4. Smith cares about who you are overall -- not just your grades. Show them you're passionate about something because that will really make the difference.
5. You will hear that Smith is full of lesbians...truth: it's only HALF full of lesbians.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Smith is a haven for type A overachievers, but there's room for the more chill types too!
Smith's academic program is amazing -- a lot of hard work but extremely worth it. Since there are no distribution requirements (unless you want to go for latin honors, that is), students can take a variety of courses in a variety of academic disciplines without worrying about gen ed. There's so much academic freedom here, from that to the freedom we experience thanks to the honor code (self-scheduled exams).
I personally am not enjoying my overall experience. As someone who is politically conservative, not from the Northeast, a proud Christian, and who has a lot of guy friends, Smith is too much of a change for me, and not in a good way. Although I am very happy with the academics, I find that perhaps there is too much freedom and choice for an indecisive person like myself. I don't feel comfortable as a conservative on campus, or as a Christian in most circumstances. I have gotten used to the female environment but very often I find myself wanting to get away from all the estrogen. I'm from the Midwest and being in New England is neither as exciting or as pleasant as I had imagined it to be. The Northampton area is extremely hippie and bohemian, which some people really like, bust most days I just wish I could walk to Walmart or go home every once in a while. Please don't judge Smith on my personal experience however...but remember that Smith is a very unique experience that is not for everyone, even though the great majority of students I have met here are wonderful people in love with the school.
Smith is EXTREMELY expensive. For the most part, students feel like they are getting a bang for their buck. Room and Board covers our very nice dorms (Dorms Like Palaces) and The Board Plan, which includes three meals a day at the 15 or so dining halls on campus. There is also a lot of diversity in our meals, including food for vegans and those who prefer their meals to be gluten'free. Warning: if you really like meat, beware! Also, there are a great many resources on campus, from the CDO (Career Development Office) which will help you put together your resume to our Art, Performing Arts, Science, and general libraries. Not going to lie though...there will be times when I ask myself again, why are we all paying 50k?
1. A general college app tip...don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Even if you think Smith or some other school is for you, make sure you keep yourself open! 2. VISIT. I recommend Discovery Weekend...get to be someone's prospie and get to know the girl you shadow. 3. Take advantage of the 5 college area! 4. Smith cares about who you are overall -- not just your grades. Show them you're passionate about something because that will really make the difference. 5. You will hear that Smith is full of lesbians...truth: it's only HALF full of lesbians.
Smith is a haven for type A overachievers, but there's room for the more chill types too!