Smith College Top Questions

The best thing about Smith is the faculty - they are true educators who care about the mental and personal growth of their students. They are usually very accessible and some are also happy to come to dinner or tea with students. I really like the size of Smith - I was looking for a small a small liberal arts college and I got one. The botanical gardens and the arboretum trees make the campus beautiful all year round. And Northampton is a great town. And beyond Northampton the rest of the valley has a lot to offer. One thing I would change about Smith is the high-brow bureaucratic administration. The administration sometimes makes decisions with informing/consulting the student body and/or without consulting the people who are in a position to know what's best (cutting faculty, interfering with self-governing student bodies such as co-ops, refusing to hire for important faculty positions even when urged by two department chairs, refusing to hire 1.5 staff positions for the animal care facility that supports faculty research even after being in danger of losing accreditation).

When I tell people my age that I go to Smith College, most of the time I get a blank stare in reaction and a generic "oh thats nice", however, when I mention it so someone a bit older or of my parents generation I generally get an enthusiastic reaction as well as them telling me of how wonderful of a school it is. Smith is a great place, the people are friendly and the campus is beautiful. Its a good size, allowing you to have small classes so that you get personal attention from your professors but not to small so you do not feel as if you know everyone on campus. The housing would be different if there were more students, and the actual houses are something that is a truly Smith experience. I met all my close friends in my house (Washburn) and know that my experience here would not be the same if we were housed in regular dorms. The town of Northampton is a great little college town and a very short walk from campus. It has everything that you would need on a regular basis so you dont have to travel far for anything.

Chick school, 0 men, small town, beautiful campus, serious Smith bubble, not a ton of intellectual conversation floating around, way too much bureaucracy in administration- hard to get anything done, change anything, get decent funding. Recent problems with racism. School pride in the sense that you're joining this 'Smith Network' that will follow you around for the rest of your life, and I swear you run into them everywhere. Smithies are either in love with Smith or hate it, though I'm actually sort of indifferent. Annoying things: no 24 hour spaces aside from dorms (even the libraries close), reduced dining so not every house has there own dining hall, really strict about drinking and partying rules- ridiculously so. No such thing as a keg on Smith campus except at regulated parties (complete with 21 and over ID bracelets). Consequently the party scene at Smith is really limited and restricted leading to unhealthy habits of binge drinking in rooms and then going down for wild dance parties. There isn't any casual drinking- there's no space for it. Also, be careful not to get sold on 'Smith Traditions' they're not nearly as romantic as they're made out to be. Don't let yourself be beguiled by Mountain day, Friday teas, Thursday candle lit dinners etc etc, you'll be disappointed. Also, Smith really talks up the 'community' aspect of the campus but its turning into mostly rhetoric these days as the school keeps getting rid of or tweaking the things that actually created community within houses etc. A lot of people feel like they were sold a false product when they get to Smith.

The size of smith is just right. When I tell people I go to Smith their reaction depends on their generation. If they are adult or middle aged they usually react with praise if they are college age they usually ask if I am gay or about other all womens institution stereotypes. Northampton's not really a college town but it has a lot of cool little businesses and places to go if you choose. If you don't want to go to town there are always plenty of activities right on on Smith campus.

I love Smith, the campus is beautiful and has everything you never dreamed of needing, an arboretum, artist designed bathrooms, etc. The downtown is great and there is always something going on on or near campus. The school feels a little small sometimes but never isolated.

it's not for everyone; "once a smithie always a smithie"; definitely a home away from home

Smith is a really small campus but i really like how i can travel across campus in less then 20 minute. another plus to the campus is the scenery its gorgeous here. i also really like how the smith campus welcomes the whole northampton community and isn't close off to the town people.

I adore the housing. Living in a house with 70 other students gives me a family away from home. Anything I need I can walk into town and get. Very college town-y, but in fun way. My campus is small but not confining, there is't a gigantic student body but I'm always meeting new people. I'm always coming across new oppertunities and won't have a dull moment even though I'm not going abroad next year.

the landscape it incredible the history and traditions are wonderful northampton has so many great restaurants and shops and fabulous bars the culture of smith and northampton are great - with an emphasis on sustainability and the environment and human rights

Some of the best things about Smith are the facilities- the green house, the art studios, the libraries, and the houses. Smith has a huge endowments and we reap so many benefits. So many things are still yet to be discovered every day- like the rare books room in the Neilson library, the wood shop in the bottom of Hillyer, the Kahn institute in Neilson Library, and more. There are also tons of funds and fellowships you can appeal to for money, like SSAS. I would perhaps make my school co-ed... i mean i would. I spend most of my time in my house, because it is one of the best places on Smith Campus and where most of my friends live- also one of the only 2 co-ops at Smith. I go into Northampton a good amount to study in the coffee shops and remind myself that my college isn't in the middle of nowhere, it has a great town!

Smith is a very supportive place. Women are encouraged to think and create their own future. At Smith, we defy traditional femininity roles. I spend most of my time either in my room or at the library. I love my room. Smith has an incredible housing system. Northampton has wonderful shops, cafes and it's a lively town.

Smith College is an all female liberal arts college, relatively small, but with big college opportunities including the advantage of being so close to four other colleges that we are free to take classes at. The size is just right for me. I love the residential houses (especially my house of Chapin.) I wish that I could study abroad for a second time in a different location, but the study abroad office is very strict. Northampton is a very fun college town and I never get tired of it. My overall impression is a positive one.

I think Smith (by which I mean the structure of the institution) allows its students to grow and develop academically and personally. Not only is the overall experience of Smith a good one, but it's situated in the town of Northampton , which is a great little town with a lot going on, too. While Smith has a ways to go in terms of "walking their talk", the community of students, staff, faculty and administrators are trying to be more transparent and open the lines of communication better.

I love the size of Smith. It's small enough to be friendly but big enough not to feel claustrophobic. When I tell people I go here, they either ask if I'm gay or are really impressed. Northampton is an amazing town that has everything a colelge student could want.

best thing: The housing is great, you really get to know everyone in your house like a second family, the food is decent, and theres always something going on. The campus is gorgeous, just walking around is nice and its not too spread out or too close together. I'd change: It would be nice if inter-college registration was slightly more straight-forward, its not impossible but it could be easier. Also dealing with administration is really challenging and figuring out what office to go to sometimes leads you on walks all over campus because everyone sends you to see someone else. Too large, too small, or just right?: For me its just right, but I think size of college is a very personal thing. Smith is about the same size as my high school but many people say its huge. For being a small school, there are a lot of programs offered here and within the 5-college area, yet its small enough that you make friends in class and recognize people around campus. How do people react?: I'm from California. No one knows where or what Smith is. Where do I spend most of my time?: I study in my room so I spend most of my time there. College town: Northampton is amazing; one of the best things about Smith. Northampton is really fun with great shops and restaurants, people like the college kids, and its fairly safe. Smith administration: Avoid until necessary. School Pride: I think school pride really varies per person around campus. There are big sporting events that people cheer at but everyone with a Smith degree is very proud which is the most important show of pride. Unusual?: Smith is a really weird bubble to be in because just living here you learn a lot about gay/trans/queer issues. Most Frequent Complaints: Sucky parties, but I don't party so I mostly complain about the amount of work.

If I could change one thing about smith, I'd lessen the bureaucracy needed to fund student projects and organizations

The small size of the school and "cottage system" of housing, for we live in actual houses and not dorms, foster a close-knit community. Houses and sports teams have their own mini-communities, inside jokes, and traditions, so it is easy to make friends and you always have someone to go to dinner with. Yet, there are enough people that you can have more than just one circle of friends, and the first day of classes always introduces you to new people. The town of Northampton has much to offer students, including award-winning ice cream shoppe Herrell's. Students can shop at the semi-underground complex Thornes, grab a smoothie at Haymarket with friends, and go to a fantastic concert at the Iron Horse. Norhtampton's restaurant scene is excellent, with a wide array of styles and prices for each student. Hampshire Mall and Amherst are just a free bus ride away as well, making it easy to get off campus if you need a break.

unique.

Smith is a wonderful college. It is big enough to have a wide range of programs and activities, but small enough to be able to get to know your fellow students and professors. Academics are definitely the main priority here, but there are also clubs, music groups, and sports teams. The unique housing system allows students to make friends with people from every class, and the rooms are beautiful. Northampton is also a great place to live. Main Street is just a few minutes walk away and is full of fun shops and restaurants of all kinds. One downside to Smith is that there is not nearly enough parking, so its best not to bring a car. The PVTA bus system is free to students, so a car is not really necessary. Smith is also part of the Five College Consortium with Mount Holyoke, Amherst, Hampshire, and UMASS Amherst, so it is possible to take classes at other schools.

I like the housing. Somehow EVERY discussion in class gets related to gender and women's issues, which is annoying. I hang out at UMass a lot, so the feminist bullshit hasn't warped my brain yet. I like Northampton.

Northampton is a really great town and the Pioneer Valley in general is a fantastic location. Unfortunately, Smith's administration is not the greatest...they spout a lot of good stuff about their goals but don't always listen to the students. Smith is a great size, beautiful, and the professors are very involved and care a lot about students.

Generally, I adore Smith. It's challenging academically, but the work isn't too bad, it just helps you to learn about budgeting time. There's certainly lots to do at all times, and socialization is encouraged. There's lots of great causes on campus to become involved in, and there's a club for just about anything you could want to do.

The best thing about Smith is all of the traditions! Tea, cocktail parties, candelit dinners, more teas, Ivy Day, and all the other traditions that make Smith special. And all of them are all about women, for women.

The location of Smith is what bothers me the most. If it were closer to Boston, I would be much more satisfied. It is a good size school, with smaller classes which can be both good and bad at times. People always ask me "Are you a lesbian?" when I tell them that I go to Smith. No, we are not all lesbians, Thank you.

One of my favorite things about Smith is that, as a women's college, our school is rich in traditions. For example, Smith has a tradition that all students live in houses rather than dorms... the rooms really are like palaces, and you truly feel at "home" rather than at some sort of institution. Also, every Friday afternoon, every house on campus has "tea." At this weekly event, the college caters cookies, fruit platters, cheese and crackers, tea, and all sorts of other snacks in the living rooms of every house, and students within the houses get together to eat great food and catch up with their friends... it's a way to relax and come together as a community before the weekend, and the entire campus participates in it!

Smith gives women the tools to become leaders during college and beyond. Having female role models, professors interested in educating women, and the opportunities to run for campus positions and be leaders in the housing system are completely unique to Smith.

Smith is just the right size, and people that have any sort of intelligence hear Smith and are very impressed. I spend most of my time around my house, as my closest friends live there. Northampton is a college town, and I love it. It has so many fun places, is close but far enough away, and encompasses a lot of interests.

We spend a lot of time here in our houses. While everyone is very involved on activities on campus, we pride ourselves here on awesome house community. We LOVE our houses, and I LOVE mine. So I spend a lot of time in my house participating in activities with my housemates and doing work on House Council. However, the weather is starting to get really nice, and Smith has a BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS that is perfect to lay outside on and do work or soak in the sun. I can't wait to sit on the swing by Paradise Pond, observe the nature and read a good book, or class assigned books.

Smith is in a GREAT college area. Northampton is a great town with tons of stuff to do ranging from parades to concerts to a great meal. The five college system is also great for getting off campus and interacting with other students in the area.

Smith despite its small size, has a lot to offer; it doesn't offer everything, and you have to like a environment where people aren't afraid to talk about difficult topics, like racism or abortion or religion, but it's also a place where students study hard and party hard. Smithies like to excel at everything they do, from academics, to extracurriculars, to relaxing on the weekends, and of course, everyone's favorite pastime, complaining. Sometimes, Smith takes it self too serious, but on the whole, its a fun and engaging environment, and its easy to create a niche for yourself on campus.

The best thing about Smith is that it does have small class sizes...but on the average, the high cost doesn't seem worth it for what the students get (dorms are not renovated often/at all, few new faculty and the old ones are not always the best, the administration is not helpful and often the problem, ITS is pretty bad for a near-Ivy Leauge school). The administration is too worried about 'racism' (when there is none and diversity is the hightest it's ever been among the student body) and diversity issues. The most frequent complaint is how money is wasted--for instance, a consultant was hired to see what the school's mascot (the Pioneer... a male, by the way) means to the school, and if it should be changed or just used more often, etc, etc....when any student could tell you that they hate it (it's always 'Smithies' or 'Smith College' not 'Pioneers' in conversation. You might think we don't even have a mascot), they would rather have almost anything else, and that one of the old class/house mascots would be more popular. They in no way need a 'consultant' to figure this out (who had never asked any students that we know of) when a simple poll ('should we change it?'), design competition and voting would raise more school spirit and a more popular mascot in very little time. Northampton is becoming less of a real town and more of a tourist trap for parents (not a lot for college kids to do on a strict budget) but the nearby towns of the rest of teh 5 College consortium supplement well, if you want to take the bus.

The Smith administration is amazingly supportive. Their are so many resources for students - health wise, academically, financially and personally. I have seen so many students at Smith struggle in one aspect and receive immediate and helpful support from Smith. Smith makes an investment in each student and jumps through hoops to see that they succeed. Especially the financial aid department - they treat each student's situation individually and work with you to make the opportunity to attend Smith happen.

Smith is a great place to go to school. Northampton is constantly changing and always exciting. The campus itself is so beautiful, no matter what the season, and it's large enough that you never feel crowded anywhere you go.

The best thing about Smith is the community, or I might say communities. At Smith, we don't live in "dorms" we live in "houses", and each house has its own special flavor, if you will. Most everyone knows one another, and it is a very good social base, as many people will stay in the same house all four years, and there is a really good mix of people from every class year. I especially appreciated in my first year getting to know sophomores, juniors and seniors, because they knew all of the inner workings of campus and were definitely interesting people that I might not have met had the housing situation been different. I spend almost all of my free time in my house or with people from my house. If your house isn't exactly to your liking, then there are endless options in clubs, sports, and even majors that can be supportive communities. Smith is also in Northampton, one of the best college towns I've been in. There are amazing restaurants, shops, a fantastic ice cream place, an independent movie theater, a few nightclubs (which I don't really know anything about, but figure it's good to mention), and generally everything one could ask for. The food in particular is amazing, not that you'd really need to go out to eat ever because Smith food is certainly the best college food I've ever tasted. Beyond Northampton, there is just the Pioneer Valley in general, with amazing scenery, four other colleges (Amherst, UMass, Hampshire and Mt Holyoke, all of which are connected by free buses) and if you can get yourself out a little farther you never know what you might find.

I love just about everything about smith! one of my only complaints is how the number of professors is dropping because they arent being replaced if older professors retire... especially in the art department, this is a big problem. on campus i spend lots of time in my wonderful house on green street and at least an equal amount of time in the art building studios and library. our population here is wonderful, though can be difficult at times because we have a LOT of VERY opinionated people here! this, of course, isn't necessarily a bad thing, but there seem to be a great deal of unproductive arguments around here!

It's a good size. I like that financial aid makes it possible for people to come here. The doors it opens are huge. Opportunities abound. Sometimes people have never heard of it when I mention that I go here; those who are more educated generally have heard of it. I love all of the traditions (tea, illumination night, ivy day, etc.) People complain about the dining change but I don't care.

The size is good - you know a lot of people but not everyone. When I tell people I go to Smith they're impressed if they know about Smith, but if they're not from New England they usually don't know about it. I spend a lot of time in my room, in Seelye Hall, in the gym. This is definitely a college town - Northampton is fun to visit. A lot of people go downtown to study in cafes. Smith administration is a typical bureaucracy. They do a good job considering the pressure on them to do everything. Biggest recent controversy: staff cuts. School pride - I would say teams have a lot of school pride and every else has less. Frequent student complaints: the food is always the same, houses need renovation, more money spent on (fill in the blank - housing, dining, financial aid...)

Smith is actually summer camp. Its just big enough so that everyone can find their niche, yet small enough that by senior year, you can recognize the majority of your class. It is one of the most beautiful campuses, with a botanical gardens, a pond for kayaking, stables, diverse houses and big green spaces. It practically melds into Northampton, which is an ideal college town. Noho adopts smithies with welcoming arms, offering tons of diverse restaurants, shopping, concerts, etc. Smith is FULL of traditions, most date back nearly to the college's inception. Traditions such as Mountain Day (a random day off in the Fall), Rally Day (to celebrate Seniors), Quad Riot (a giant food fight), Big Sib/Lil' Sib within each house, Tea every week in your house... The buzz word at Smith is "community."

I love Smith. I love the academic rigor of the college and a majority of the professors here. However, I think the school's administration is awful and that there have been some horrible changes in the past few years.

there's definitely a smith bubble. it isn't the real world. despite our awareness of what's going on, we're very shut off from the real world. it's jarring to go home to new york for breaks.

On an average day at Smith, I spend a lot of time around our beautiful campus, and see tons of people I know on the way. It is a small enough community that you can really know a lot of people, but not so small that everyone is in everyone's business all the time. We have a lot of amazing and fun traditions, like Friday tea in the houses. Smith is located in Northampton, MA, which is an amazing place to be, with lots of great coffee shops, restaurants and shopping options with a fun and alternative flavor.

The best thing about Smith is housing. The rooms are much larger and much more manipulable than at other schools. Also, it is easier to do what you want i.e. a "closed door" policy. I spend the majority of time in my house. Northampton is also a typically "college town," and appeals to most people. However, being from a city makes the Hamp feel small. Smith's administration is overly concerned with their own liability. My own personal experiences vastly demonstrate this. Also; if mental health is a big concern for a prospective student, they should not even bother. Smith has one of the highest depression rates and an exceeding number of students forced to go on "short-term medical leave." People either have not heard of Smith College, or they ask, "isn't that an all-girls school?," or "how is the all-girls thing working out for you?"... if they're friends of my parents', they are generally impressed. Various "racial" incidents have beent he most recent controversy. These were "resolved" with mutual-masturbatory forums and panels that sought to discuss race and privilege, etc., etc. There is a lot of school pride, specifically house pride. Although the "women's college" atmosphere is supposed to foster sisterhood and help women find a voice in a patriarchal society, very often the opposite happens here. The "Smith bubble" brings out the worst in most girls, in my general experience. I find that when I come here I get more catty and more abrasive than I normally would. Also, the stress culture fostered here is ENORMOUS. I know of people who suffer physical ailments due to their stress levels. It's a lot of girls trying to out-peg each other. Also, the food sucks.

Smith is too small for my liking. I'd rather attend a school located in a large city. Furthermore, I'd prefer a co-ed school since having too many girls together in a small area causes unneeded drama.

smith tries to show off as being energy smart and trying to be green. putting hand sanitizer in the bathroom with no soap or paper towels isn't going to save the world even if it does minimally cut down water use and paper waste. I also think it contributes to more colds and other viruses because smithies arent' actually washing their hands or even doing anything at all. also if smith really wanted to be green they could replace all the windows in the residential buildings. most of our windows do not adequately seal and some don't even close. I have woken up at night because it is windy and my window leaks so much it feels like it's open. they would save on heating costs exponentially.

Smith is amazing, with the perfect amount of students. The housing system allows students to develop small communities within the campus, while the diverse extracurriculars allow for campus wide community. Many smithies will complain about anything and everything, but when it comes down to it, they know that they have an amazing situation.

I love Smith. Love love love. I tranferred here and I couldn't be happier. A lot of people are nervous about going to a women's college-- and it's true, it's not for everyone. Don't convince yourself it will be just like a coed school because of the five college system: it's not. But for a lot of people, a women's college is the best thing that could happen to them. I, for one, love it. As a woman, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

The best thing about Smith is the small classes. It's also wonderful to have dedicated and available professors who will go to great lengths for undergrads. Sometimes it's a little trying not having men around, because they are generally a pretty stabilizing presence. However, whenever I go to a co-ed school, I remember that men can also be immature, gross, and condescending, and I'm glad I don't live with them.

My favorite thing about Smith is the incredible sense of community present here. Smithies are generally very supportive of other Smithies. This is definitely the only college I've heard of that celebrates on the school forum every time any alumna achieves anything. One special aspect of Smith is the house system. Most students choose to stay in the same house all four years, which leads to great inter-class relationships that a lot of my friends at other schools don't have.

I'd change how expensive the town is. Northampton is very expensive--I rarely go there to eat and hang out and shop. I'm incredibly involved in Smith with my teachers and in clubs. Its so easy to get involved. You feel like you're apart of something much bigger.

While there are plenty of instances in which I feel swamped by schoolwork or frustrated at the Smith administration for making paperwork and procedures ten times more complicated than they need to be (you know, just what school administrations do), I find myself remembering so many, many moments where I LOVED Smith. I'm not sure I could name any other school where the students do things like argue for gay marriage using Jane Austin as a reference, play with spud guns and hovercrafts during physics, or arbitrarily decide they will write their final papers in verse. In day to day classes and work, I've met people of such varying backgrounds from myself; at huge events like Celebration and Conbust, I find myself surrounded by people with similar interests. And they are all so intelligent--whether I agree or disagree with what they say, it's hard for me to be frustrated by any lack of intelligence. It's so uplifting for a smart girl to find herself in such good company.