Smith College Top Questions

Smith is perfect! I love the academic atmosphere and the size of the campus. People here are really easy to talk to and the professors are amazing! I think that I made an excellent choice in applying early during my senior year in high school. I don't think I'd change anything!

I love the housing here, it's such an great atmosphere to make friends and to relax in. The campus is small enough that walking everywhere is really a fun past time. The landscape is beautiful and I just feel like everyone really cares about the upkeep. If I could change something though I'd make men more accessible, I haven't met one guy since I've been here and I have tried.

The best thing about Smith? So many amazing things – the amazing supportive, wonderful students; genius, accessible professors; no core curriculum; great resources – 4 libraries with the most books of any liberal arts school in America, awesome gym, great career development office, great resource of free tutors, amazing museum; awesome alums who’ll do anything for a Smithie; and the great housing system! One thing you’d change about Smith? The food. Apparently it’s better than at most schools, but I think it is bad. Is your school too large, too small, or just right? Smith is the largest women’s college in America. I think it is the perfect size. It’s big enough that there will always be new people to meet and you can go somewhere on campus and be pretty anonymous, but it’s small enough that you generally can find at least one person you know at all times. How do people react when you tell them you go to Smith? Individuals over 30ish or individuals in the business world are always extremely impressed and never have enough nice things to say about Smith, its reputation, and Smith alums that they know. Generally the younger population of individuals – react with, why would you go to an all girls school? I generally respond with because it’s the best school in the world, and why wouldn’t you go to a women’s college with all the amazing opportunities it provides. Where do you spend most of your time on campus? In my house with my housemates, in the Campus Center, in the gym, and in the library. College town, or what college town? Smith is in Northampton, which is the absolute perfect college town. Northampton has over 60 restaurants – which are amazing. Northampton also has great artsy stores for college students and parents, great bars, clubs, and concert halls. Northampton is near 2 big malls, near other great college towns like Amherst, and less than 2 hours away from Boston and 3 hours from NYC. What’s your opinion of Smith’s administration? Smith’s administration is a little old, rundown, and out of touch with the students, but overall they mean well. They just need to learn to connect more with the students, or be given some Prozac, or be sent to business school, or just replaced. What was the biggest recent controversy on campus? Black face. The bottom line problem at Smith is that we are so diverse (in so many different ways), that sometimes we really don’t understand each other’s backgrounds, what’s appropriate to say and do towards each other, and how different of an education in life we’ve all been given. So at times yes there are severe cultural misunderstandings, and events that occur. Hopefully we all learn from his though and it’ll help us all to be better off in life later down the road. Is there a lot of school pride? I would say that there is a lot of school pride among alums, but not much among the student population which is very unfortunate, as this is such an amazing school (I don’t think most students know how many great resources really exist at Smith). There is a lot of school pride though among athletes. Is there anything unusual about Smith? The ridiculously supportive student body, and the amount of opportunities and attention provided specifically for women to succeed in life. What’s one experience you’ll always remember? Having a serious academic/ world events discussion for an hour in the bathroom. Waking up every morning during my third week of attending Smith and finding presents left out in the hall way for me, from my anonymous big sister in my house. What are the most frequent student complaints? Issues with food, not enough time in the day, little maintenance and upkeep issues

the small classes, TA hours, dorms, meal plan, DIII athletics-you can do up to 3 different sports teams, swim team was the best experience.

I graduated in 2005, so some things have certainly changed. When I was there, one of the larger controversies was over dining. Historically, each house at Smith had its own dining room. While I was there, many houses were eliminating their kitchens and consolodating into other dining rooms. The fear was that evetually it would just be a big dining hall like many other schools and Smithies didn't like that idea, nor do I. I love the house system, the class sizes, the online registration. I love self-scheduled finals and the way we cheer for ourselves. I love the architecture and the town, albeit small. The administration typically listens to the concerns of the students. You catch the president at tea and walking across campus. The deans will sometimes come to dinner at the houses or come to work as staff during events, like dances and other parties. The SGA is something special because they have a very large budget they get to decide themselves, like a city council. The school is small but offers as much as many larger universities. I wouldn't have wanted it to be any bigger. Since I'm in the midwest, I do have the downside of many people not knowing what or where Smith is. However, I know that I went to an academically rigorous, socially challenging and personally empowering school. As for complaints, Smith is special in the outspokenness, informedness and bravery of its students. If they have a problem, they are not afraid to speak up, sometimes too loudly for too small a problem, but they are not silent in the face of perceived injustice.

This is a college for strong women. The academics are wonderful, you meet life long friends here, you can get involved in anything you choose, however, because of the above listed stereotypes, one has to be ready for all kinds of social abuse from people. However, if you are secure in yourself enough to come here, then it's a great place for an education. It's a good size, you don't feel lost here. Everyone is looking out for your best interests, and you can better learn who you are, without boy drama weighing you down.

Smith is great academically and the professors I've had so far have all been extremely approachable and helpful! I would like to change the fact that a student can only either major, major/minor, or double major, and that she can't double major and minor. The size of Smith is ideal. I've received varying reactions when I tell people I go to Smith. People who have actually heard of it are impressed. People who haven't don't understand the choice of an all-women's college. I spend most of my time in my room, which I love and have made totally my own. Northampton is a nice, funky town. The administration is pretty stiff when it comes to the way things are done, and I have never seen any of the administration take that extra step in helping a student; that being said, the students make up for it. The students, especially my house mates, are beyond accommodating. The most recent controversy was a girl went to a "Celebrity Rehab" themed party and she is Caucasian, so she wore darker make-up, and a lot of people got offended because it reminded them of blackface. My impression is that there is a healthy level of school pride. The fact that Smith is all-women is unusual, but I also think that it is the best thing about Smith. I'll always remember my Shakespeare and Film class; it's my favorite so far. The students complain about not seeing guys often enough, but I really don't mind.

Smith is my home, it is the place where I am happiest and where I belong. I love the tradition of the school, the challenging academics, and the women that I live with. The one aspect which truly makes this school special is how every single student that attends this institution cherishes Smith in very much the same way. The most powerful moment is attending convocation at the beginning of the year, and as each professor marches before us, the room bursts into excitement. I will never forget my first convocation. At first I was shocked by the nudity and freedom of expression! There were women running around celebrating their house and their community together. And then the professors entered the great JMG Hall, and the room exploded with cheers, stomping of feet, and applause. I thought to myself, "Smithies really love this college. What a wonderful place to be". We adore our professors and respect their knowledge and are forever indebted to what they can teach us. One thing that I never want to lose is the element of tradition in this school. We have a very special and very unique tradition that has celebrated women for over a century. Our house teas, our Ivy Day celebrations, our convocation, our Mountain Day, all these elements make Smith stand out as a special institution. There is a lot of college pride at Smith, though not in the way that you see at the larger universities like UNC or Duke. Our pride is not defined through our sports teams (although we are certainly are proud of them). Our pride is in our tradition, in the success of our alumni, in the brilliance of our professors, in our unity as women. I think the biggest fear among my fellow classmates and myself is that someday Smith will lose the tradition that defines it. We are a small liberal arts college which allows for an intimate relationship between students, professors, and faculty. Our small houses allow more than friendships to develop, they allow families to develop. The fact that we are a women's college makes a Smith experience unique, and allows us for atleast four years of ourlives to for a true bond of sisterhood among our peers. The Smith experience is empowering, it is supportive, and it is something to be shared with women for generations to come.

I'd change how sensitive everyone is. You often have to walk on egg shells because some groups redefine the term "politically correct"

Smith is well Smith. It's a place were all the nerdy, different, and "out there" can all come together and live in near perfect harmony. I would say the size is just right but some department, ie Psychology are in my opinion over enrolled and too big which loses the overall intimacy of the campus. There have been several recently controversies about overblown race issues and the cutting back of certain departments. But the administration has been really open in my opinion and they want student's feedback. There is a lot of school and Northampton is awesome!

I love Smith more everyday. I love the students and the professors. Everyone is so accepting, and I've really been able to discover myself here. I love the size of the school and the size of the town. I spend most of my free time in my house, because that's where my best friends are. I also do most of my homework in my house, but you certainly don't have to. It's just my personal preference.

Smith is too small. It is isolated (you have to take a bus to get to the train station) Most people do not know what Smith is, and it is not worth your money to attend Smith. Most of your time will be spent in your room, as most of the time it will be too cold to go outside, but unfortunately most of the houses are gross and run down. Additionally, if you are not extremely wealthy, don't bother going into town. Smith administration is sucking the endowment dry and lining their own pockets. .. and again good luck getting any financial aid if you are not a minority student... The issue of race is dealt with so poorly it is terrifying-- you can not have a genuine academic, intellectual discussion about anything with out being called racist if you are white or middle eastern. (I once tried to have a discussion about the Today Show and from that it was turned into an accusation of racism... living at Smith is like being in the middle of a witch hunt.) Smith is a shame (the current President has ruined the College). This college is an eternal disappointment.

Best thing: I've had at least one class every semester I loved, I got to study abroad in the country of my dreams (Italy), and there's always something to do on campus (lectures, symposiums, concerts, poetry readings, house activities, bulb shows,...) What I would change: that students would stop to start sentences with "I feel" instead of "I think" I think the size is just right - at least for me. Since I'm an international student, I don't usually tell people at home where exactly I go. In the US it depends, some people have heard about it, and generally think it's a great school, others have simply not heard about it. Most of the time I spend studying at the library or in my room (very nice on-campus housing), but I also enjoy hanging out with my friends after meals. I think the administration is pretty good. I never had problems, and as anywhere else, it helps to be friendly, and not rush in screaming at people that you need something from them. The biggest controversy is always about political correctness. With such a diverse group of students, there's always somebody who gets offended by something, and the community is very receptive to such complains and tries to accomodate the beliefs of each of its members. there is of course a lot of school pride! The most frequent complain is that they have too much work. but in the end we all get it done, and are proud of what we accomplished.

Too Small Wow! well done, such a great school, especially at the embassy and at the airport Room and friend's room What college town? Excellent administration Faculty and budgets cut Yes

The best thing about Smith is the libraries. FOUR libraries!! You can get almost anything! I've heard that Smith has the largest library for a liberal arts college in the country. The Mortimer Rare Book Room is indescribable. I can always find journals that Smith libraries subscribe to when my friends at other colleges can't. If I could change one thing it would be the budget. Smith allocates funds for lectures and grants and expensive eco-friendly biodegradable forks (which melt when used for hot food), and we don't even have soap in the bathrooms! We have "hand sanitizer foam" because they want to conserve water. Sometimes you just need to wash your hands. There is less and less parking for students on campus every year. Dining halls often run out of what they planned on serving that night. Money is spent on all the "extra fluff" when some of the basic student comforts aren't provided.

The best thing about Smith is the libraries. FOUR libraries!! You can get almost anything! I've heard that Smith has the largest library for a liberal arts college in the country. The Mortimer Rare Book Room is indescribable. I can always find journals that Smith libraries subscribe to when my friends at other colleges can't. If I could change one thing it would be the budget. Smith allocates funds for lectures and grants and expensive eco-friendly biodegradable forks (which melt when used for hot food), and we don't even have soap in the bathrooms! We have "hand sanitizer foam" because they want to conserve water. Sometimes you just need to wash your hands. There is less and less parking for students on campus every year. Dining halls often run out of what they planned on serving that night. Money is spent on all the "extra fluff" when some of the basic student comforts aren't provided.

The best thing about Smith is that you can try different things and see how they work for you. Want to take a Bio class? Sure. Wanna try a language? Why not? Which one? Arabic? Mandarin? Russian? Japanese? Hindi? There's always something to try or something to do here. I love Smith because it has an open curriculum and encourages you to try things you wouldn't normally sign up for. It really expanded my horizons and I was able to maximize my education. I spent most of my time in Smith's psych department, mostly because it was my job. Second to that, however, I spent a lot of time in my house. Smith doesn't have dormitories. We have HOUSES. Yeah, does sound a little bit like greek/sorority style living, but it isn't like that at all. In your houses, you make your best friends. You always have someone to talk to, doors are almost always open; all with no wacky paddling-rituals or weird frat boys hanging around a keg. Northampton is definitely not a "college-town". It has a hippy-granola feeling with lots of art, music, good (organic) coffee, natural food stores, and small businesses that you never tire of. There are a ton of really great places to study; Haymarket cafe, The Yellow Couch, Woodstar, good 'ole Starbucks, Better Thyme Deli (great tasting, cheap sandwiches!)..the list goes on and on. If you ever get time, hit Sweeties, the candy store and try their Vegan Peanut Butter Melts! They also have fantastic non-vegan candies which are good too. Students usually complain about dining. Unlike other colleges, we have an in-house dining system. However, Smith has undergone many changes in their dining since 2003. All students are given One-Cards (which are student ID-Cards that let you into the gym, copy rooms, computer labs, your own house, and dining halls). With your one card, you may have dinner(or any other meal) at any house you choose. Each house has a different menu, which you can peruse at your leisure from the Smith website. Students often complain that it has had a negative impact on the culture of the houses, puts undue pressure on cook staff (who are already over worked), and have limited options. Moreover, the food will quickly run out especially at speciality houses (houses with themed menus). This is especially true when certain houses serve Indian or Asian food, Breakfast-for-Dinner, and other types of very popular dishes. Despite complaints: One experience that will stick with me forever is Convocation (especially the one from my first year at Smith). Convocation is a Smith tradition (one of MANY traditions we have here) that celebrates the beginning of the school year. I remember the thousand or so Smithies packed in the John M Green Hall auditorium in their school pride and other decor/costumes. Every house has their own traditions surrounding this event and it was awe inspiring to see so many women celebrating their education.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Smith is the academics. You pay a lot of money, but you get what you pay for, a good education from a very reputable college. It does seem, however, that the school administration has been making several drastic changes to the college over the last 5 years. Several things which made the college much more of a community, for example dinning in every house, has been removed or replaced and I can't help but feel like the dynamic of the college has changed a bit from it. There is less intra house community. There have also been several incidents at the college which have fractured the Smith community. Specifically, there were several racist controversies among students as well as an incident involving the trans community at Smith. These incidents divided the Smith community into (usually) two strongly opposing sides which I would still say do not get along.

I love Smith. I would never want to attend a large university where I didn't know every couple people I passed walking to class. But it isn't so small that I feel congested or that there still aren't new people to meet every day. When I tell people I go to Smith and they know what I'm talking about, they are very impressed and give the "ohhhh, Smith...!". I spend most of my time around campus--I work for the Music Department, I am President of the Student Government Association and spend lots of time in the SGA Office (in our Campus Center). Oh yeah, and I spend considerable amounts of time in the gym or at the boathouse with my crew teammates. Northampton is a great college town. I love going downtown on the weekends to drink coffee and do homework with my best friends. Other friends go to Amherst or other nearby towns to do work on the weekends, too. As a leader in the SGA, I am able to work closely with the college administration on student issues. After speaking with other SGA presidents from various universities, I realize that we are lucky to have an administration that is so responsive and actually listens to our concerns. Having said that, the administration definitely needs nudges and considerable pressure to get certain things done. The most recent controversy on campus happened last semester when a first year student attended a "Celebrity Rehab" party dressed as Whitney Houston. This incident and particularly its aftermath made it clear that Smith needs to be more proactive in seeking campus-wide multicultural competency. We are still working on this and having many conversations and planning groups to work on these issues. However, in my opinion, I believe that faculty need more pressure to address these issues within the context of their courses and take the initiative to learn more about multiculturalism themselves. We are also discussing whether or not we should arm our public safety officers. This decision will likely be made by the end of the Spring semester. We are also working on finding a new Smith spirit mark/mascot/identity/logo, etc. A local design firm has been meeting with various Smith community groups to talk about what it means to be a Smithie and what we would want from a new mascot if we were to get one. We are currently the Pioneers, though we don't have a visual identity to go with the concept of "pioneer".