Smith College
- 4 Year
- NORTHAMPTON, MA
Women's CollegeGrad School
Smith College Reviews
Rating 3.71 out of 5 924 reviews
Smith College is an incredible place that balances rigorous academics with a supportive community. As a student, I've found the small class sizes and dedicated professors truly enriching. The campus is stunning, especially in the fall, and Northampton offers a vibrant, artsy atmosphere. The college's commitment to women's education and empowerment is evident in every aspect, from the diverse course offerings to the numerous leadership opportunities. The student body is passionate and politically active, creating an environment where you can engage deeply with important issues. Living in a close-knit residential community has been a highlight, fostering lifelong friendships and collaborative learning. Overall, Smith has provided me with an education that is both intellectually challenging and personally transformative.
I love Smith. The institution certainly has its faults, as does any, and I think that some Smithies are quick to make negative judgements of the college due to the bubble we're in that can limit our perspective in the grand scheme of higher education across the country. I think they make these judgements because Smithies are uniquely driven, passionate, and brilliant people so this is not a criticism of them, but a way to interpret some lower reviews.
My professors and classes here are incredible and I know I couldn't get this education elsewhere. Students are so involved on campus and our student orgs are uniquely autonomous in a very impressive way. The number of ways you can be involved on campus from day one are immeasurable. The class sizes are great and the house communities can't be found at any other school. If you come with realistic expectations and want to put effort into connecting with the community, Smith is a great place for you.
My professors and classes here are incredible and I know I couldn't get this education elsewhere. Students are so involved on campus and our student orgs are uniquely autonomous in a very impressive way. The number of ways you can be involved on campus from day one are immeasurable. The class sizes are great and the house communities can't be found at any other school. If you come with realistic expectations and want to put effort into connecting with the community, Smith is a great place for you.
I loved Smith's open area and scenery, but adjusting to campus life was difficult for me as a black woman. I met many sweet professors and very supportive resources, though! One of the biggest issues that I had while there was toxic positivity. Although Smith was an environment for growth and positivity, there were times when I felt like there wasn't much room to feel my sad emotions either, and as a s black woman, I felt very alone because of it. Of course, there were resources to support me while having these feelings, but in my opinion, I don't think the resources were as inclusive as it was made out to be.
I like the people and the professors they are really kinda and care about student life. I think having a safe environment for women is important for all women
It’s a good school with some quirks and as long as you know what those quirks are before coming here, you’ll be alright.
Those considering Smith College should read "The Strange Disappearance of Sophia Smith" by Quentin Quesnell. Today, the college has taken a radical departure from the Christian institution as set forth in her Last Will by Sophia Smith which can be found online.
Know exactly what you need to get from your education. After investing four years of my life as an Ada Comstock scholar to earn my BA to seek gainful employment, I was not even given as much as an interview for a job I applied for at Smith that I was well-qualified for.
At Smith, equity, diversity, and inclusion DOES NOT include conservative traditional values. Your voice will be silenced. One must wonder how "sustainable" the college is at this point.
Before Smith, the courses I took at the local community college were every bit as good as those at Smith. Do not be fooled by a brand name. If it is an education you seek, do your homework and get the best value for your money. Look beyond the elitist facade.
Know exactly what you need to get from your education. After investing four years of my life as an Ada Comstock scholar to earn my BA to seek gainful employment, I was not even given as much as an interview for a job I applied for at Smith that I was well-qualified for.
At Smith, equity, diversity, and inclusion DOES NOT include conservative traditional values. Your voice will be silenced. One must wonder how "sustainable" the college is at this point.
Before Smith, the courses I took at the local community college were every bit as good as those at Smith. Do not be fooled by a brand name. If it is an education you seek, do your homework and get the best value for your money. Look beyond the elitist facade.
Its a great place to grow up safely, explore sociality and make mistakes without them costing your your friends or life.
Smith College provides a high level of academic rigor, as well as many opportunities for students to connect hands on experience to their fields of study. While students have to take initiative to experience these hands on opportunities, they are worthwhile to do. In addition to good academics, the community at Smith College is tight knit and supportive.
It was an enjoyable experience. I should have taken advantage of the consortium more, but I enjoyed the classes that I took.
Admin does not care about what students think, but it's really easy to find your people. And honestly, the people are what makes your experience at Smith worthwhile. However, the workload is CRAZY and the culture is very queer-centric. I'm queer, so it didn't matter, but I can imagine straight people having a hard time here.
My first two years at smith were wonderful, but then I started to seriously struggle with my mental health and they did next to nothing to help me. Now I am one class shy of my degree and they won't let me finish at Smith. Not only do I have to find a high level astronomy course that I could take from where I live, but they haven't helped my figure it out at all. In fact I would argue that Smith has made this whole situation significantly harder and has basically been ignoring me. I have lots of friends with similar stories as well. Yes, Smith has a really wonderful queer student community, but their bureaucracy is soul-crushing and if you struggle with your mental health I would recommend against this institution. All they really want is to keep up their image as an elite college and satisfy their alums so they can keep their multi-billion dollar endowment.
I pretty much enjoyed my time at Smith. As a women's college, I was often inspired and touched by professors, alumnaes, and my fellow classmates. It was a place to bond. The school and professors really cared about you, and they were all super sweet. I heard many people said that Smith is a "bubble", and it's kinda true. I felt like i could do anything there without being judged.
Incredible experience to be around so many intellectual women. Brilliant faculty who were very active and highly respected researchers (the College supported them with resources so they could publish and stay active as scholars) and were also incredible teachers. As a faculty member now at an elite university, I can say that Smith is very unusual in the kind of intellectual fire you experience on campus. Students arrive very well-prepared, of course, to do rigorous academic work but they also all have a sense of where they want to go. It was not a place that pandered to students and I am so grateful that we were taught from the start that we needed to show up prepared with reading notes and questions. (I've taught too many students who think it is acceptable to roll into class with some half-baked ideas from skimming the reading; at Smith that was not tolerated).
Of course, Smith housing is legendary, the campus is beautiful, and the 5 Colleges offer so many social opportunities!
Of course, Smith housing is legendary, the campus is beautiful, and the 5 Colleges offer so many social opportunities!
I enjoyed the beautiful campus and the teaching-focused professors. Classes were small and engaging. The general atmosphere was supportive, intellectual, and driven.
Applying to Smith last-minute was absolutely the best decision I ever made. I have had access to academic and research opportunities equal to my friends at Ivy League institutions, but with the additional benefits of a small student to faculty ratio (more accessible 1 on 1 mentorship). It feels so inspiring to attend an HWC where thousands of powerful, historical women have been educated before me. Smith is a motivated and focused environment for people who love to learn. I enjoy the social scene because it caters to my preferences; I recognize almost everyone on campus, but still get to know new people every day. There are parties (lessened by COVID) but UMASS and the other colleges are easily accessed by bus. Northampton is an amazing town with a cozy northeastern feel. Get ready for some AMAZING (but expensive) coffee shops. The housing system is so unique and offers a sorority-like feel to those who choose to engage (also easy to opt out). So many amazing resources and people here!
I loved my Smith experience. I was a college athlete and enjoyed my D3 experience. I was able to prioritize my academics while playing in a competitive conference. I felt valued as a student, athlete, and person in classes, clubs, and my athletic experience.
When I arrived at Smith College, I was both excited and nervous – excited to begin my college experience, and nervous about the unknown. I was amazed by the diversity of the student population.
Smith College is a unique place where you can find your group and pursue your interests. The faculty and staff are dedicated to creating an environment where students can learn, grow, and develop to their full potential.
Through my coursework, extra-curricular activities, and friendships, I grew both intellectually and personally. I learned so much about the world and myself during my time at Smith College – and I would not trade that experience for anything.
Smith College is a unique place where you can find your group and pursue your interests. The faculty and staff are dedicated to creating an environment where students can learn, grow, and develop to their full potential.
Through my coursework, extra-curricular activities, and friendships, I grew both intellectually and personally. I learned so much about the world and myself during my time at Smith College – and I would not trade that experience for anything.
I am studying music, psychology and community engagement and social change and i really love the departments at smith for all three of these. i think on the academic side, smith is great but the student life part is kind of meh. dining services are the worst part of smith i think (besides administration) and the way smith is stingy with money makes me sad. the dining hall workers are super underpaid and the accessibility of dining (hours they are open) is ridiculous :(
Smith College is just amazing. If you are looking for a HWC full of kind and supportive people this is the place for you. Smith encourages collaboration and student engagement. Smith is special in so many ways.
Overall, Smith is a very welcoming community with an amazing atmosphere. However, the academics--especially regarding STEM---are sometimes lacking and professors can feel not personable. I think Smith should focus more on the mental health and general wellbeing of the student body and consider more examinations of professors and curriculums.