Apply to Smith

A student sitting under a tree near Paradise Pond.

We’re so glad you’re considering Smith, and we can’t wait to read your application. We carefully consider your high school program, performance, experiences, and potential for success at Smith. When we evaluate your transcript and read your recommendations, we look for evidence of success in a rigorous curriculum. Your essay tells us how you think and write (and what you care about). Extracurricular activities give us a window on what you might contribute to our community. No two applicants are the same—let your personality shine through!

Get the Details

Depending on what type of applicant you are, your road to Smith may look a bit different. Learn more about what we’ll need to see from you.

First-Year Applicants Transfer Applicants Ada Comstock Scholar Transfer Applicants Graduate Applicants

Admission Criteria

At Smith, we value a student’s curiosity and interest in making the world a better place—when making admission decisions, we consider a student’s capacity to contribute to the classroom and to our community more broadly.

We look at your transcript, recommendations, your essay and extracurricular activities to arrive at an admission decision. 

Since we are test optional, and have been since 2009, we are basing admission decisions on factors that cannot be determined by a test.

Preparing for Smith

We strongly recommend that you prepare for admission by taking the highest-level courses offered by your high school. Where possible, your course load should include:

  • four years of English composition and literature
  • three years of a foreign language (or two years each of two languages)
  • three years of mathematics
  • three years of lab science
  • two years of history

Meet Your Admission Team

From admission counselors to administrative staff, we all have one goal: to match Smith with enthusiastic, intelligent, eager students. Several of us were once in your shoes and are now proud Smith alums, excited to help usher in new classes of Smithies.

See a Full Staff Listing
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Contact Office of Admission

7 College Lane 
Smith College 
Northampton, MA 01063