Overview
Smith College is a selective private four-year institution in Northampton, Massachusetts. The school accepts 22.9% of applicants and enrolls 2,501 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 22.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,445
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,370–1,520
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 33
- Total Enrollment
- 2,501
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Smith's admissions committee wants to see how you'll contribute to a community where women lead every club, every research project, and every campus initiative. Your application should show specific examples of leadership, advocacy, or intellectual risk-taking rather than just listing achievements.
Unlike peer institutions, Smith operates under an honor code that permeates everything from self-scheduled exams to the houses system. Write about times you've taken responsibility without external oversight or how you've built trust within your communities. The admissions office reads applications looking for students who will uphold this tradition of self-governance.
Reference Smith's open curriculum in your essays by discussing intellectual connections you want to explore across departments. With no distribution requirements, you need to show genuine curiosity that extends beyond your intended major. Mention specific professors whose research interests align with yours, or describe how you'd use the Picker Engineering Program to combine engineering with liberal arts.
Don't write about wanting a "supportive sisterhood" or "women's empowerment" in generic terms. Smith students are tired of reading essays that treat the college like a refuge rather than an intellectually challenging environment. Focus instead on specific academic or research opportunities that drew you to Smith.
The house system isn't just housing - it's how you'll build your closest friendships and find your campus community. Research the different house cultures and mention which appeals to you and why. Some houses are known for late-night academic discussions, others for environmental activism or creative pursuits.
Your supplemental essay should go beyond explaining why you want to attend a women's college. Smith receives thousands of essays about confidence and voice. Write about what specific change you want to create in your field or community, then connect that to resources Smith offers.
Apply Early Decision only if Smith is truly your first choice - the advantage exists but isn't dramatic enough to justify applying ED somewhere you're unsure about. The admissions committee can tell when students are using ED strategically versus genuinely wanting to be at Smith.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $26,181/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $61,568
- Students Receiving Aid
- 18%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,027/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Smith College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Smith College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores with your application.
Does Smith College offer early decision or early action?
Smith College offers early decision with a November 15 deadline. Regular decision applications are due January 15.
Can transfer students apply to Smith College?
Smith College accepts transfer students for fall and spring admission. Transfer applications are due March 1 for fall entry and November 1 for spring entry.
What makes Smith College different from other liberal arts schools?
Smith College is a women's college that does not require a core curriculum, allowing students to design their own academic path with guidance from advisors.