Smith College Top Questions

What do you consider the worst thing about Smith College? Why?

Siobhan

Smith has a bit of a cheerleader attitude about itself, mostly in a top-down way. I loved the place and the people and did not need to be told how much I did, and I was rather annoyed by how much hand-holding they seemed to think we needed to make friends and study and do other ordinary things. And it was all the more irritating when the administration did screw up in a big way.

Rachel

The worst thing about my school would have to be its lack of men. Being around all women is very freeing and even relaxing, but I miss their input on certain subject and arguing.

Alexandra

If there ever was a bad thing to say about Smith College, it would be the world's attitude towards us. It is almost as if the world is threatened by strong female minds.

Veronica

The cost is definitely the worst thing. Smith now costs more than $50,000 a year to attend. Smith does provide need-based financial aid, but provides very little merit-based aid. So Smith will do its very best to make sure that you or your family can just afford tuition, but there will be lots of loans. Also, where you may expect scholarships from another school, don't expect them from Smith. Navigating the financial aid office is rumored to be difficult too, espescially when your financial situation changes and you need your aid reviewed.

Markeisha

It is not co-ed.

Ilana

Transportation to Boston is limited and expensive. Transportation to the airport is limited and expensive.

Liliana

Can be hard to reach out to other schools, unless you are in an extra curricular activity. Hard to meet men, it's an all women's school. Can feel closed in, very stressful, especially during finals period!

Katherine

Women here can often be so focused on their own personal gain that they will screw anyone they need to get ahead. I've heard of girls actually ripping pages out of books where they found good info to go towards research papers so no one else gets the info

Lucy

The academic pressure. Smith has a great location in a medium size town, the students are creative, intelligent, open and fun, but the academic environment is tense and competitive. Everyone is always trying to do better than each other and the atmosphere would be more fun and relaxed if people didn't focus so much on academics.

Sara

No men.