Read Smith’s plans for the spring 2021 semester.
Current Operating Mode: BLUE
Apply To Summer Programs

The costs and application process reflected on this page relate to the Summer Precollege Programs only; see the Year-Round Programs pages for their associated fees and registration process. For Summer Precollege Programs, enrollment is limited to ensure a quality academic experience. The selective admissions process is based on a student’s academic performance, a written essay and a teacher recommendation. Students must have a strong record of academic achievement, a high level of motivation and a willingness to explore.
The summer precollege program application is now open.
Tuition
Remote Summer Precollege Programs
Remote Session 1: June 28–July 9
Remote Session 2: July 12–23
Course choices: Students enrolled in the Summer Science & Engineering Program remotely select one or both SSEP courses within the session, but cannot take courses from the other programs. Students in any of the other programs offered remotely may mix and match courses; for example, a student can take one Creative Writing course and one Sustainable Futures course. Two online courses may be taken during the same session or different sessions, but the courses cannot have competing class times.
See the individual program pages for a full list of available courses for each session.
Program Title | Tuition for One Course | Tuition for Two Courses |
---|---|---|
College Admission Workshop | $850 | $2,425 |
Creative Writing Workshop | $1,975 | $3,150 |
Summer Science & Engineering Program | $2,345 | $3,750 |
Sustainable Futures | $1,975 | $3,150 |
Women, Gender & Representation | $1,975 | $3,150 |
On-Campus Summer Precollege Programs
On-Campus Session Dates: July 23–August 6
Early arrival is July 22, and the registration date is July 23. Classes begin on July 26. More information will be made available on the Life at Smith webpage.
See the individual program pages for a full list of available courses for each session.
Program Title | Tuition | Can Students Take Other Courses Within the Session? |
---|---|---|
College Admission Workshop | $3,995 | Yes, students are required to make a morning class selection. |
Creative Writing Workshop | $3,995 | Yes |
Summer Science & Engineering Program | $4,285 | No |
Women, Gender & Representation | $3,995 | Yes |
Deposit Upon Acceptance
A nonrefundable deposit is due within 10 business days of acceptance into a precollege program. Deposits are 25 percent of the total tuition fee.
January 25 |
2021 Program Application Opens |
March 1 |
Priority Application Deadline Financial Aid Deadline |
April 5 |
Application Fee Increases |
Once all completed application materials are received, students are notified within 14 days of their acceptance status.
Academic Letter of Recommendation
All applicants must submit one academic recommendation from a teacher. In the application, applicants must submit the name and email address of their recommender. An email will be sent to the recommender with a form for them to complete.
Transcript
You can upload a transcript to your online application. Or, you can email or fax the transcript to the Office of Precollege Programs.
Financial Aid Form (If Applicable)
Smith Precollege Programs financial assistance is available to a limited number of participants and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and eligibility for the program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the financial aid section in the application and upload tax documentation.
Personal Essay
Please see the list on the right and respond to ONE question as your essay prompt. Your essay is meant to help our admission committee better understand you as a student and a person. Please give an in-depth and authentic response. We want to learn about you! Your essay should be 250-500 words.
This workshop delves deeply into writing the college essay and doing college interviews. In which of these two topics would you like the most support, and why? What do you hope to learn in this workshop?
- Tell us about the experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in writing. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
- What is an experience, a character or a story idea that you have been wanting to write about but haven’t yet put into words? Why do you want to tell this story?
- Tell us about the experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in science. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
- Tell us why you want to attend an intensive program in your chosen field at Smith College?
- Tell us about an experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in issues related to sustainability, farming, and/or social justice. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
- If you could spend time with any person (real or fictional, historic or contemporary) who would it be, what would you do, and why?
- Tell us about an experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in studying women, gender or representation. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
- If you could spend time with any person (real or fictional, historic or contemporary) who would it be, what would you do, and why?
You can send your materials to:
Office of Precollege Programs | Smith College
30 Belmont Avenue
Northampton, MA 01063
summerprecollege@smith.edu | Fax: 413-585-4344
Financial Assistance
Smith Precollege Summer Programs financial aid is available to a limited number of participants and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and eligibility for the program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the financial aid section on the application and upload tax documentation.
Foundation Partners
Below is a list of the organizations and foundations that partner with Smith Precollege Programs. Some of these foundations work with high school students only from particular schools or communities where the foundation is located. Others work broadly, referring and recommending students from throughout the United States.
We value our engagement with these organizations. Many offer both financial support and ongoing relationships to their high-achieving young scholars, giving advice, support and assistance to students and their families through the Precollege application process.
- Achievement First High Schools
- Community Foundation of Western Mass.
- Girls Action Networks (limited to students in New York City)
- Holy Trinity High School (Chicago, IL)
- Jack Kent Cook Foundation
- Joyce Ivy Foundation
- Minds Matter
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
- Opportunity Network
- Park Tudor School (Indianapolis, IN)
- Passport Scholars (Chattanooga, TN)
- Public Prep (limited to students in New York City)
- Reach Memphis
- Schuler Scholar Program
- Steppingstone Foundation (Boston, MA)
- Success Academies (limited to students in New York City)
- Young Women’s Leadership Network (limited to students in New York City)