Skip to main content

Our Programs

Two students working together in a robotics class

 

Designed by Smith’s professors and staff, precollege programs offer an inspiring learning experience, and you can request a recommendation from Smith faculty to use in your college applications. A hands-on, collaborative environment lets you directly engage with world-class scholars who help you pursue your passions and develop new skills. Enjoy learning without the pressure of grades or competition. Outside the classroom, enjoy Smith’s beautiful setting, live in a house on campus, make new friends, talk to current college students and engage in after-class activities and outings.

Important COVID-19 Information

To learn more about Smith’s planning, see the “Culture of Care” website. We are currently planning for remote and on-campus options for summer 2021 and will have more information in January 2021.

November 2020–April 2021

Image of Rachel Pietrow working on a laptop outside

We are excited to announce Smith Precollege Online! This multifaceted program opportunity allows students to engage digitally.

The first program we are launching is Precollege Community, a non-academic group that will meet monthly for students in grades 9–12 or those who have deferred from college this academic year. We’re also excited to launch Precollege Crash Courses.

Students sitting in class, participating in the College Admission Workshop

 

As you start thinking about applying to college, there are clear ways to make your applications—and yourself—stand out. Learn the latest insights and insider expertise from admission professionals about how to succeed in the application process. The College Admission Workshop is designed to give promising young women like you the best practices, guidance and top tips for successfully navigating the college application process. Your instructors are Smith’s professional admission staff, as well as visiting admission officers from other top-ranked colleges and universities. Accepting young women who will be rising 11th and 12th graders in 2021.

Students at a farmer's market

 

Learn from farmers, activists, artists and naturalists in this program. We will analyze contributing factors to the climate crisis, engage in socially and environmentally focused work and develop skills to cultivate human-nature relationships. You will be inspired and educated to act within your own community toward a sustainable future. Accepting young women entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2021. Online and in-person options will be available.

  

Formerly known as the Discovering Women’s History program, this program offers you the chance to explore your interests in women in politics and history, gender and race in film, intersectional feminism and queer movements. Accepting young women entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2021. Online and in-person options will be available.

A student working in a lab

 

The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is designed for exceptional young women with strong interests in science and engineering. You will engage in hands-on research with Smith faculty in life and physical sciences and in engineering. Accepting young women entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2021. Online and in-person options will be available.

Students in the Young Women's Writing Workshop

 

With so few writing programs that cater exclusively to young women in high school, Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop allows you to explore your writing in a creative and supportive environment. This program will foster your love of writing in a variety of mediums. Accepting young women entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2021. Online and in-person options will be available.



Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be teaching the classes?

Smith College faculty, staff, and experts throughout the Five College area will teach the classes. Smith students will act as classroom assistants.

Do we have homework?

Sometimes. You may have a small writing assignment some evenings, or up to two hours of homework for our science and engineering courses.

Do we have tests?

No tests are given in any classes.

Will I receive credit for the programs?

No—and you don't get grades, either. Students learn more in an environment where there are no pressures; they learn because they are interested.

How much background do I need?

The critical factor in attending a precollege program at Smith is that the student is motivated and interested in learning about the subject. There is a place for everybody—from the beginner to the very advanced.

I'm interested in applying to Smith; what can I do while I'm there?

Students are encouraged to set up an interview with our Office of Admission. Students who are interested in applying to Smith are encouraged to chat with their teaching assistants about their Smith experiences. At the student's request, faculty can complete an evaluation for each student.


Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following organizations and schools for their generous support of financial aid for Precollege Program participants:

  • Achievement First Public Charter Schools
  • Community Foundation/The Adams Street Foundation
  • Dusenbury Family Foundation
  • Girls Action Network
  • Joyce Ivy Foundation
  • Minds Matter
  • Office of the State Superintendent of Education
  • The Opportunity Network
  • Passport Scholars Foundation
  • Public Prep Schools
  • REACH Memphis
  • Schuler Family Foundation
  • Success Academy Charter Schools
  • Young Women’s Leadership Network

For information about how your organization might support Smith College’s outreach efforts, please contact the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Smith Precollege Programs must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the Local Board of Health. 

Contact Office of Precollege Programs

30 Belmont Avenue

Northampton, MA 01063