Tips for a Great College Interview
A Culture of Care
Read Smith’s UPDATED plans as of November 23, 2020,
for the spring 2021 semester.
Admission Criteria
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Smith doesn't rely solely on grades and test scores to select new students; we choose people, not statistical profiles. Just like your daughter, each Smith student has unique strengths and some weaknesses. The Admission Committee reads every part of your daughter's file and carefully considers her high school program, performance, experiences and potential for success at Smith.
Each part of the admission folder reveals another facet of your daughter's life. The admission essay shows how she thinks and writes and what she cares about. To add a personal dimension to her paper profile, we recommend campus or alumnae interviews. Smith’s 24-person admission staff is here to answer any of your family's questions while selecting a college.
The College Selection Process
Smith's admission officers read in tandem and read geographically. They take a holistic view of each individual, and they also consider how to best shape the class. The following factors are considered in each application.
The Academic Transcript
- The transcript is by far the most important document in the application.
- Greatest weight is given to a student’s academic preparation and achievement.
Letters of Reference
- The guidance counselor recommendation puts the student in the context of the school.
- The teacher recommendation puts the student in the context of the classroom.
The Essay
- Provides evidence of a student’s ability to express herself in writing with nuance, creativity and a distinctive voice. Can the student form a thesis, provide detail and prove her point?
Standardized Testing
- Smith is test optional for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Standardized tests (SAT I, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS,PTE or the Duolingo English Test/*DET*) are required for international citizens. Learn more about our standardized testing policy.
Other Factors
- A personal interview is highly recommended, either on or off campus.
- Extracurricular activities are important—Smith values quality of involvement over quantity.
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Smith meets the full documented need, as determined by college policy, of all admitted students who apply for aid by the published deadlines. Because Smith follows “need-aware” policies, a small fraction of admission decisions may include an assessment of the student’s level of need.
Deferred applicants are reconsidered with regular decision applications in the spring. Decision mailings are sent mid-December.
| Early Decision Agreement | November 15 | |
| Common Application or Coalition Application |
November 15 | |
| Smith Writing Supplement | November 15 | |
| Secondary School Report | November 15 | |
| Counselor Recommendation | November 15 | |
| Two Teacher Evaluations | November 15 | |
| Standardized Test Scores (optional) | November 15 | |
| Interview (optional) | November 15 | |
| Financial Aid Materials | See Tuition & Financial Aid for deadlines |
Where to Send Forms
You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.
Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Fax: 413-585-2527
Deferred applicants are reconsidered with regular decision applications in the spring. Decision mailings are sent in late January.
| Early Decision Agreement | January 1 | |
| Common Application or Coalition Application |
January 1 | |
| Smith Writing Supplement | January 1 | |
| Secondary School Report | January 1 | |
| Counselor Recommendation | January 1 | |
| Two Teacher Evaluations | January 1 | |
| Midyear School Report (if available) | January 1 | |
| Two Teacher Evaluations | January 1 | |
| Standardized Test Scores (optional) | January 1 | |
| Interview (optional) | January 1 | |
| Financial Aid Materials | See Tuition & Financial Aid for deadlines |
Where to Send Forms
You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.
Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Fax: 413-585-2527
Decision mailings are sent in late March.
| Common Application or Coalition Application |
January 15 | |
| Smith Writing Supplement | January 15 | |
| Secondary School Report | January 15 | |
| Counselor Recommendation | January 15 | |
| Two Teacher Evaluations | January 15 | |
| Midyear School Report | February 2 | |
| Standardized Test Scores (optional) | January 15 | |
| Interview (optional) | January 15 | |
| Financial Aid Materials | See Tuition & Financial Aid for deadlines |
Where to Send Forms
You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.
Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Fax: 413-585-2527
