TYPE OF SCHOOL: small, progressive, liberal-arts women's college
Smith is an intense but enjoyable place. The workload for most classes is challenging, but because Smith has no core curriculum, you'll mostly be doing work you WANT to do for classes you choose to take. The intimate housing system produces close friendships and, frequently, intense drama. Unlike large and impersonal dorms, the houses foster a complete community.
Outside of the house, there are many options for amusement. Student organizations are generally well funded, visible and receptive to new members and ideas. Smith is a member of the Five-College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and the University of Massachusetts; a free bus system makes it easy for Smith students to take advantage of classes, social events and activist opportunities at any of the nearby schools. The town of Northampton has plenty of good restaurants, clothing stores and musical venues geared toward a college audience.
The variety of activities, the intense academic workload and the constant socialization within are the best and worst parts of Smith; it's extremely easy to feel overwhelmed. Smith is definitely not for everyone, but it provides a wonderful environment for people who can handle the challenge.
author: Hannah Betesh graduated: 2003 major: Latin American studies and economics campus activities: Ultimate frisbee, women's issues, radical cheerleading, peer counseling, event planning from: Pennsylvania, USA native language: English
