The college decision deadline is creeping up on high school seniors all around the country. It’s no secret that May 1st is all too quickly approaching. Along with that deadline, family members and friends are increasingly asking the anxiety-provoking questions about the future: What are you doing this summer? Where are you going to college? What will you major in? What are your plans for after college? Sound familiar? Every adult, for some reason, expects you to have all the answers to these questions—as if anyone actually has anything figured out! But, fret no more, Her Campus Smith is here to help you with one of the toughest decisions: choosing which college to attend. Look no further; Smith is the place for you! Here are eight reasons why YOU should become part of our amazing community at Smith College.
1. CONVOCATION
Convocation at Smith is like none other. Each house plans a theme for its residents to dress up to. While there are classics like the Cushing House Bunnies, there are always new themes each year, like Chase House’s “Chase the Rainbow.” Whether you’ve dressed up or dressed down, the energy on campus is unmistakable. Smithies race to John M. Greene Hall chanting their house cheers, all the while showing their appreciation for Smith’s community. After all, Smith is home. Even after the noise dies down, the glitter remains on the ground for weeks to come.
2. NEW ENGLAND AUTUMNS
For those not from the New England area, prepare yourself! Massachusetts offers beautiful landscapes, especially in the fall. Smith not only has a gorgeous campus and pond (called Paradise Pond, for obvious reasons!), but when fall comes around, well, that’s when Smith really looks amazing. The changing color of the trees make any scene from Smith Instagram-ready. Fall at Smith is truly a wonder to see, especially if it’s your first time in New England.
3. PROFESSORS
If you haven’t already heard, Smith has been ranked high as a liberal arts colleges with the top professors. Want proof? Check out this link: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/29/the-countrys-smartest-professors-work-at-these-5-c.aspx. Faculty members are not only great teachers, but they’re very kind and engaging individuals who enjoy not only their work, but also care about getting to know Smithies. Professors want students at Smith to succeed and they do everything in their power to make that happen! There are a lot of great opportunities to collaborate with faculty members, including through research projects.
4. HOUSES
If fellow Smithies ever meet outside of campus, one of the first questions asked is, “What house do you live in?” This is one of the most important aspects of a student’s experience at Smith. Instead of typical dorms, the school has a unique housing system with houses ranging from as low as 14, to as high as 85 Smithies. Each has its personal atmosphere, community and traditions. While the majority of the student population stays in their respective house for each year of college, it is an easy switch if the community you were placed in wasn’t the perfect fit.
5. NORTHAMPTON
Just a couple hours from both NYC and Boston, Smith sits in the lovely town of Northampton. Noho is full of cute boutiques and fancy restaurants, as well as thrift shops and hipster cafes. The Academy of Music, The Iron Horse, The Parlor Room and many other venues often host well-known bands such as Feist. They are also always hosting local artists showcasing their work. Students from Smith, in addition to Five College students, can be frequently found downtown: shopping, eating, or just going for a relaxing stroll. When the weather is nice, the fro-yo and ice cream stores are full of people, but whenever it is cold outside, there is always a place to get a great cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
6. OPEN CURRICULUM
Many prospective students are drawn to Smith’s open curriculum, and for good reason! Smithies have the freedom to take courses in a myriad of departments throughout their four years. Upon arrival, Smithies must take a writing intensive course within their first year. While some may cringe at this thought, don’t be scared! There are more courses offered that qualify as a writing intensive course than you can imagine. They range across the departments and are offered by an array of incredible professors. Aside from taking this course, the curriculum is open to each and every student’s personal goals and interests. Which means—the classes are yours to explore! And you can choose them all! Sound a bit daunting? Fear not. With the help of a pre-major advisor, every student works out a schedule that can explore every department at Smith. Whether it’s checking out a kickboxing class or enrolling in neuroscience, every Smithie has the luxury of taking classes that truly interest them.
7. JULIA CHILD DAY
Each fall, notable chef Julia Child, a 1934 Smith alumna, is commemorated on campus with a delectable meal served at every dining hall. Some Smithies make it their goal to make a stop at each dining hall to get a taste of whatever is being served there. Some, however, are too full after their first meal to even fathom sitting down for another. Regardless, all Smithies walk away with a full stomach and big grin.
8. COLLABORATIONS
Many Smith students participate in research at some point during their years at Smith. These opportunities are open to all students and can take place through a Special Studies class, a thesis or even through individual research with a professor. After working for at least a semester on these projects, students are given the chance to present their findings at an event called Collaborations. While some students make large posters that are hung throughout the Campus Center, others showcase their hard work through an oral presentation. Faculty, students and community members are all welcome to come learn about the amazing research that is conducted on (and off!) Smith’s campus.