Smith College Top Questions

Academics at Smith is rigorous. Professors demand a lot from the students. My workload is very heavy. I always have work to do. But, I know Smith is preparing me for my future.

The academics are very strong here at Smith. Sometimes class work can be overwhelming and challenging, but I don't think it's unreasonable. Most of my professors know my name because class sizes are usually 20 or fewer students. My favorite class this semester is my visual studies seminar where I am free to work on an independent painting project with the support of other students and professor for guidance and encouragement. I love the religion department at my school and the art department, too. I love the lack of academic requirements that Smith has for the students -only one writing intensive.

Classes are pretty rigorous, but extremely rewarding. The professors here are genuinely interested in their students progress and development. The environment at Smith is one that is fairly balanced between always academics all the time and generic college fun times. While students are on the whole pretty competitive, it hasn't detracted from my personal experience. When people get into the "oh I have so work to do" routine, you have to let it roll off your back and focus on yourself. I majored in History and German Studies-- both departments are GREAT!

The best thing about Smith is that it has so few requirements. I get to experiment and only take classes I'm genuinely interested in. Most professors make a real effort to know students' names, which is a benefit of classes being so small (usually under 40 students). Few departments at Smith are geared towards actual careers. Most of us study what we love, which unfortunately means we'll probably be unemployed after graduation.

Do professors know your name?: More of my teachers here know my name than did in high school. Favorite Class: I think that depends on major and interest. How much do people study?: Constantly. Way more than all other college kids I've talked to. There's a lot of reading and writing plus intense problem sets for other classes. Class participation?: Is required. I didn't participate in high school. In some classes you sit around a table talking but in certain larger classes participation is less important. Intellectual conversations?: All the time. We talk about ridiculous stuff as well, but intellectual conversations are a daily thing for all students. Competitive?: extremely. Professors outside of class?: Most upperclassmen do. I don't have a major yet, so I haven't met with professors especially often outside of class. Academic requirements: Reasonable and manageable. What is a Smith education geared towards?: grad school. You can get a job, but most people continue in school.

my professors are generally good to great, with a few spectacular ones thrown in.

Smith is very personal. Classes truly are small with the exception of some 101 classes, and even those have smaller discussion groups that meet on different days. Professors know your name within a few weeks, and encourage students to stop by during office hours or even just to say "hi." Hearing my friends talk about their experiences at larger colleges and universities, I am shocked to hear of classes with 400+ people in them or professors that have no interaction with their students. Pre-major and major advisers can be a huge help to a student if you choose wisely. I know some students who have been frustrated by advisers that are hard to get in touch with or poorly suited for their field of study, but most students are very satisfied. These advisers help students with the transition into college life, help them choose courses, talk to them about their classes, and generally help their advisees in any way they can. Class participation is expected at Smith. Though first-years can sometimes be nervous and hesitant to speak up, professors are aware of this and do their best to encourage them. Taking a First-Year Seminar (FYS) can be a huge help to a student, because these classes are small, interesting, and contain only students just entering college. It is easy to make friends in these classes as everyone is essentially in the same boat, and you can help each other transition into college life and academics. Smith's lack of a core curriculum is a brilliant decision. While friends at other schools are stuck in Calc II and Bio 101 when they know they want to be an art major, I am free to take exactly those classes I want. The only requirement is a writing-intensive course your first year, intended to bring first-years up to college-level writing standards. This can be a difficult level to attain for some students, but making good use of their WI class and the Jacobsen Center will prove invaluable for those students. That said, expanding your academic pursuits is encouraged, and for the Latin Honors program you must take at leasat one course in each of the seven areas of learning. Students are encouraged to take courses outside their majors; classes that interest them whether they put them on a career track or not. Yet, Smith works hard to prepare its students for life after college, frequently bringing in alums to discuss what they have done with their English, Psych, neuroscience majors, etc. The Career Development office also works with students to get them internships, jobs, or just to give advice.

varied.

Academics are the main focus at Smith College. After graduation, Smithies are prepared to write, speak, and think well. In many classes discussion plays a major role, and most students have no reservations about speaking up. Introductory classes can be big, especially science classes, but most of the upper level classes are much smaller. Professors often know students by name, and are very willing to meet with students if they are having trouble or just need advice. I am a chemistry major, and I have nothing but good things to say about the chemistry department. The professors are all wonderful and will say "hello" if you see them outside of class. The department has Chemistry Lunchbag talks each week and several seminar speakers each semester. Smith is a great place to study science because there are tons of opportunites to do research as an undergraduate, which looks great on a resume or graduate school application. I have stayed at Smith for two summers doing chemistry research, and I am currently writing a thesis on my work.

Usually rigorous. But not always. I like the fact that there are no core requirements. Not enough film classes. I like being able to take classes off campus--it's a great opportunity.

Many of the professors are amazing, but of course it's always a mixed bag. Students spend a LOT of time studying.

Academics are challenging, but not impossible. Generally, the classes are small, but there are the occasional exceptions. I'm planning on being a music major and the department is wonderful, and so are the facilities (we have a VERY impressive performing arts library with tons of scores and recordings). The professors are all very approachable and acceptable, and they want their students to succeed.

My Smith education has not only allowed me to get an engineering degree which has led me to 2 job offers my senior year, but it allowed me to take classes such as ecology, anthropology, buddhist studies, and modern dance. I have had such a rich education, I would not trade it for anything.

I believe that almost all of my professors have known my name during my years at Smith, the classes are small enough most of the time for the professors to get to know you. Students study pretty often, but are able to balance studying with a social life.

The best thing about Smith is the professors. The average Smith class is small, about 15-17 students, so professors truly take the time to get to know every one of their students. They are always available for extra help, advice, guidance, or even just a friendly chat! As a Smith student, I have a strong sense that my professors genuinely care about me and the education that I receive here at Smith. Also, no class will EVER be taught by a grad-student, which is fabulous. We really do receive the best education possible here!

Professors are interested in students' lives. They want to help us succeed! I've had amazing conversations with professors from everything to my future plans to class material to pop culture. They really are some of the smartest people you'll ever meet, and they're on campus for Smith students, not for research grants or for grad students.

My classes are small, my professors are friendly and helpful, and classes are challenging and fun to learn in. They are A LOT of work, from readings to movie showings to papers and exams, but I feel like I am really getting the education that I wouldnt've gotten elsewhere. I do not feel like I am being pushed toward a job just yet, but I am still only a first year.

Academics at Smith are SO AMAZING. The classes are usually really small and when they are big (like 50 people) they are broken down into smaller discussion groups. Discussions and lectures are always interesting and sometimes get very heated. Hearing the varying opinions of a diverse student body is really enriching. Also, teachers a very personable. They tell about their lives and their stories. They are accessible and understanding of the need for extensions. It is really easy to build a fabulous relationship with your favorite professor, or with all of your professors. Smith also makes it SO easy to LOVE what you learn. The classes are interesting and you never have difficulty finding a class to love. Also, since you don't have any requirements outside your major and one writing intensive course, you can dip your feet in any new course you'd like. It really provides an opportunity for you to make the most of an AMAZING liberal arts education.

All of my professors know my name and are very approachable. The student body is very studious and competitive and contribute a lot to the classroom.

Smith college classes and professors come in a variety of styles. Classes range from large lectures, like introductory psychology, to small seminars with only 7 to 8 students. Professors can be uninvolved and uninspiring, or friendly and welcoming, going the extra distance. From talking with classmates, most departments are a mix or good and bad, and you learn quickly which professors you like and which you don't. A Smith education can amazing or leave you wanting, depending on what you make of it. While the college has some amazing classes and professors, they are nothing with out your active involvement in the material, participation in the class, and interest. The students who get the most out of their classes are active in their major department and concerned about their future.