How hard are the academics at Smith College (MA)?

Question

What are some tips and techniques one can follow/use to succeed?

Answer 1

Hey, I went to Smith!  Sounds like you're starting this fall?  You're going to love it.  The classes can be demanding, especially if you're trying to do science or engineering.  Like any other school, remember it's not high school - you don't have to go to class, but the teacher doesn't have to pass you either.  Skip at your own risk.  Do the reading for the class ahead of time to see if you have any questions, go to office hours with questions or just to introduce yourself to profs in your department, and try to get involved with a research project if possible.  Smith has a whole program for undergrad research.  If you're writing a lot of papers, stop by the writing center - they'll read them over and give you comments, and profs like to see that you're using it.  Have fun!

Answer 2

Smith was once a college that got top female students but that ended when the ivies went coed. Today it gets above average girls, but not at all academic superstars. Don't worry, it's not too hard.

Answer 3

The Princeton Review gives Smith a favorable academic rating of 94.  This indicates a very challenging academic environment.

For comparison purposes, the academic rating for Boston College is 88 and for College of the Holy Cross it is 98.