Smith College, the highly rated liberal arts educational institution for women in Northampton, Massachusetts, reports that it received a record number of applicants for next fall’s entering class. This year, 5,780 students applied for admission to Smith, a 6 percent increase from a year ago. Over the past five years, the number of applicants to Smith is up 31 percent. This is the 11th consecutive year that Smith College has had a record number of applicants.
Deb Shaver, dean of admission at Smith College stated “the word ‘feminist’ has regained acceptance in the hearts and minds of young women. Students have told us that they’re interested in attending a college that respects and empowers women.”
Dean Shaver said that there was a 16 percent increase in campus visits by prospective applicants. “We know from our research that once a student visits campus, she’s much more likely to apply and, if admitted, enroll. Smith is that kind of place.”
There was an 8 percent increase in international applicants, an 18 percent increase in legacy applicants, and a 3 percent increase in applications for domestic students of color. Smith received applications from 49 states and the District of Columbia.