<p>Depends on how you count. There are 14 Smith Fulbrights (7 research/7 teaching), plus 3 French Government Teaching Fellowship awarded under the Fulbright umbrella. (and two more finalists)</p>
<p>I think that will mean, again, that Smith's total among LACs is among highest in the nation (Wellesley had 7; Pomona had a banner year, at 23; Williams - 2; Swarthmore -4; and Amherst, I think, 2); the total for 3 years is highest (and among the highest per capita), and for 5 years. Last year, despite a much smaller student population, they had more Fulbrights awarded to undergrads than any of the Ivies except Brown.</p>
<p>Why do you think this is, Mini? It is because Smithies are less inclined to immediately go to grad school? Or because (in the case of the teaching fellowships) they are more inclined to "give back"? Or because the profs and administration encourage their students to apply at a greater rate?</p>
<p>While the education at Smith is first rate, I wouldn't say that it's better than other top LACs and the Ivies.</p>
<p>Smith usually has the highest (or close to the highest) percentage of research Fulbrights, so the teaching explanation doesn't hold. The Fulbrights do set one up for grad school later. </p>
<p>I think there are several different factors. It is clear that, going in, one would not think that Smithies on the whole would be comparable to those at some LACs, and Ivies, but that says nothing about those closest to the top of the heap. There are many students who turn down more "highly ranked" schools (including my d.) for Smith. Secondly, from what I have seen, the quality of advising at Smith is MUCH better than that at virtually any of the top LACs or Ivies. I frankly don't think it is even close. And thirdly, when it comes to languages and cultural studies (which is what Fulbrights are about), I think the education at Smith is point-blank better (deeper faculty; more quality opportunities; better advising) than virtually anywhere else. Whether that is generally speaking the case I'd leave to others to comment.</p>
<p>The outsize performance certainly can't be accounted for by better students (or more superstars) going in. If that were the case, you'd see more Rhodes and Marshalls, etc. (the students who win those, in my experience - some of which is firsthand - would likely have won them regardless of where they attended.) But you don't. Smithies win those awards for which the college is primarily responsible, and the Fulbrights are a prime example.</p>
<p>Thanks for the analysis. I've always wondered why Smith was tops in Fulbrights, but not necessarily in the others. The advising and language/cultural explanations seem like accurate assessments.</p>
<p>The advising also counts for a lot. There's a counselor who's responsible for fellowships and such whom I hear is almost unbearably chirpy but relentless.</p>
<p>Smithies seem to be very attuned to the whole fellowship application process. Prospective candidates with suitable GPAs/extracurriculars are contacted by the Fellowship Office and encouraged to apply to the programs where they are the best match. Additionally, seeing upperclass friends win national fellowships is inspiring and makes the application process less daunting. Also, recipients are very happy to pass along their advice to students behind them. The tips on resume writing, handling interviews, dress attire for intereviews, etc. from their classmates, when combined with the support from the fellowship office, enable students to present themselves in the most positive light. These "out of class" lessons also will serve them well whenever they enter the "real world" and its competitive job market.</p>
<p>Speaking of dress attire for interviews, I confess to boggling when I see D dressed for her internships...what a contrast to the jeans w/o belt, casual top, etc....she sure cleans up well. It's when I see her in a suit that I really get croggled.</p>
<p>But, yes, Pmyen, I think all the role modeling about fellowships helps a lot. It becomes almost an expectation, <em>of course</em> I'll get a fellowship.</p>