<p>I have had a lot of interest in Smith since the summer and will be going up to visit for the first time in two weeks for WOD.
I decided to put Bryn Mawr on my list as another reputable women's college closer to where I live. I went to visit Bryn Mawr this weekend and after about ten minutes on campus knew it was not a fit for me at all. It was a beautiful campus but the vibe was very serious and competitive, not as much of a fun or community feel that I am looking for. Since this was my first experience with a women's college am I really hoping Smith is different since as of now it is one of my top 3 choices. I will also be at WOD for three days and am hoping I won't feel as uncomfortable as I did at BM.</p>
<p>If anyone could give me any feedback comparing the two schools it would be greatly appreciated. I am really looking for a strong community, great academics, and school spirit/fun. </p>
<p>Without really knowing you, it's hard to say whether Smith would be a better choice for you. Without going to Bryn Mawr, it would be difficult for one of us to tell you with any degree of reality how they compare. </p>
<p>But what I can tell you is that I had a very similar experience when I visited Bryn Mawr. I went, and I knew right away that it was wrong. My interview was awful, my tour was bad, and it all just felt wrong. </p>
<p>Then I came to Smith and it felt perfect. I could tell that the vibe was just what I wanted and I've been happy here ever since. </p>
<p>When you come for WOD you'll get a better sense of whether or not you're making the right choices. It's only one more week to wait so don't worry about it too much.</p>
<p>Hi just add bling. I was wondering what it was specifically that turned you off from Bryn Mawr. I'm applying to Smith early decision so it doesn't really make a difference...I was just wondering because I know someone that goes there. </p>
<p>Btw.. I hope you love Smith as much I did when I went to visit!</p>
<p>Smithieandproud- Thanks for the feedback. I was really just wondering if anyone had a similar experience since mine was so unexpected. It's a little reassuring that you had the same reaction yet love Smith! :-)</p>
<p>Salyca- I felt really out of place on the campus. I sensed a similar vibe at Swarthmore and Haverford which I also didn't care for. In my opinion everyone that I saw was very serious and I didn't really feel a lot of positive energy or a strong "community". My tour guide was very sweet but it was just not a fit for me. It was really a matter of me not seeing my personality fitting in at BM. I was supposed to stay overnight, but left after an hour. Physically the campus was gorgeous but I went inside two academic buildings which were both very dark and didn't seem up to date. The dorms on the other hand were amazing. To give you context I didn't like Swat, Haverford, UVA, Duke, or UPenn but I did like William and Mary, Princeton, Washington and Lee, Villanova, and Bucknell. Please keep in mind that this is really just my opinion and after visiting 17 schools I can tell pretty quickly what I like and what I don't. Good luck with Smith ED! I really hope I love it!</p>
<p>My D felt okay visting Wellesley and Barnard, didn't want me to even finish parking the car at Mount Holyoke, and there was an almost audible "click" each time she visited Smith.</p>
<p>Interesting comment from her long after the fact: she says she would have done well at Wellesley but that Smith made her a better, more well-rounded person, that Wellesley would have reinforced her perfectionist tendencies too much. Fwiw, take with salt or whatever other condiments you may prefer, YMMV, etc.</p>
<p>Hi justaddbling,
I just saw your query tonight, so sorry for the late reply.</p>
<p>I am answering as a Smith alum, with a sister two years older than me who is a Mawrter! In the interest of full disclosure I will tell you that our days at our respective colleges are far behind in our rear view mirrors, so you might want to take what I have to say with a grain of salt (or graying hair!)</p>
<p>In short, both of us loved our college experiences! I wanted a larger (but not too large campus) with the sense of community it sounds like you are seeking, so I never thought of following my sister to Bryn Mawr. However, she loved it there both academically and socially. She quickly found a group of quick-witted, fun-loving friends, and they remain great friends of hers today. Just as my Smith community is still and will forever be very important in my life.</p>
<p>My advice to you would be to trust your instincts, especially as you gain more experience visiting different campuses, but to keep an open mind throughout the application process. Once you know your options, you might want to take a second look if that is feasible for you and your family.</p>
<p>D1 attended the Summer (high school) Program at Smith, did her undergrad at Haverford, and was at BM for a Haverford-BM-Swarthmore Tri-Co program the summer before the start of her freshman yr. So, we are familiar with both campuses. BM-Haverford are beautiful campuses and give the impression of serious academics. But, they also have strong/supportive communities. On the other hand, H & I love Smith. It just "felt" right. With engineering in mind, D2 decided on CMU...and loving it. But, maybe D3?! ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the input! I was on campus this past weekend for WOD and loved Smith! I felt extremely comfortable and it pretty much has everything I am looking for. :-)</p>