Is Smith College a prestigious college? What makes a school prestigious?
Smith is very highly regarded where I live. Granted, I live in MA, so it could easily be a regional thing. What constituted being prestigious depends on who you ask. Some people would base their judgements solely on published rankings, some would consider other factors.
Smith is a name that I hear often when talking about applying to women’s colleges. I take that as a good sign. Although it may be because of the Seven Sisters. I do think that Smith is prestigious because of its many programs (STRIDE and internships/stipends), alumna, and because its a Seven Sister school. Prestige usually stems from being a high quality and highly selective school but that 's not always the case (Smith’s acceptance rate is at 43%). Prestige can be subjective according to region and family history. Nevertheless, Smith is a wonderful school with so much opportunity.
Prestige is a pretty subjective term. If you go by USNWR rankings, which I don’t recommend but seem to be short-hand for prestige to some, Smith is #19 among LACs.
That’s a great question. Clearly it was. I don’t know that it is now. It certainly is pricey and for its large endowment it (sorry cant get rid of the symbol) It does not give a great financial aid package. Look over its notable alumni. They were something in the past and no one of relevance now. What to take from that? I don’t know. I loved how they held my daughter’s financial aid package because they were waiting for the "Trust fund " financial aid form. We do not have a trust fund. I’ve not said a word but am hoping she says no to Smith. Other schools have come up with a large amount of academic scholarship money. Smith waited to send out the reward and it was at least 10 thousand dollars less than other schools of like standing.
What’s your definition of relevant? The majority of notable alumnae are still active today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Smith_College_people
Smith claims that they don’t meet competitive FA awards, however, I know of instances where they have.
Talk to the FA office.