<p>I posed the question of trends in women’s colleges applications because I would love to know what it means from a sociological standpoint. I do not agree that students apply because it doesn’t cost anything to apply or that it is an entrance- exam-free college. It is too different of a culture just for that. And too special. You really have to want to go to Smith, I think, to apply. It’s not like just because there’s no fee or SAT requirement that it isn’t hard to write those essays. I’d love to know what really draws applicants to it beyond the obvious great academics and beautiful location. Lots of schools have that. What does it say about our society at large?</p>
<p>Well put Kristina. Also see the attached article.</p>
<p>[High-Ranking</a> Women’s Colleges Report a Surge in Applicants : Women In Academia Report](<a href=“http://www.wiareport.com/2012/02/high-ranking-womens-colleges-report-a-surge-in-applicants/]High-Ranking”>High-Ranking Women’s Colleges Report a Surge in Applicants : Women In Academia Report)</p>
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<p>Nothing. You’re way over-analyzing. While Smith received 1000 more applications than it did 10 years ago, when you factor in that a much larger number of women are applying to college and that 17 percent more women are enrolled in college than ten years ago, the increase is statistically insignificant. Add to the stew merit awards have had a three-fold monetary increase, SAT/ACTs are optional, no cost application fee, full-need aid, increase in international applications, and, well, there you have it.</p>
<p>I think it does mean more–women are sick of men (lol) ? or competitive academic and dating scene or more gay women are out and want to be in a culture that they can finally feel good about and just be themselves in. Actually wondering if the later has the most to do with it.</p>
<p>I think this is the silliest thread since that lady last year(food for thought?). Sorry I started it. “Paralysis by analysis.” :rolleyes:</p>
<p>@crewdad i really hope you are not implying Smith women are not deserved of being called elite. For your information, i turned down an SCEA admittance to an HYP school so i could apply ED2 to Smith. Granted I was also denied by another Ivy, but i have a strong application. I almost feel more proud of my Smith acceptance…its an awesome school. Do you really think smith women are “less smart” than acceptees to other schools? Please tell me you are not that ignorant.</p>
<p>@njcdmom I applied to smith because of the environment and feeling i got when I heard anything about smith. I am an incredibly liberal, and open person and i absolutely loved the idea of Smith. I will be surrounded by astonishing women, who are not only among the smartest in the country, but women who know how to have a good time. It will feel awesome to live in an environment where one minute i will be amongst a group of people filling out a very promising Fulbright Application, and the next streaking down the hallway because Im a woman damn-it and it felt like the right thing to do. I hate to be cliche, but the women who attend Smith are tomorrows leaders, if you want proof of that just look at out alumni. Not to mention the convocation, you know a school is amazing when your convocation is the most unique, thrilling, and awesome convocation imagined. Smith is kick-ass, period. What does it say about our society at large…it says women are ready to be tomorrows next big thing ;-)</p>
<p>I so agree with you kristina…and love what you say about “women are ready to be tomorrows next big thing”–yes I hope that’s why women want to go to Smith and have applied in record number–to become a part of the next big thing!</p>
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<p>Huh? Where did I even come close to implying that?
However, willy-nilly throwing around the word elite can be construed by some as arrogant. ;)</p>
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<p>Kristina, please read the posts more carefully. Again, where did I say or insinuate Smith women are “less smart?”
I’d also caution you of accusing an individual of being ignorant. Not nice! :)</p>
<p>@crewdad…awesome lol…ive been getting a lot of crap from people around here for choosing smith…lol just hoping smith will one day get a little recognition. I do not consider myself elite at all…smith alum who are leaders in almost every sector of society are elite…trust me, i am not.</p>