I am a college sophomore considering transferring into Smith College (still in the application process). My plan is to go to phd program after undergrad, so I care a great deal about research opportunities. I heard many good things from some people I know who go to Smith, but they have a different major than me. I am wondering whether Smith actually does offer abundant research opportunities for undergraduate students, especially in social sciences like economics (my major) instead of conventionally lab-based sciences like biology.
Is combining majors made easier by the open curriculum (if yes, how)?
It will be really helpful if anyone knows some successful transfer cases. I’d love to have a better idea of my chances.
Hi! Current Smithie here. There are research assistant positions in our economics department, but they’re pretty competitive. I’m not entirely sure what you mean by combining majors. If you mean “is it easier to double major” the answer is yes, because you have a lot of free class schedule space. If you mean “is it easier to do research/take classes on topics where the two courses of study overlap” then is it really depends on if there are any professors with that as their research focus. The open curriculum doesn’t really impact this. If you mean “is it easier to design your own major” then it depends on what the subject is. Smith won’t let you design any remotely pre-professional major, but otherwise, if you can find the classes and professors who are willing to sign on, you can go for it.