Which is best? I know each are different but which has best rep?
Tentative academic interests?
They all are excellent schools. If you prefer women’s colleges, 2 of them are not good at all! It depends on what environment you want, your academic interests, and if you have any particular outside activities you would like to pursue…
Why ask? You can research for yourself which has strong programs in your interest areas and the right opportunities for you. You haven’t been accepted yet, don’t assume. Especially if you don’t know the strengths of each and what they look for. Some work to do. Besides that, you gave zero info about yourself and might not qualify. Each is holistic.
Bates and Colby are NESCAC schools. Remote Maine. Smith is all women’s and so is Wellesley. Of those two it depends on your major and interests. Why not Mount Holyoke College as well?
These are all peer institutions. There is no “best.” Wellesley is probably the best known to the average person, but that’s not terribly important when it comes to choosing a LAC.
It’s about fit. They are all great schools. One might be best for one person and another for someone else.