<p>Those are my top three choices when I apply for schools next year. I have a pretty good chance of being admitted to all three.</p>
<p>Financial Aid is a very important part of my decision. Can you tell me about Smith's financial aid? My friends have been happy with their aid at USC and UCLA, but I've only heard negatives about Smith's financial aid. Can someone tell me honestly about Smith's financial aid? I have been told that they expect students to borrow against their homes?</p>
<p>Also, I'm from California and I want a job here in California. Most people know what I'm talking about when I refer to USC and UCLA, but Smith is sometimes unheard of. When I say Smith College, a lot of people are like...what? So in terms of branding, how is Smith for a Californian employer? Is it seen as impressively over here as it is on the east coast? </p>
<p>If you are accepted to Smith, you will get a financial aid package that meets 100% of your need by the formula Smith uses to calculate financial aid. Some people are happier with the financial aid offered than others. It’s hard to say whether or not you’ll like what Smith offers if you are admitted.</p>
<p>The Smith name does very well nationwide with people who are familiar with the Seven Sisters. I can’t tell you that every prospective employer will recognize it, but that’s also true on the East Coast.</p>
<p>Princesslol09, Smith offers very little merit aid (as is the case with most of the top LACs), so FA packages can be disappointing to students who expect a full ride. Smith goes out of its way to finance top but economically disadvantaged applicants, so it’s not a matter of not having the aid. Smith tries very hard to assist families who could not otherwise dream of sending their daughter to college. What families want to spend and what colleges think they should spend are often at odds, however.</p>
<p>If your stats are at the tippy-top of the applicant pool, you might get offered a STRIDE, which is not only prestigious but is a good sum of money.</p>
<p>From what TD and mini say, Smithies are active on the West Coast. I suggest that you see if you can contact the Smith Club in your area to see what the alumnae are doing. Although that won’t answer your question entirely, it will give you a glimpse of the alumnae success specifically in California. (Not all areas have Smith Clubs. I’m on the East Coast, and we don’t have one in my area.)</p>
<p>You need to think about the kind of education you want as well. I can’t imagine more different schools that USC/UCSD and Smith. Have you visited?</p>
<p>And momwaitingfornew: I visited USC and UCLA with a couple friends during Spring Break and I visited Smith with my mom. These three schools stood out to me. For very different reasons. I mostly liked USC and UCLA because those names are recognized in California. Smith, however, is recognized but not seen as “wow” as USC and UCLA. Some people will know the name, but they don’t exactly know what they’re known for or whether or not it’s a good school. My main concern is employment. If the name of the institution is not recognized, my merits might be demerited.</p>
<p>I was also wondering, how strong are the Smith Sociology and Psychology program?</p>