<p>When I applied to Smith I thought that was where I was going to go. But when I found out that I was waitlisted, I stayed on the waiting list but did not think anything of it. I then sent my deposit to Wheaton College (which I had that gut feeling for and fell in love with the school). Then on Tuesday I received a call from admission stating that I was accepted if I am still interested in attending. Now I am uncertain of fwhat school to attend. SMith is really known for. But right now I am torn between the two. Any advice?</p>
<p>Do you have the ability to visit Smith and/or Wheaton? Finals were this week, so a lot of students will have left, but a visit might help you cement your decision.</p>
<p>Or do you have specific concerns that we might be able to help you with? Questions about any programs that Smith offers?</p>
<p>My teachers daughter goes there and I spoke with her, I am going down probably wednesday to hang out with her and check out the surroundings of Smith. In the beginning I was excited about going to an all girls school. But now when I have spent sometime at Wheaton, I think I like a coed education. But Smith has so much history behind its name and I def. know that I will get far by going to Smith. But Wheaton is a great place and I can do and grow alot there too. I just have to wait and see if I have that gut feeling about Smith.</p>
<p>Lacy1, I can appreciate your quandary; they’re both terrific schools. I have twins: my D is attending Smith this fall and my S was accepted at Wheaton but decided to go elsewhere for various reasons. One significant distinction is the size of the student bodies–Smith at 2600 and Wheaton at 1550. That would have some effect on the number and variety of professors and courses offered. Smith is part of the Five College Consortium so off-campus courses, libraries and activities are an easy bus ride away. Wheaton has cross-registration with Brown so it would be interesting to know generally how many students actually cross-register at Brown in a year. I don’t know how easy it would be to travel to Providence (and/or Boston) for courses, libraries and activities; you’d have to check whether there is a regular Providence bus if you don’t have a car (I don’t know what the car policy is at Wheaton). Smith has Northampton; I’m not sure how big Norton is and what it offers. Smith is very clear in its mission to empower women to be leaders in whatever shape that takes. However, we know of a Wheaton grad, a Fulbright Scholar from a couple of years ago, who’s having a fascinating life in Korea and Japan; I believe he’s traveling in China for three months right now. I’ve probably pointed out issues you’re already aware of and are wrestling with. Either school would provide you with a great education and interesting experiences, you can’t go wrong, so paying attention to your intuition is probably a good strategy. Please let us know how your Smith visit goes and what you decide. Good luck in your decision!</p>
<p>To echo CarolynB, go with your gut. </p>
<p>Those of us who frequent this forum love Smith intensely, but we also know that it’s not for everyone.</p>
<p>Northampton offers far more than Norton, but if, upon reflection, you want a coed residential experience, the clear choice is Wheaton.</p>
<p>It would be silly to go to a school simply for it’s reputation or name. After all, you’ll be living there for four years, and you’ll be unhappy if you’re not comfortable or fond of the school as a whole, regardless of its reputation.</p>
<p>Another aspect I would consider is the student bodies. I don’t know too much about Wheaton, but from I do know I get the impression that the students are very different from Smith students.</p>
<p>Well just to let everyone know, I visited Smith today and recieved a personal tour from ym art teachers daughter (she is graduating this sunday from Smith). I did not have that gut feeling but I could def. see myself there. I am proud to say that I will be attending Smith this August.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Lacy1!!! Welcome!! It must have been difficult to figure out as both Wheaton and Smith are wonderful schools, although I imagine in some ways they provide very different experiences. I think it’s especially difficult to picture yourself at a school after almost everyone’s gone home, and to switch gears after you’ve already spent some emotional energy on another school is challenging. I want to paint this picture for you. When my D and I dropped in for a quick walk-around in late April, the place was buzzing–students were walking purposefully from place to place, sitting outside chatting and reading, riding bikes, talking on cell phones. The place was really alive. We had the loveliest chat with an Ada Comstock Scholar who was bursting with enthusiasm about her experience there (she was graduating this weekend). I’m glad you can see yourself there and I hope your gut feeling grows. I wish for you a happy and successful four years.</p>
<p>Lacy1, if you can stay through Illumination Night or Ivy Day you’ll be totally smitten.</p>
<p>Thanks so much CarolynB, I hope I make the most out of Smith.</p>
<p>I was not able to stay for The Illumination Night and Ivy Day, I saw theset up though.</p>