Surprising Decisions- Scholarship at Holyoke, Admit at Wellesley, Waitlist at Smith?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi all,
What a crazy week. After acceptances and rejections, I received the long awaited decision from Smith. Waitlist. Now of course I know no one can be sure that they’ll get in anywhere, and schools like Smith should never be considered safeties. I am, however, greatly surprised and I’m curious if anyone can give me some insight into this decision.
Here is my current college list:
Wellesley- Admit
Mount Holyok- Admit with $20k Leadership Award
Connecticut College- Admit
Skidmore- Admit, alternate for Porter Presidential Scholarship in math and science
Bard- Admit

I was surprised especially because Mount Holyoke is just as selective as Smith and gave me a large scholarship, and Wellesley is more selective yet admitted me. I also visited and interviewed at all 3 schools, although I visited Smith multiple times and contacted admissions with questions, demonstrating interest.
I know all admissions departments are different, but does anyone have any thoughts?

2

del

3

D had a similar experience in the admissions crapshoot several years ago; waitlisted at one top 20 LAC and accepted at another (usually higher-ranked on most lists, FWIW) with a full ride merit award. Still haven’t figured that one out. I see that you’ve got great choices, hurrah, but one does indeed wonder how schools that have so much in common can make such wildly different admissions decisions.