A Record Number of Applicants

Smith’s Class of 2021 will be chosen from a record number of applicants, says Audrey Smith, the college’s vice president for enrollment.

The college has attracted 5,432 applications, a 3 percent increase over last year, and a 21 percent increase since 2013. The application deadline was January 15.

Applicants included a record 1,408 international students—a 5 percent increase over last year.

Audrey Smith says she thinks part of the reason for the increase has to do with increased interest in women’s colleges—as well as the strength of the college’s educational and co-curricular programs.

She adds, “Social media has changed admission recruitment.  Prospective students learn about college online—from engaged students who talk about their experience in the classroom, their individual work with faculty and their social lives on campus. It’s a great time to be at Smith! And prospective students want to be part of the experience.”

This is the 10th year in a row that Smith has received a record number of applications. There were 3,329 applications for the Class of 2011.

The numbers:

• Total first-year applications: 5,431
• Increase over last year: 3 percent
• Early decision candidates (indicating  that Smith is their first choice and they will enroll if admitted): 544
• International applicants: 1,408 from 108 countries
• Applicants who are domestic students of color: 2,067, including a record 683 African American students, 715 Asian American students, 625 Latina students and 22 Native American students
• Legacies (mother, daughter or sister attended Smith): 200
• U.S. states: all 50, plus Washington, D.C.
• High schools: almost 3,000 high schools are represented in the applicant pool, and 194 applicants are home-schooled.

Audrey Smith invites all members of the campus community to “watch for a celebration in the Campus Center soon!”