Ada Comstock Scholar Transfer Applicants
The Ada Comstock Scholars Program is a transfer program for those who did not follow a traditional path to college. Ada Comstock Scholars complete a bachelor’s degree at a realistic pace, either part-time or full-time. Ada Scholars join our vibrant, talented and diverse student body and enrich Smith’s classrooms and community with their unique perspectives on academic scholarship, work, and family.
Smith has several support services tailored specifically to Ada Scholars, including orientation programming and academic and career advising. Some Ada Comstock Scholars come alone; some bring their partner, spouse, or children. On-campus housing is guaranteed for any Ada Comstock Scholar who requests it.
Financial aid is available to Ada Comstock Scholars. Visit Tuition & Financial Aid for financial aid deadlines and information and instructions on applying for financial aid.
Eligibility
Women who are 24 or older*, or veterans or have a dependent other than a spouse are eligible to apply to Smith as Ada Comstock Scholars.
Candidates are expected to present at minimum 48 transferable liberal arts credits. On average, admitted students transfer in with 56 credits. The maximum number of transfer credits is 64. As part of the application process your transcript will be reviewed for eligible transfer credit. If you are accepted, you will receive an evaluation of your transfer credit. The registrar's office website lists complete transfer credit criteria and policies.
Smith College will not consider applications from students seeking a second bachelor's degree or who have completed more than 64 transferable credits.
*Women must be at least 24 years by December 31 of the academic year in which they enter Smith (fall or spring). A student entering in January does not qualify as an Ada/independent student if she will turn 24 during her first term at the college.
Forms & Deadlines
| Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Common Application | November 15 |
| Autobiographical Essay | November 15 |
| Resume | November 15 |
| Official College transcript(s) | November 15 |
| Official High School Transcript or GED | November 15 |
| Two Recommendations | November 15 |
| Transfer mid-term report | November 15 |
| Transfer College Report | November 15 |
| Course Descriptions | November 15 |
| Interview* | November 20 |
| Financial Aid materials (domestic applicants) | November 15 |
| Financial Aid materials (international applicants) | November 15 |
*A virtual interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Upon submission of your application, instructions for requesting your required interview will be available on your applicant status portal.
Where to Send Forms
You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.
Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Fax: 413-585-2527
admission@smith.edu
| Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Common Application | March 1 |
| Autobiographical Essay | March 1 |
| Resume | March 1 |
| Official College Transcript(s) | March 1 |
| Official High School Transcript or GED certificate | March 1 |
| Two Recommendations | March 1 |
| Transfer mid-term report | March 1 |
| Transfer College Report | March 1 |
| Course Descriptions | March 1 |
| Interview* | March 7 |
| Financial Aid materials (domestic applicants) | March 11 |
| Financial Aid materials (international applicants) | March 11 |
*A virtual interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Upon submission of your application, instructions for requesting your required interview will be available on your applicant status portal.
Where to Send Forms
You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.
Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Fax: 413-585-2527
admission@smith.edu
Natural Disasters or Community Crisis If you or your community has recently been impacted by natural disaster or a community crisis, we understand that you may not be able to meet our posted application deadlines. Please know that we are here to work with you during this difficult time. If you anticipate a delay in the submission of your application, please contact us at admission@smith.edu to request an extension.
Required Materials
Financial Assistance
Standardized Testing Policy
Smith has a test-optional standardized testing policy. International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing.
Smith College has been test-optional since 2009 and remains test-optional today.
Our admission process is holistic.
At Smith we look at the whole applicant and do not rely on a test score to define your potential for academic success. Your academic record, extracurricular activities, essay, recommendation letters, personal accomplishments and characteristics, and engagement in your community are all carefully considered during our review and selection process.
Unsure about whether to submit your scores?
If you are unsure of whether you should submit your test scores, we advise you to base your decision on whether you feel that your standardized test scores accurately reflect your academic ability and potential, or highlight an academic strength. If you choose not to submit test scores, you will in no way be disadvantaged in the admission process.
Does the test optional policy apply to both US Citizens and International citizens?
The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional for all applicants.
International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing. International citizens whose primary language is not English or have not attended a school at which English is the primary language of instruction will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/DET. Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they:
- Identify English as their first language;
- Have attended a school in which the primary language of instruction is English for the duration of their secondary school career;
- Have attended a school in the United States and been instructed in English for at least two years;
- Are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English.
Please note that the test requirement is based on citizenship, not on where a student attends school.
Undocumented and DACA Students: Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; SAT or ACT scores are optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
A maximum of one semester (16 credits) earned through any combination of AP, IB, and college credit while in high school may be applied toward your Smith degree. Pre-matriculation credit may be used only:
- to make up a shortage of credits incurred through failure
- with the approval of the administrative board, to make up a shortage of credit incurred as a result of dropping a course for reasons of health
- to undertake an accelerated course program
Credits are recorded for scores of 4 or 5 on most Advanced Placement examinations. The credits allotted are determined by the individual department.
Smith will award up to a semester's worth of credit if you have taken part in an International Baccalaureate program. The exact amount of credit will be determined once an official copy of results has been sent to the registrar’s office.
Smith is a women’s college and considers for admission any applicants who self-identify as women; cis, trans, and nonbinary women are eligible to apply to Smith.
Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; SAT or ACT scores are optional. Undocumented and DACA students should indicate “Non-citizen” or “Other” in the citizenship field on the Common Application. Because we want to obtain a comprehensive picture of the student’s background and experiences in the context of her school and community, we encourage undocumented and DACA applicants to disclose their citizenship status in the application. Undocumented and DACA students may apply under any admission plan, including Early Decision.
Smith meets 100 percent of the demonstrated need of all admitted students who apply for financial aid by the published deadlines. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented and DACA students, Smith provides institutional, need-based financial aid in its place.
Please be in touch with the admission office if you have further questions.
Admitted students who wish to defer their enrollment should send a letter to Dean of Admission Deanna Dixon, or send an email to the admission office. Please state the reasons for deferral and explain your plans for the next year. You must pay your enrollment deposit by the published deadline to hold your space in next year's class.
We must have your request in our office by May 15.
Contact Admission
7 College Lane
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063