Meet the Class of 2006

(From NewsSmith, fall 2002)

This year, applications to Smith were the highest in four years (3,047). The applicant pool included a record number of transfer students (270), as well as an increased number of early-decision and international applicants. The class is slightly larger than projected because more applicants than in the past accepted Smith’s offer of admission.

The 685 members of the Class of 2006 come from 46 U.S. states and 28 other countries, including Ecuador, Ghana, Sweden and Vietnam. One hundred fifty-two, or 22 percent of the class, are women of color, and 60, or 9 percent, have a grandmother, mother or sister who also went to Smith.

The class boasts an impressive number of students entering with academic distinction. Of those reporting rank, 58 percent graduated in the top decile of their high school class. Fifty-two have been named STRIDE scholars in recognition of their outstanding academic and personal qualifications; each will be paired with a faculty member in order to collaborate on research and scholarship during their first two years at the college.

Admission Director Audrey Smith says the incoming class has a “lively personality.”
“The admission staff really enjoyed getting to know many of these students throughout the past year. We’re looking forward to seeing them make their mark on the Smith campus,” she notes.

The Class of ’06 also includes in its ranks more than 70 Ada Comstock Scholars, among them a 58-year-old former construction worker; a 43-year-old artist and mother of three; and a 37-year-old granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Smith alumnae.