Two people walking down a campus path in the summer.

Apply to Precollege Programs

Smith Precollege Programs are open to students entering 9th-12th grade in the fall of 2025. Smith is a residential women’s college. Our Precollege Programs offer a Smith experience for high school students. Review our Codes of Conduct for students and parents/guardians to ensure that this program is the right fit for you. College credit is not offered. Please note that Smith Precollege does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or any other protected classification. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

For Summer Precollege Programs, enrollment is limited to ensure a quality academic experience. The selective admissions process is based on a student’s academic performance, a written essay and a teacher recommendation. Students must have a strong record of academic achievement, a high level of motivation, and a willingness to explore.

Application Dates & Deadlines

Applications are open from December 2024 to May 2025 for Smith Precollege Programs—the last day to apply is May 1, 2025. We will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. ET or once they reach capacity, whichever comes first. Some exceptions apply.

Date Item Due
December 10, 2024 2025 Program Application Opens
Application reviews start after January 4 and then are done on a rolling basis until programs are filled.
February 1, 2025 Priority Application Deadline
Complete an application by February 1 to be considered a priority applicant. All applicants will hear back by February 14.
March 1, 2025 Financial Aid Deadline
Apply by the date if you are submitting a financial aid application. All applicants who are applying for financial aid will hear back by March 21.
April 15, 2025 Application Fee Increases
The application fee increases to $100.
May 1, 2025 Application Closes
Last day to apply.
May 15, 2025 Final Program Payments Due

Once all completed application materials are received, students are notified within 14 days of their acceptance status.

Admission is determined on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to submit a completed application as soon as possible. Applications close on May 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET, or once they reach capacity, whichever comes first.

Requirements

Letter of Recommendation

All applicants must submit one academic recommendation from a teacher. In the application, applicants must submit the name and email address of their recommender. An email will be sent to the recommender with a form for them to complete.

Transcript

You can upload a transcript to your online application. Or, you can email or fax the transcript to the Office of Precollege Programs. Two full years of grades need to be received.

Depending on your current grade, you may be required to submit middle school transcripts or report cards. 

Financial Aid Form (If Applicable)

Smith Precollege Programs financial assistance is available to a limited number of participants and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and eligibility for the program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the financial aid section in the application and upload tax documentation.

You can send your materials to:
Office of Precollege Programs | Smith College
30 Belmont Avenue
Northampton, MA 01063
summerprecollege@smith.edu | Fax: 413-585-4344

Personal Statement

Drawing from the life experiences that shaped who you are today, please describe in what ways you would contribute to and gain from the Precollege classroom and residential life settings. (Limit of 250 words.)

Personal Essay

Please see this list and respond to ONE question as your essay prompt. Your essay is meant to help our admission committee better understand you as a student and a person. Please give an in-depth and authentic response. We want to learn about you! Your essay should be 250–500 words. 

What aspects about the college experience and applying to college are you eager to learn about? What do you hope to gain from the college readiness program?

Please respond to ONE question as your essay prompt.

  1. Tell us about the experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in writing. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
  2. What is an experience, a character or a story idea that you have been wanting to write about but haven’t yet put into words? Why do you want to tell this story?

Please respond to ONE question as your essay prompt.

  1. Tell us about the experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in science. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
  2. Tell us why you want to attend an intensive program in your chosen field at Smith College?

Please respond to ONE question as your essay prompt.

  1. Tell us about an experience, event, book, movie, person, place, etc. that initially sparked your interest in issues related to sustainability, farming, and/or social justice. What was it about this event, person, etc. that inspired you?
  2. If you could spend time with any person (real or fictional, historic or contemporary) who would it be, what would you do, and why?

Please respond to ONE question as your essay prompt.

  1. Describe an issue related to studying women, gender, and representation that you are passionate about exploring. Why does this issue inspire you to learn more? What do you hope to learn? How do you hope to grow?

  2. Review the 2024 Women, Gender and Representation course offerings online. Identify a class that interests you and describe why. What would you hope to learn from the content, professor, and your classmates? How would you apply this to your future academic and life goals?

Financial Assistance

Smith Precollege Summer Programs financial aid is available to a limited number of participants and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and eligibility for the program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the financial aid section on the application and upload tax documentation.

Foundation Partners

Below is a list of the organizations and foundations that partner with Smith Precollege Programs. Some of these foundations work with high school students only from particular schools or communities where the foundation is located. Others work broadly, referring and recommending students from throughout the United States.

We value our engagement with these organizations. Many offer both financial support and ongoing relationships to their high-achieving young scholars, giving advice, support and assistance to students and their families through the Precollege application process.