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Smith College

One 250-word essay about who you are and what you would bring to Smith's residential community.

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Supplemental essays

1 required

Word limit

250 words

Testing policy

Test-optional

Common App

Required

What Smith rewards

Smith asks for one supplemental essay of no more than 250 words, on top of your Common App personal statement. The prompt is framed around Smith's residential houses, but it is really a question about who you are and how you live alongside other people. Smith is test-optional, so the essay carries real weight in a holistic read.

The core challenge is compression. In 250 words you have to show a specific, lived piece of yourself and show that you are curious about other people, not just performing tolerance. Most applicants nail the first half and forget the second. The strongest essays make the exchange feel mutual, like you are someone a hallmate would actually want to live next to.

01Specific identity, not a label. Smith rewards a concrete piece of who you are, whether that is culture, class, faith, a disability, a hometown, or an odd hobby. The move is to render it in detail, not to name a category and move on. A specific Sunday ritual beats the word 'multicultural.'

02Mutual curiosity. The prompt explicitly asks what you hope your neighbors will share with you. Smith wants residents who give and receive. Applicants who only describe what they bring read as one-directional. Naming what you want to learn signals genuine openness.

03Community-mindedness over achievement. This is not a resume essay. Smith's house system is the heart of student life, and they are picturing you in a shared kitchen at midnight. Reflection on how you treat people lands harder than a list of accomplishments.

04Warmth and self-awareness. Smith likes essays with a recognizable human voice: someone who knows their quirks, can laugh a little, and is honest about how they show up around others. A small admission of growth often reads truer than polish.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Smith, each broken down with annotated examples.

The Smith Residential Community Essay250 words maximum

What personal experiences, background or abilities would you bring to this residential environment to share with your neighbors and what would you hope your neighbors would share with you?

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Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Smith and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 15

Early Decision IIJanuary 5

Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$82,890

Avg net after aid$31,200

Meets full needYes

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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Smith weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $31,200/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Smith interview? Format, tips, and practice The Smith Reader ProScore your draft against Smith's exact prompts

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Smith FAQ

What is Smith's acceptance rate?

Smith is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are genuinely optional and applicants are not disadvantaged for leaving them off. Roughly one in five applicants is admitted, and Early Decision tends to carry a higher admit rate than Regular Decision. Admitted students cluster in the top tenth of their high school class, but Smith reads holistically and weighs the essay heavily. At Smith, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Smith require?

Smith requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Smith cost?

Smith's published sticker price is about $82,890 per year, but the average family pays $31,200 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Smith require SAT or ACT scores?

Smith is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Smith's application deadlines?

Smith's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 15; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 15. Add Smith to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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