I've got an interesting story (as we all probably do). I'm transferring from a city college in Southern California. Initially, after high school, I went to a UC school. For a variety of reasons, I decided my time, money, and emotions were better spent at city college. Smith was a school I wish I would have applied to out of high school (I applied to Wellesley, and found out about Smith after application time), so I gave it another look while at the UC. I think it was the first paragraph of their transfer website that did it for me-- haha-- so I decided to keep it in mind through my transfer process. I flip flopped many times over the next two years about wanting to come back east (there is a huge push to go to a UC/CSU from a CA CC) but knew it was always something I wanted to do. When application time came around last fall, I was only going to apply to CA schools and was 'okay' with that.. then Smith's website came around to me again and I couldn't shake the day dream. I ultimately ended up applying to Smith as well as two other schools back east. I got to visit in January (I applied and visited MoHo too). It was eighteen degrees and snowing during Smith's tour (my first time in falling snow) and I was absolutely in love. I figured if I could feel such a strong pull in the presence of a school in the snow (sitting in the admissions office waiting for an interview and watching it "come down", ha) that there was something special about it. After being accepted elsewhere, with the 'easier' options to stay in my home state, I traveled back with my mom in April for open campus and we were continuously blown away by the enthusiasm and care that was around us. Needless to say, so stoked.
I realize that after re-reading this I didn't directly answer the question. Smith's apparent sense of community was definitely one of the biggest draws. Something I felt was clearly lacking at my UC school and something I am so spoiled to be accustomed to. I love the idea of a women's college. I also love that for two years, I get to live on the east coast! Fall foliage here I come!! Seriously though. I am ready for a new adventure, and I feel like Smith fits the bill for everything. The more I started to hear the little intricacies of the college, the more I felt like I could do no wrong. Smith was financially more generous than any other school in the end, especially with the UC's being in their current economic state. A broad overview, but I'd say that's about it for me
