<p>It came down to those two for my daughter as well. Wellesley has a big name because it’s close to Boston and gets attention. At decision-time two years ago, my daughter was more enamored of Wellesley because of its “prestige” yet when she did overnights at both schools, she had a much friendlier, more comfortable, more inclusive experience at Smith, so that was an eye-opener for her.</p>
<p>As for the English Department, it is one of the strongest departments on campus with one of the highest numbers of majors; take a look at how many English profs are employed at Smith; that will give you some inkling of its popularity. My daughter is an English major and Archives minor and she eats it all up with a spoon. If you want an example of the possibility of serious academics and prestige, she has been accepted at one of the two most prestigious universities outside London for study abroad next spring, but I can’t divulge it yet because she hasn’t said yes; she wants to talk first to a senior who attended last year and who’s going to grad school there next year. When I think about the opportunity for serious study for her there, I still pinch myself. </p>
<p>Smith is a well-balanced school with 1/3 in humanities, 1/3 in the sciences and 1/3 in fine and performing arts, so your stated interests will be well supported.</p>
<p>Both schools offer excellent educations; you really can’t go wrong. Have you done overnights at both?</p>