<p>Middsmith-</p>
<p>Forgive me for sounding like a mother, but it is an occupational hazard. No place, school, relationship, item of clothing or haircut will ever be “perfect.” There are plusses and minuses in everything. Your choice has to be based upon the best available between the available options, and then you need to turn your focus into making it the best possible place for you with a positive attitude. </p>
<p>I’m assuming that since you read this portion of the Smith thread you are a potential Stride. I’d contact Peter de Villiers and talk to him about your questions. My daughter and I found him incredibly responsive and he may be able to put you in touch with other faculty who can give you more answers about Smith. After visiting Smith and meeting with him, she has chosen to go to Smith next year- over several other highly ranked schools both in Massachusetts and outside of it. I’m not saying that it necessarily the right choice for you- just that if you are a Stride candidate he is a great person to talk to and I know he sent around an e-mail to all of the Stride and Zollman candidates inviting them to contact him. I also know he was not there on the Friday of open campus so you may have missed the opportunity to talk to him directly. Give him a call or an e-mail. It may help.</p>