Ada Comstock Scholar Transfer Applicants

The Ada Comstock Scholars Program is a transfer program for those who did not follow a traditional path to college. Ada Comstock Scholars complete a bachelor’s degree at a realistic pace, either part-time or full-time. Ada Scholars join our vibrant, talented and diverse student body and enrich Smith’s classrooms and community with their unique perspectives on academic scholarship, work, and family. 

Smith has several support services tailored specifically to Ada Scholars, including orientation programming and academic and career advising. Some Ada Comstock Scholars come alone; some bring their partner, spouse, or children. On-campus housing is guaranteed for any Ada Comstock Scholar who requests it.

Financial aid is available to Ada Comstock Scholars. Visit Tuition & Financial Aid for financial aid deadlines and information and instructions on applying for financial aid.

Ready to Apply to Smith?

Smith uses the Common Application for prospective Ada Comstock Scholars. There is no application fee.

Apply Using the Common Application

Eligibility

Women who are 24 or older*, or veterans or have a dependent other than a spouse are eligible to apply to Smith as Ada Comstock Scholars.

Candidates are expected to present at minimum 48 transferable liberal arts credits. On average, admitted students transfer in with 56 credits. The maximum number of transfer credits is 64. As part of the application process your transcript will be reviewed for eligible transfer credit. If you are accepted, you will receive an evaluation of your transfer credit. The registrar's office website lists complete transfer credit criteria and policies.

Smith College will not consider applications from students seeking a second bachelor's degree or who have completed more than 64 transferable credits.

*Women must be at least 24 years by December 31 of the academic year in which they enter Smith (fall or spring). A student entering in January does not qualify as an Ada/independent student if she will turn 24 during her first term at the college.

Forms & Deadlines

Item Deadline
Common Application November 15
Autobiographical Essay November 15
Resume November 15
Official College transcript(s) November 15
Official High School Transcript or GED November 15
Two Recommendations November 15
Transfer mid-term report November 15
Transfer College Report November 15
Course Descriptions November 15
Interview* November 20
Financial Aid materials (domestic applicants) November 15
Financial Aid materials (international applicants) November 15

*A virtual interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Upon submission of your application, instructions for requesting your required interview will be available on your applicant status portal.

Where to Send Forms

You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.

Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063

Fax: 413-585-2527
admission@soongshinkid.com

Item Deadline
Common Application March 1
Autobiographical Essay March 1
Resume March 1
Official College Transcript(s) March 1
Official High School Transcript or GED certificate March 1
Two Recommendations March 1
Transfer mid-term report March 1
Transfer College Report March 1
Course Descriptions March 1
Interview* March 7
Financial Aid materials (domestic applicants) March 11
Financial Aid materials (international applicants) March 11

*A virtual interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Upon submission of your application, instructions for requesting your required interview will be available on your applicant status portal.

Where to Send Forms

You can send your documents to us by email, through the mail or via fax. Please make copies of all documents submitted.

Office of Admission
Smith College
7 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063

Fax: 413-585-2527
admission@soongshinkid.com

Natural Disasters or Community Crisis     If you or your community has recently been impacted by natural disaster or a community crisis, we understand that you may not be able to meet our posted application deadlines. Please know that we are here to work with you during this difficult time. If you anticipate a delay in the submission of your application, please contact us at admission@soongshinkid.com to request an extension.

Required Materials

Smith uses an online application for the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. There is no application fee.

  • Common Application
  • Autobiographical Essay: Applicants are required to submit an evaluative autobiographical essay. Specific instructions for uploading your essay can be found in the "Documents" section of the Common Application. 
  • Résumé
  • Official College Transcript(s): Smith requires official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. To initiate that process, use the "Download Transcript Request Form" located in the "Colleges Attended" section of the "Academic History" quadrant of your Common Application.
  • Official High School Transcript or GED Certificate: Official high school transcript(s) or GED certificate are required. Please contact your secondary school(s) and ask that official transcripts be mailed or emailed directly to the Smith College Office of Admission. GED certificates may also be sent to this address.
  • Two Recommendations: At least one recommendation must be from a faculty member who has taught you in a college-level class.
  • Transfer Mid-Term Report: Applicants currently enrolled in college courses are required to submit the Common Application Mid-Term Report. Completed forms may be uploaded on the application "Documents" screen or emailed to the Smith College Office of Admission.
  • Transfer College Report: Applicants are required to submit the Common Application College Report. This form must be filled out by a college official. Completed forms should be mailed or emailed directly to the Smith College Office of Admission.
  • Course Descriptions: Copies of course descriptions for all college courses completed and in progress should be mailed or emailed to the Smith College Office of Admission.
  • Interview: An interview is required for all students applying to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Upon submission of your application to Smith, instructions for requesting an interview will be available on your applicant status portal. January applicants must schedule their interview by November 21; all interviews must be completed by November 28. September applicants must schedule their interview by February 20; all interviews must be completed by February 23.

International Applicants

Additionally, international applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing. International citizens whose primary language is not English or have not attended a school at which English is the primary language of instruction will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/DET. Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they:

  • Identify English as their first language;
  • Have attended a school in which the primary language of instruction is English for the duration of their secondary school career;
  • Have attended a school in the United States and been instructed in English for at least two years;
  • Are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English.

Please note that the test requirement is based on citizenship, not on where a student attends school.

Financial Assistance

Almost 90 percent of Ada Comstock Scholars are awarded need-based financial aid packages which include institutional grants and work study. Our aid calculation starts with the premise that Ada Scholars pay for the cost of their education to the extent they are able; financial aid supplements their effort.  

An Ada Comstock Scholar's fees and grants are based on the number of credits for which she has enrolled and the housing option she chooses. Students receiving need-based aid are required to enroll in at least 8 credits, normally two courses, each semester. To be eligible for on-campus housing, Ada Scholars must be "full-time" and enrolled in 12 credits or more per semester.

If you intend to apply for financial aid you must do so when you apply for admission and by the published deadlines. Visit the Tuition & Financial Aid for Ada Comstock applicants where you will find the deadlines and instructions on how to apply.

International Applicants

If you intend to apply for financial aid, you must do so when you apply for admission and by the published deadlines.

International students who do not apply by the published deadlines prior to admission are ineligible to receive institutional financial aid from the college at any time.

Visit Tuition & Financial Aid for financial aid deadlines and information and instructions on applying for financial aid.

Additional Information

Admitted students who wish to defer their enrollment for a semester or a year should send a letter to Dean of Admission Deanna Dixon, or send an email to the admission office. We must have your request in our office by January 5 (for January admission) or June 1 (for September admission). Please state the reasons for deferral and explain your plans for the next semester or year. You must pay your enrollment deposit by the published deadline to hold your space in the class. 

Standardized Testing Policy

Smith has a test-optional standardized testing policy. International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing.

Smith College has been test-optional since 2009 and remains test-optional today.

Our admission process is holistic.

At Smith we look at the whole applicant and do not rely on a test score to define your potential for academic success. Your academic record, extracurricular activities, essay, recommendation letters, personal accomplishments and characteristics, and engagement in your community are all carefully considered during our review and selection process.

Unsure about whether to submit your scores?

If you are unsure of whether you should submit your test scores, we advise you to base your decision on whether you feel that your standardized test scores accurately reflect your academic ability and potential, or highlight an academic strength. If you choose not to submit test scores, you will in no way be disadvantaged in the admission process.

Does the test optional policy apply to both US Citizens and International citizens?

The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional for all applicants.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing. International citizens whose primary language is not English or have not attended a school at which English is the primary language of instruction will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/DET. Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they:

  • Identify English as their first language;
  • Have attended a school in which the primary language of instruction is English for the duration of their secondary school career;
  • Have attended a school in the United States and been instructed in English for at least two years;
  • Are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English.

Please note that the test requirement is based on citizenship, not on where a student attends school.

Undocumented and DACA Students: Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; SAT or ACT scores are optional.

Transgender Applicants     People who identify as women—cis, trans and nonbinary women—are eligible to apply to Smith. For more information see Gender Identity and Expression.

Undocumented Students

Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Undocumented and DACA students should indicate “Non-citizen” or “Other” in the citizenship field on the Ada Application. Because we want to obtain a comprehensive picture of the student’s background and experiences in the context of her school and community, we encourage undocumented and DACA applicants to disclose their citizenship status in the application. Undocumented and DACA students may apply under any admission plan, including January admission.

Smith meets 100 percent of the demonstrated need of all admitted students who apply for financial aid by the published deadlines. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented and DACA students, Smith provides institutional, need-based financial aid in its place.

Please be in touch with the admission office if you have further questions.

For more information about resources for undocumented students, visit our Immigration Policy Resources and Responses site.

Contact Admission

7 College Lane
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063