Undocumented Ada Handout.pdf Ada Comstock Scholar Applicants
The Ada Comstock Scholars Program is an innovative program for those who did not follow a traditional path to college. Ada Comstock Scholars complete their bachelor of arts 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. Some Ada Comstock Scholars come alone; some bring their partner, spouse, or children. Ada Scholars can live off campus or in Smith housing where options include single rooms and family units.
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.
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
| 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 | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| Interview* | November 15 | |
| Financial Aid materials | November 15 |
*An interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Interviews must be completed by the application submission deadline.
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
| Common Application | February 15 | |
| Autobiographical Essay | February 15 | |
| Resume | February 15 | |
| Official College Transcript(s) | February 15 | |
| Official High School Transcript or GED certificate | February 15 | |
| Two Recommendations | February 15 | |
| Transfer mid-term report | March 1 | |
| Transfer College Report | February 15 | |
| Course Descriptions | February 15 | |
| Additional requirements; | ||
| Interview* | February 15 | |
| Financial Aid materials | February 24 |
*An interview is required for all applicants to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Interviews must be completed by the application submission deadline.
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
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 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: Photocopies of course descriptions for all college courses completed and in progress should be mailed or emailed to the Smith College Office of Admission.
Additional requirements:
- Interview: An interview is required for all students applying to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Please note: interviews must be completed by the application submission deadline. Schedule an interview using the office calendar. Contact the Office of Admission if you have questions. Interviews for Ada applicants are offered starting September 1 each year. January applicants must complete their interviews by November 15; September applicants must complete by February 15.
Standardized Testing Policy
Smith has a test-optional standardized testing policy.
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.
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.
Financial Assistance
Almost 90 percent of Ada Comstock Scholars are awarded financial aid, which includes grants, work study and loans. We strongly encourage prospective Adas to research outside scholarships and grants.
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 on aid are required to enroll in at least 8 credits, normally two courses, each semester. Adas are considered full-time if enrolled in 12 credits or more. To be eligible for campus housing, you must be a full-time Ada student.
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 students who are applying for need-based aid may not apply for January entrance.
Deferring Enrollment
Admitted students who wish to defer their enrollment 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 (those who applied for January admission) or June 1 (those who applied for September admission). Please state the reasons for deferral and explain your plans for the next year. You must pay your enrollment deposit by the published deadline to hold your space in next year's class.
Ada Comstock Scholars may defer their admission for a semester or a year.
Request for Return to Smith after Six or More Years
Smith Students who have been withdrawn from the College for 6 or more years must apply as Ada Comstock Scholars through the Office of Admission.
The deadlines are November 15 for the spring semester and February 15 for the fall semester. Smith requires the Common Application for Transfer noting the Ada Comstock Scholars Program; applicants must submit all required credentials, including an interview with an admission staff member, by the published deadlines.
For more information visit the Class Dean's web page.
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.
Request More Information
If you are interested in applying to Smith, please fill out this form to request more information.
