Smith College

Yes. Smith meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted international students, using packages of grants and work-study — no loans to repay. If you get accepted and you've applied for financial aid and your family can't pay, your full calculated need is covered. All aid is need-based; there is no separate merit competition. Note that Smith is a women's college, so admission is for applicants who identify as women.

No — Smith is need-aware for international applicants. The admissions committee sees how much financial aid you're requesting when deciding whether to admit you, so requesting a full scholarship makes admission significantly more competitive. Once you're admitted, however, Smith meets 100% of your demonstrated need.

No. Smith is permanently test-optional — SAT and ACT scores are not required, and your application receives the same review whether or not you submit them.

Yes, if your native language is not English. Smith accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test. You are exempt only if you attended a school where English was the primary language of instruction for at least 3 years.

If the CSS Profile fee is a hardship, Smith lets you submit the ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application) instead — a free paper form you download from Smith's website and upload to the financial aid office. It replaces the CSS Profile at no cost.

Approximately 19–21% for freshman applicants — relatively accessible for a college that meets full demonstrated need. Transfer admission is similar, around 20–25%.

Yes. Smith extends its 100%-of-demonstrated-need policy to international transfer students, same as freshmen, with no-loan packages. There is one critical rule: you must apply for financial aid at the time of admission. If you don't request aid when you first apply to Smith as a transfer, you become ineligible for any institutional aid for your entire time at the college. Transfer acceptance runs around 20–25%. You'll need the Common App for Transfer, all college transcripts, a final high school transcript, the College/Registrar's Report, two academic evaluations from college instructors, English proficiency scores if applicable, and the CSS Profile or free ISFAA by the transfer deadline.

The Common Application or Coalition Application (no application fee); the Smith Writing Supplement; official high school transcripts; the Secondary School Report and counselor recommendation; two teacher evaluations; English proficiency scores if your native language is not English; and the CSS Profile or the free ISFAA if applying for aid.