About Us: Smith College was founded at a time when there were practically no choices for women who wanted an education equal to that available to men. The idea of such a college was a radical notion in 1871, but its success has been dramatic and undeniable. And for more than 130 years, Smith has stayed true to its mission of providing women with the best education available in the liberal arts and sciences. Today, of course, women have many options as they choose a college, but we have only become more convinced that, for many women, a womenbs college is the best option. Providing the academic challenge, personal attention and wide-ranging opportunities youbd look for in any college are still our most important goals, but, as a womenbs college, we think Smith offers some special bonuses. In a recent study by Indiana Universitybs Center for Postsecondary Research, far more students at womenbs colleges reported having regular interaction with faculty members than those at coed institutions. They also reported with greater frequency that their colleges helped them learn more about themselves, hone their quantitative analysis skills and develop a desire to help their communities.