In addition, a successful applicant must show promise of capacity for independent work. An applicant must have an excess of four credits on her record preceding the semester in Washington. No student may write an honors thesis in the same field in which she has written her long paper in the Washington seminar, unless the department, upon petition, grants a specific exemption from this policy. The program is directed by a member of the Smith College faculty, who is responsible for selecting the interns and assisting them in obtaining placement in appropriate offices in Washington, and directing the independent research project through tutorial sessions. The seminar is conducted by an adjunct professor resident in Washington.
Students participating in the program pay full tuition for the semester.
They do not pay any fees for residence at the college, but are required to pay for their own room and board in Washington during the fall semester.