I once heard Mount Holyoke College described as Harvard meets Hogwarts meets the movie 'Mona Lisa's Smile'. It was not until my first week on campus that I realized the truth behind this description. Not only was I sitting in a classroom with some of the smartest women in the world, but the Gothic architecture created world of magic and opportunity both in the classroom and out.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Do not be afraid to apply to Mount Holyoke College. While it is not the school for everyone, there is a wealth of opportunity. Some students do not like the all women's environment or the academic rigor of the campus. Thus, students do occasionally transfer out but those who do stay find a rich community of support and intellectual stimulus. And, of course, students transfer into the college as well and thrive.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
When I applied to this college, I wanted to be challenged academically and I was. There are classes that I have spent at least ten hours a week studying for and readings I have reread to make sure I understand the underlying meaning of the author's words. This is not a school for the faint of heart. It is academically challenging but the small class sizes, the professors who care and are willing to listen, and the resources available make it worth it.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Nearly everyone lives on campus which fosters a strong sense of community among the twenty-odd small dorms. Students love the dorms that according to 'The Princeton Review' are like palaces. I have formed friendships that will last forever over the course of living in the same dorm as many of my friends.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
In any school, you will eventually miss a home-cooked meal. However, Mount Holyoke food is really good, with a large selection of food for vegetarians and vegans, as well as a kosher/halal dinning hall. Dining Services is very accommodating to people with food allergies, and as a person with food allergies, I am not only able to find food I can eat but also food with variety.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Community is a corner stone of Mount Holyoke College. We have over 150 student organizations on campus alone, everything from cultural organizations to dance troupes to academically-focused clubs. If you cannot find something on campus, jump on the PVTA--free transportation throughout the Pioneer Valley--and go explore the 5-college-consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, UMass). It's true that Mount Holyoke doesn't have a huge party scene- we're more of a small-gathering-with-friends sort of place- but it is pretty easy to get to parties at UMass and Amherst on the weekends. And honestly, we do a lot of homework.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
While the college is expensive, it is worth the money. A liberal arts education is a major investment but any student who graduates from Mount Holyoke College is making an investment in their future that will pay off. In addition, the college offers superb financial aid. However, take a close look before you go and talk to the financial department, because it's easy to get mired in debt at any college you go to.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Being the first all women's college in the country, Mount Holyoke has a fondness for tradition. One of my personal favorites is M&C's--Milk & Crackers! Every night from 9:30pm to 10pm, milk and some kind of baked good are provided in the dorms. It's a great break from studying and a way to socialize with your friends. Also, the tradition does not stop at graduation, the Alumni are extremely involved and loyal to the college both financially and socially. Most large cities in the US and abroad have active alumni clubs that do all sorts of activities.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
This is the prefect place for students who are looking for an academic challenge, who are passionate about life, and who have an unstoppable drive.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
With more the 150 student organization, there is something for everyone. Mount Holyoke is secular, but there is a thriving faith-based community with tons of inter-faith cooperation. While Mount Holyoke is not known for its rabid sports fans, there are thriving sports teams, both club and varsity, that allow student-athletes to maintain a good balance between sports and academics.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is no Greek life at Mount Holyoke but we could be considered the largest sorority on Earth. Saying that, sororities were banned in the early part of the 20th century to create a stronger community among all of the students. Thus far, this strategy seems to have worked.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have never felt unsafe on campus and feel comfortable to walk across campus late at night without any worries. However, if you are ever in a sticky situation Campus Police are only a call away.
I once heard Mount Holyoke College described as Harvard meets Hogwarts meets the movie 'Mona Lisa's Smile'. It was not until my first week on campus that I realized the truth behind this description. Not only was I sitting in a classroom with some of the smartest women in the world, but the Gothic architecture created world of magic and opportunity both in the classroom and out.
Do not be afraid to apply to Mount Holyoke College. While it is not the school for everyone, there is a wealth of opportunity. Some students do not like the all women's environment or the academic rigor of the campus. Thus, students do occasionally transfer out but those who do stay find a rich community of support and intellectual stimulus. And, of course, students transfer into the college as well and thrive.
When I applied to this college, I wanted to be challenged academically and I was. There are classes that I have spent at least ten hours a week studying for and readings I have reread to make sure I understand the underlying meaning of the author's words. This is not a school for the faint of heart. It is academically challenging but the small class sizes, the professors who care and are willing to listen, and the resources available make it worth it.
Nearly everyone lives on campus which fosters a strong sense of community among the twenty-odd small dorms. Students love the dorms that according to 'The Princeton Review' are like palaces. I have formed friendships that will last forever over the course of living in the same dorm as many of my friends.
In any school, you will eventually miss a home-cooked meal. However, Mount Holyoke food is really good, with a large selection of food for vegetarians and vegans, as well as a kosher/halal dinning hall. Dining Services is very accommodating to people with food allergies, and as a person with food allergies, I am not only able to find food I can eat but also food with variety.
Community is a corner stone of Mount Holyoke College. We have over 150 student organizations on campus alone, everything from cultural organizations to dance troupes to academically-focused clubs. If you cannot find something on campus, jump on the PVTA--free transportation throughout the Pioneer Valley--and go explore the 5-college-consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, UMass). It's true that Mount Holyoke doesn't have a huge party scene- we're more of a small-gathering-with-friends sort of place- but it is pretty easy to get to parties at UMass and Amherst on the weekends. And honestly, we do a lot of homework.
While the college is expensive, it is worth the money. A liberal arts education is a major investment but any student who graduates from Mount Holyoke College is making an investment in their future that will pay off. In addition, the college offers superb financial aid. However, take a close look before you go and talk to the financial department, because it's easy to get mired in debt at any college you go to.
Being the first all women's college in the country, Mount Holyoke has a fondness for tradition. One of my personal favorites is M&C's--Milk & Crackers! Every night from 9:30pm to 10pm, milk and some kind of baked good are provided in the dorms. It's a great break from studying and a way to socialize with your friends. Also, the tradition does not stop at graduation, the Alumni are extremely involved and loyal to the college both financially and socially. Most large cities in the US and abroad have active alumni clubs that do all sorts of activities.
This is the prefect place for students who are looking for an academic challenge, who are passionate about life, and who have an unstoppable drive.
With more the 150 student organization, there is something for everyone. Mount Holyoke is secular, but there is a thriving faith-based community with tons of inter-faith cooperation. While Mount Holyoke is not known for its rabid sports fans, there are thriving sports teams, both club and varsity, that allow student-athletes to maintain a good balance between sports and academics.
There is no Greek life at Mount Holyoke but we could be considered the largest sorority on Earth. Saying that, sororities were banned in the early part of the 20th century to create a stronger community among all of the students. Thus far, this strategy seems to have worked.
I have never felt unsafe on campus and feel comfortable to walk across campus late at night without any worries. However, if you are ever in a sticky situation Campus Police are only a call away.