Wellesley College has a stellar academic reputation and it lives up to it. I have just completed my first year, but am already wowed by the intensity and quality of my classes at Wellesley. None of my classes have exceeded 35 people, the largest being Ecnomics 101 (one of Wellesley's most popular courses). My smallest class was Arabic with only 12 students (language classes at Wellesley rarely exceed 15 students). All my professors have known my name and offered personal time to help me out with any problems I may have. There are free, Wellesley-funded tutors for every subject and often student-run study groups that meet before exams and midterms. Classes are very challenging, but the school and the professors work hard to make sure that challenging does not turn into overwhelming. There is a large amount of work to be done outside of the classroom, however, it is all relevant and none of it is merely busy-work. Most classes rely heavily on discussion, and while attendance is usually not mandatory, most students come to class because the professor's lecture is worth their time. Wellesley has a liberal arts focus, so you get to take classes in all different subjects, even those with no pertinence toward your major. This is a great benefit, for you can really explore subjects you may never have been exposed to before without jeopardizing your major. I have genuinely enjoyed going to most of my classes and have very rarely skipped.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Wellesley College definitely has a unique environment. With no men around, there is a distinctly different feel than co-ed campuses. However, I think this is only an advantage. I did not want to go to a women's college; when a friend (who was a sophomore at Bryn Mawr College) suggested I look at women's colleges, I quickly dismissed the idea. Now, I am very glad that I decided to come to Wellesley. Although we are a women's college, the school makes every effort to facilitate transportation into Boston, where over 60 other schools (and an array of social activities and events) await. I am on the Equestrian Team at Wellesley and have found it very open and lots of fun. My dorm hosts many parties and themed events - this year we had a Speakeasy Dinner Party/Murder Mystery and a Silent Rave party. Wellesley's traditions make each year special with events such as Flower Sunday, sophomore tree-planting, and hoop-rolling. I have made fantastic friends at school, with whom I go tunneling, play hide-and-seek in the science center, and take boats out on the lake. Becoming involved in student government and other clubs on campus, I have found that everyone at Wellesley is able to find a niche that fits their interests. My friend from Bryn Mawr described going to a women's college as a constant slumber party with your best friends; I could not agree more.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Wellesley is a private college and very expensive. Their financial aid program is fantastic, for those who make the cut-off. Unfortunately, I do not; I have found it difficult to finance my Wellesley education (I am paying for half of my tuition, room, and board). However, I have not transferred because I know that the education I am getting here is unparalleled and the bright, talented, friendly women who attend Wellesley could not be found at a school with a lower price tag.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Wellesley is a demanding school and definitely attracts a certain kind of person; however, it also has produced the highest percentage of women in executive, high-ranking jobs. Make sure that your writing skills are up to par, as most non-science classes require a large amount of reading and writing. Talk to a current student at Wellesley, but be aware that there are many different attitudes about the school (quite a few which have to do with the fact that it is all-women). Lastly, give Wellesley a chance. A few years ago, I never would have pictured myself at a small, women's college outside of Boston, but now I would not attend anywhere else.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Wellesley is a fantastic place for driven, intelligent young women who want to focus on their education but also be active in many clubs and sports. Most Wellesley women are involved in at least one organization on campus, be it political, social, or sportive. Social life is not traditional; if you want a frat/sorority scene, you have to go out in Boston to find it. However, many other social opportunities provide for a well-rounded college experience.
Wellesley College has a stellar academic reputation and it lives up to it. I have just completed my first year, but am already wowed by the intensity and quality of my classes at Wellesley. None of my classes have exceeded 35 people, the largest being Ecnomics 101 (one of Wellesley's most popular courses). My smallest class was Arabic with only 12 students (language classes at Wellesley rarely exceed 15 students). All my professors have known my name and offered personal time to help me out with any problems I may have. There are free, Wellesley-funded tutors for every subject and often student-run study groups that meet before exams and midterms. Classes are very challenging, but the school and the professors work hard to make sure that challenging does not turn into overwhelming. There is a large amount of work to be done outside of the classroom, however, it is all relevant and none of it is merely busy-work. Most classes rely heavily on discussion, and while attendance is usually not mandatory, most students come to class because the professor's lecture is worth their time. Wellesley has a liberal arts focus, so you get to take classes in all different subjects, even those with no pertinence toward your major. This is a great benefit, for you can really explore subjects you may never have been exposed to before without jeopardizing your major. I have genuinely enjoyed going to most of my classes and have very rarely skipped.
Wellesley College definitely has a unique environment. With no men around, there is a distinctly different feel than co-ed campuses. However, I think this is only an advantage. I did not want to go to a women's college; when a friend (who was a sophomore at Bryn Mawr College) suggested I look at women's colleges, I quickly dismissed the idea. Now, I am very glad that I decided to come to Wellesley. Although we are a women's college, the school makes every effort to facilitate transportation into Boston, where over 60 other schools (and an array of social activities and events) await. I am on the Equestrian Team at Wellesley and have found it very open and lots of fun. My dorm hosts many parties and themed events - this year we had a Speakeasy Dinner Party/Murder Mystery and a Silent Rave party. Wellesley's traditions make each year special with events such as Flower Sunday, sophomore tree-planting, and hoop-rolling. I have made fantastic friends at school, with whom I go tunneling, play hide-and-seek in the science center, and take boats out on the lake. Becoming involved in student government and other clubs on campus, I have found that everyone at Wellesley is able to find a niche that fits their interests. My friend from Bryn Mawr described going to a women's college as a constant slumber party with your best friends; I could not agree more.
Wellesley is a private college and very expensive. Their financial aid program is fantastic, for those who make the cut-off. Unfortunately, I do not; I have found it difficult to finance my Wellesley education (I am paying for half of my tuition, room, and board). However, I have not transferred because I know that the education I am getting here is unparalleled and the bright, talented, friendly women who attend Wellesley could not be found at a school with a lower price tag.
Wellesley is a demanding school and definitely attracts a certain kind of person; however, it also has produced the highest percentage of women in executive, high-ranking jobs. Make sure that your writing skills are up to par, as most non-science classes require a large amount of reading and writing. Talk to a current student at Wellesley, but be aware that there are many different attitudes about the school (quite a few which have to do with the fact that it is all-women). Lastly, give Wellesley a chance. A few years ago, I never would have pictured myself at a small, women's college outside of Boston, but now I would not attend anywhere else.
Wellesley is a fantastic place for driven, intelligent young women who want to focus on their education but also be active in many clubs and sports. Most Wellesley women are involved in at least one organization on campus, be it political, social, or sportive. Social life is not traditional; if you want a frat/sorority scene, you have to go out in Boston to find it. However, many other social opportunities provide for a well-rounded college experience.