<p>As the parent of an accepted student, I attended Spring Open Campus on Monday and listened carefully to the welcoming speeches from the Dean of Admissions, the President of the College, and a student leader. It was very clear to me that they are looking for fit more than academic achievement alone (as do many colleges) in selecting their class. As for fit, they seem to take Wellesley's motto very seriously:</p>
<p>Not to be ministered unto but to minister (in a more modern vernacular, perhaps, not to be served, but to serve).</p>
<p>As they described the accepted students, there was a distinct emphasis on finding women who had demonstrated service to their school and community, and showed an interest and proclivity to do the same at Wellesley. I believe they are also looking for women who have demonstrated their capacity to achieve in the classroom through participation in discussion, as the learning environment is heavily weighted to that. Seemingly, one cannot do well as an anonymous attendee to class.</p>
<p>As fit is an important component in happiness in college, I thought that this might help people understand whether Wellesley is the right place for them, or not. In addition, these attributes can't simply be credibly added to an application; they have to be lived for an entire high school career.</p>