<p>Does anybody here attend an all-girls (or all boys) college, or attended one in the past, or is thinking of attending one?</p>
<p>Wellesley College seems to match the list of all the things I want in a school, but it's all girls, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I have never attended a single sex institution and I worry I'll feel "claustrophobic", in a way. I'm also straight (in a very committed relationship so I don't really mind the lack of boys for dating reasons) and I'm wondering if the percentages of gay students are really, really high at single sex schools (Smith has that reputation, but I don't believe it is quite as prominent as Wellesley--anyone know?). </p>
<p>I have looked into Wellesley and aboslutely everything appeals to me except that one factor. Were it a co-ed institution I might consider applying early. Should I let the single-sex factor be so important in my decision? Can anybody tell me what it's like at a single sex school, socially, academically, etc? Would you ever attend a single sex institution?</p>
<p>You need to remember that, in the population at large, the percentage of males who are gay outnumbers the number of females who are lesbian somewhere between 4 and 6 to 1. So, yes, relative to the population, the gay portion of the student body at Wellesley or Smith or Mount Holyoke is really high, probably five times as large, maybe 15-20% of the student body - but they will be open and vocal about it. Likely smaller than the gay male population at, say, Yale, with the nation's largest and best lesbian/gay studies program, or NYU or...well, you get the picture. </p>
<p>But can't see why this, by itself would be an issue - if you're straight, well, then you are. Regardless of actual percentages, you will be well in the majority.</p>
<p>There are, however, no girls at Wellesley - only women.</p>
<p>I would only go to a single sex school if it was the best I could get into. For many borderline cases, this does become a reality. The good all girl schools such as Wellesley and Smith are MUCH easier to get into than coed schools with similar programs. There are a rediced number of willing candidates. If I was on the line, I would not hesitate.</p>
<p>I attend Wellesley, and I must say that the all-women factor has been the best part of my experience. As far what it's like here... well, it's hard to explain. I instantly forget that I'm at a women's institution. </p>
<p>If you don't know how to feel about the all-women factor, well, then, don't. Apply for the great academics, apply for the beautiful campus. Try early evaluation, it's non binding but you'll receive an early indication of your chances at admission.</p>
<p>I never attended and single sex school until I came here. It's not a hard transition. I think the biggest benefit is seeing leadership positions all filled by women. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.</p>
<p>Might I suggest also posting in the Wellesley College thread. I'm sure there are a lot more students willing to tell you of their experiences at Wellesley or why they chose it.</p>
<p>I'll ignore the gay comments and say that of the schools I'm definitely applying to, most are either women's colleges or former women's colleges. Barnard, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Vassar, and Wells are schools I'm definitely applying to, and Connecticut College, Douglass College at Rutgers, and Wellesley are possibilities.</p>
<p>Academics, plain and simple. I also like the extremely active alumnae networks, the "lifelong learning" programs so many of them have, the academic programs offered, the dedication to minority education and tolerance, the faculty, the social environments of each college, and more.</p>
<p>I'm not just looking at women's and former women's colleges. I also love Bates, Trinity, Cornell, and other schools. Those just happen to be the ones that stand out the most to me, especially as a Medieval Studies major.</p>
<p>I read about that, the Medieval Studies major. I do love some of the elements of the women's colleges, especially seeing all of the authority positions filled by women--that's empowering. It sort of sounds like one big neverending sleepover, which appeals to me, as I'm not a big partier/drinker, although I'm very social and I love going out on the town, seeing movies, going to sports games, going ice skating, skiing, rollerblading, bowling, etc.</p>
<p>Barnard is a great women's college I'm also considering.</p>
<p>I was looking at Wellesley, and though I won't be going there this fall (MIT '09), it was definately one of my favorites. I didn't expect to like it, but I think the fact that it's all women and small makes it a really supportive community. Everyone I spoke to-- some current students just dropped by the admissions reception room, seemingly for no reason at all-- was really nice, helpful, and just seemed really cool in general. However, many (most?) are liberal, and thus accepting of everyone, which is a GOOD thing.</p>
<p>The campus is gorgeous, so I warn you that, if you visit, you'll be smitten ;-) But, really, there's no better way to figure out whether you'll be comfortable there than to spent some time there...</p>
<p>Barnard is somehow becoming my top pick, which I never ever expected. I've fallen absolutely in love with the place, and I can't begin to tell you how unexpected that has been. I can't wait to tour this spring.</p>
<p>It's the Ivy League and an LAC at once. It's Manhattan but suburban. It's sophisticated and down-to-Earth. For me, it has an amazing Medieval Studies program, a 40% transfer acceptance rate, and easy access to the Cloisters, but I suppose that won't matter to many people.</p>
<p>I don't like how people talk about the drinking there. That's one of the reasons I like Smith, for example, so it's a turn-off. The facilities always get knocked. Study abroad is supposed to be lacking a bit. Aside from that, however, I could be very, very comfortable there, I do believe.</p>
<p>Is there quite a bit of drinking at Barnard? A friend of mine is going to be attending in the fall and she isn't the drinking type at all. One of the things I liked about Wellesley was the relatively tame social scene, without being nerdy or nonexistent.</p>
<p>From everything I've read, yeah, it's a hard liquor school. Wellesley and Smith are known for being really dry, but it seems like that's not the case at Barnard. I guess that's why we visit, though!</p>
<p>Even schools that have a reputation for beer-pounding always have at least a few students who don't enjoy the party scene, so I'm sure it wouldn't be the be-all end-all of our Barnard experience. There's a social niche for just about everyone just about everywhere. :)</p>
<p>I just worry when I see it constantly brought up about some schools. If drinking is notable enough to be referenced frequently, it concerns me. Like I said, though, I'll be visiting in spring, so I'll get a better idea of what it's like then.</p>