<p>We are thinking of applying here, although my daughter, having suffered through the last seven years of single sex catholic schools is not keen on another single sex experience. My question: Do you take classes with Harvard? My daughter is not into engineering type courses, so MIT would not be something that she would be interested in-however, the classics-i.e. Latin/Greek is appealing to her. Not going to do the ‘chance me’ thing here as she is a junior and has not taken her SAT’s yet. PSATs were just so so (188), she has all AP’s and 4.5 GPA. Mock Trial, a few sports, but no great leadership type achievements.
Mainly, we wondered about the Harvard exchange program-it would seem to be the best of both worlds-small intimate world with a bigger one down the street. Also, is there an active study abroad program? If there is I can’t find it.</p>
<p>There is an active study abroad program - see
[Wellesley</a> College - Academics - International Study](<a href=“http://web.wellesley.edu/web/Academics/TheAcademicProgram/abroad.psml]Wellesley”>http://web.wellesley.edu/web/Academics/TheAcademicProgram/abroad.psml)
or
[OIS</a> Home Page](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/OIS/]OIS”>Office of International Study | Wellesley College)</p>
<p>About half of Wellesley’s students spend a semester or year abroad. My D is a sophomore and is getting ready to study abroad during WinterSession in January and is also planning to study abroad the spring semester of her junior year.</p>
<p>Wellesley does not have cross-registration with Harvard, although my D has had at least two professors so far who also teach at Harvard.</p>
<p>Info about cross-registration is at:
[Wellesley</a> College - Academics - Opportunities at Other Schools](<a href=“http://web.wellesley.edu/web/Academics/TheAcademicProgram/otherschools.psml]Wellesley”>http://web.wellesley.edu/web/Academics/TheAcademicProgram/otherschools.psml)</p>
<p>In short, they can cross-register at MIT, Babson, Olin, Brandeis, and Woods Hole (locally) and also have exchanges with Spelman, Mills, Amherst, Bowdoin, Connecticut College, Dartmouth, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Trinity, Vassar, Wesleyan, and Wheaton. There are also programs available at the National Theater Institute in Waterford, CT and the Williams-Mystic Seaport program.</p>
<p>My D has attended lectures of interest at Harvard (as well as other Boston-area schools).</p>
<p>No exchange with Harvard at all. There are lots of events (like lectures which college query said) that you can attend there though.</p>
<p>MIT has a LOT more than engineering/science/math courses; for example, they have an excellent philosophy department, one of the best in the country. I mean, they have Noam Chomsky–that’s so cool. I hear that for some reason their Spanish classes in particular are really good.</p>
<p>We have a great study abroad program. About 50% of Wellesley students study abroad. </p>
<p>We have Latin and Greek classes here too.</p>
<p>THEY EVEN HAVE HINDI AND SWAHILI!!! I was looking at the course catalog a few days ago. :D</p>
<p>Aspheric asked what differentiates Wellesley from the other Seven Sister schools and in reading Inconspicuous’s response, I wanted to add something. We visited Wellesley during our daughter’s college search and came away with very good feelings about the school. However, when our daughter finished all her visits and decided which schools to apply to, she chose not to include Wellesley (We think she wanted to be a little closer to home). She became enamored with Bryn Mawr and when all was said and done, Bryn Mawr was where she ended up attending (she’s a first year). Some of the things Inconspicuous mentioned regarding Wellesley could also apply to Bryn Mawr. Specifically, Bryn Mawr has an excellent consortium with Swarthmore (25 minutes away) and Haverford (5 minutes away) and also a separate involvement with the University of Pennsylvania (20-30 minutes by mass transit), which allows Bryn Mawr students to take courses in any of these three well regarded schools. Like all the Seven Sister schools, Bryn Mawr’s academics are rigorous and well thought of (though, as Inconspicuous said, Wellesley is routinely rated the highest of the Seven Sister schools in the annual ranking by the various publications). Also, Bryn Mawr’s campus is also the best of both worlds. It’s gorgeous (Yes, it’s Hogwartsesque) and in the suburbs of Philadelphia, with a train stop right off campus that can take you into Philly within minutes. Free college buses can take you to Haverford and Swarthmore for classes or for evening parties. Our daughter is thrilled with the professors, administration, but more importantly, she has just LOVED the comaraderie of her fellow Mawters. I just wanted to add this, as Bryn Mawr was not mentioned in any of the follow-up posts regarding the Seven Sisters. Oh, and the campus food is second to none, according to students and numerous college review publications. Our daughter was not overly social while in high school, but has found it easy to mingle and meet boys, via the consortium and weekend parties at the nearby colleges. Best of luck in your college search and decision, Aspheric.</p>
<p>BTW, Inconspicuous, I think it’s great that you’ve started this thread and given of your time to answer questions from the anxious and excited future collegians. You do Wellesley proud.</p>
<p>I have a few more questions that popped in my head just now:</p>
<p>We all know Wellesley is a BEAUTIFUL campus, and are dorms great as well? What are your experiences with the quality of the dorms and bathrooms? What’s the typical favorite among the student body???</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>macnell, thanks so much for your response. Bryn Mawr happens to be at the top of my college list, and I can’t get it off my mind. I visited and adored it–academics, student body, campus, everything seemed perfect. And the small taste of the food I had there was quite good! I had so many good feelings leaving the school.</p>
<p>At this point in the process, it’s hard to say how things will turn out. While I myself find it odd I only recently became interested in Wellesley, I still want to give myself the option. In the end, the college application process is a self-discovery process. Thanks again for your input and I truly wish the best for everyone.</p>
<p>Okay, there is A LOT for me to respond to.</p>
<p>Firstly, thank you for anyone who has anything advice to add to this conversation. Of course, as a busy college student, it’s sort of impossible to be on here everyday…but I really do try!
Macnell made some really excellent points. One thing I wanted to highlight is that, although Wellesley does rank the high, all the Seven Sisters are excellent and have something unique to offer. Bryn Mawr is absolutely gorgeous and yes, the consortium provides you with a lot of options. Good luck with Bryn Mawr, aspheric!</p>
<p>As far as expectations go, I think Wellesley did match mine on some fronts and didn’t on others. I really love some of the food, but I really wish Wellesley would diversify their menu. It just gets so monotonous sometimes! It’s almost always the same thing. I also love how involved College Government is in the decision-making process. They really do run the college. I am extremely disappointed in the elitism I see in Wellesley, but I guess that is to be expected at any private school…especially in Boston. I am also disappointed at the transportation system. It seriously makes me not want to go out sometimes…those one hour trips for $6 each are just totally ridiculous. </p>
<p>Liger, good question:</p>
<p>Well, I have to say dorm life is “the good life” depending on where you live. I live on the east side, and even though it’s a little inconvenient walking all the way to the campus center from there, I like living here. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s very irritating going form one side to the other. Each side of campus has its pluses and minuses. West Side is obviously closest to the campus center and sports center, but far from the Ville, the chapel, the library, etc. As an east-sider, I personally prefer living here because it’s pretty convenient most of the time (except for on weekends, when all the dining halls close at 7).
As far as rooms go, it really depends. Room sizes vary. I’ve seen rooms that are literally HUGE, but I’ve also seen rooms that only fit the bare minimum supplies. Most of the dorms are quite beautiful, if not outside then inside. The New Dorms get slammed for not aesthetically appealing, but the living rooms in Bates are absolutely beautiful, and there are workout machines in the basement if you don’t want to go all the way to the gym. The dorms are very old, though, so sometimes they emit smells in certain places. Some dorms have mice issues, but the campus gets them exterminated immediately. Otherwise, the dorms are much MUCH nicer than some other colleges that I’ve seen. Wood floors, windows, space (if you’re lucky). Bathroom cleanliness varies. It really depends on the dorm. I know dorms where the bathrooms are literally squeaky clean (Severance upper floors) and bathrooms that are so-so.
As far as favorites go…it’s all very typical. I feel like people really love Tower for its beauty, but as you go through college, you will probably start to favor practical things(size of rooms, noise levels, etc) over aesthetics. I thought I wanted to live in a dorm with grand, beautiful living rooms, but I realized that I personally don’t ever sit in them. People seem to really enjoy living in Stone-D, Tower, and Severance.</p>
<p>I hope I’ve addressed everyone’s questions/comments! Good luck :D</p>
<p>Hey All,
I’m also a Wellesley First Year. I live in Tower Court. Furthermore, I play on a varsity athletic team. </p>
<p>Concerning the food it’s hit or miss but you can always make yourself a salad or sandwich and there is ALWAYS ICE-CREAM! </p>
<p>As far as relationships, I have met some of the nicest guys at MIT. I met my current boyfriend during my first weekend of Wellesley. </p>
<p>The community is very welcoming so it doesn’t matter whether you are straight, gay, or bi. Everybody will accept you.</p>
<p>Hey guys! I’m an international student, but i live in Missouri. I really appreciate all of you first-years!! Your information will definitely come to use (if i get accepted :)) BUT, i’m kind of worried about my chances of getting accepted. If you guys can give me any feedback on my chances of getting in, that would be great!</p>
<p>GPA: 3.88 unweighted
ACT: 27 (low :/)
Coursework rigor:
Most rigorous–Full International Diploma Candidate:
IB English HL, IB Psychology HL, IB Biology HL, IB art SL, IB French SL, and IB Math Studies (I already tested in this subject and got a 6)</p>
<p>EC’s:
Designer Editor of the yearbook/newspaper staff
Co-President of STAT club (students taking action)
Chief Ambassador of Cultural Diversity Club
Peer Mediator
President of National Honor Society
Debate team
Psychology Club
FBLA</p>
<p>Letters received:
Academic Letters-- Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Year
Journalism Letter- Junior Year
National Honor Society Member -Junior Year
A+ Program</p>
<p>Outside of school/volunteering:
Regular volunteer at Missouri State University English Language Institute
Own fundraising projectraising money for girls in Tanzania so that they can go to school (currently only 1% of girls go to school). I am planning on teaming up with NHS and doing in-school assemblies to raise money.
Club soccer (about 5 years)
Participated in the YEP (Youth Election Program) junior year and senior</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi! Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. : )
What clubs/organizations are you a part of? I’m interested in hearing about them.
Do you know what Spectrum (the GSA) is like? Are there straight allies there?
Also, how did they choose those student bloggers on the Wellesley admissions site? (And I just remembered, Temple Price was actually my tour guide. XD )
Do a lot of people apply for the Global Engagement Internships?</p>
<p>Shay, I believe there is an application to be a blogger. There is a lot of student interest in Global Engagement Internships, but are also a lot of opportunities. You can find out what Wellesley students did by looking at the Tanner Conference web page: [Tanner</a> Conference](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/cws/Tanner/]Tanner”>The Tanner Conference | Wellesley College).</p>
<p>Hi, everybody. Many thanks to the first years who are so kind as to give their time in this thread!!! It’s a wonderful gesture on your part.</p>
<p>I am posting the following questions under my sign-in name, but they are actually things my daughter (accepted ED to the Class of 2015) is wondering about:</p>
<p>1) We read somewhere that the fresh fruit available on campus is “seasonal and local.” Does that mean you can’t get things like pineapple, kiwi, and pomegranate?</p>
<p>2) Is there a supermarket accessible without a car near campus? If so, how long is the bus trip to and from? What about a farmer’s market?</p>
<p>3) What time do the dining halls close? What’s the latest you can get a hot drink on campus? Is there a coffee shop open 24/7?</p>
<p>4) Are you allowed to bring food/drink into the library? If not, are there any available study spaces where food/drink are allowed?</p>
<p>5) Are classrooms kept unlocked at night for people who’d like to use them to study? </p>
<p>6) What time do the libraries close every day? </p>
<p>7) Is there a “quiet hour” or “lights-out” time in the dorms during the week? What about on weekends?</p>
<p>8) How many consecutive nights are guests allowed to stay in a student’s dorm room? Is there any recourse if your roommate wants to have an overnight guest and you would prefer they didn’t?</p>
<p>9) Are the beds hard, soft, lumpy? Do most students buy a mattress topper, or are they not really necessary?</p>
<p>10) How brightly lit are the dorm rooms? (My daughter likes a lot of light.)</p>
<p>11) Are the dorms carpeted? If so, is it easy to get a room with no carpeting if you have allergies/asthma?</p>
<p>12) How bad does the pollen get in the spring? Do you know of any particularly bad trees or grasses around campus for people with allergies? (Examples could be olive trees, juniper bushes and rye grass, which are all notoriously allergenic.)</p>
<p>13) Are there cleaners who come in and vacuum, dust, etc., or are students responsible for keeping their own dorm rooms clean? What about the communal kitchens and other common areas?</p>
<p>14) Are there dishes, pots and utensils in the communal kitchens for everyone to use, or do students have to bring their own?</p>
<p>15) How extensive is the housing questionnaire students fill out listing their personal habits and roommate preferences?</p>
<p>16) Is recycling and composting widespread in Massachusetts, and does the Wellesley community, in particular, have a system of compost bins, recycling bins and trash bins everywhere? (Where we live, composting and recycling are mandated and enforced by the municipal government, which we think is a very good thing.)</p>
<p>Thanks again for any information you can provide.</p>
<p>1) Tower dining hall has pineapple available every weekday for breakfast… it also had pretty good peaches in the beginning of fall semester (when peaches were in season). I’ve seen kiwi around a few times… but generally one one sees a lot of apples, bananas, and oranges. The fruit quality varies; I find that the fruit is generally good in Tower, and not less good in Stone-D and Bates. </p>
<p>2) Whole Foods and Roche Brothers are within walking distance. There is also a small farmers market on campus during the nicer weather. </p>
<p>3) The dining halls in Stone D and the Campus Center close at 10 pm. (Stone D is closed on the weekends). The emporium in the campus center closes at midnight on some nights ([Wellesley</a> College Culinary Services. Wellesley Fresh!](<a href=“http://www.wellesleyfresh.com/hours.html]Wellesley”>http://www.wellesleyfresh.com/hours.html)). There are drink vending machine options available in the science center (24x7) and the main library (whenever it is open). Other student run options are “The Hoop” and “El Table.” </p>
<p>4) There is a place in Clapp library to eat and drink near the vending machines. </p>
<p>5) The possibility of studying in a classroom after hours depends on the building and the custodians. For instance, the Science center is open 24x7, but Founders closes at 6 pm. </p>
<p>6) Libraries close at midnight on school nights and earlier on Friday and Saturday nights. </p>
<p>7) There are 24 hour “courtesy hours.” Quiet hours begin at 11 pm on school nights and 2 am on non school nights. </p>
<p>8) There is a maximum of 3 nights if your roommate agrees (0 nights if she does not). If there is a problem, talk to your RA. </p>
<p>9) Wellesley has institutional twin XL mattresses. I do not use one, because I have enough trouble getting out of bed as it is. Many students do use one. </p>
<p>10) All rooms have an overhead light. Most students also get a floor or desk lamp, but I believe those are getting phased out.</p>
<p>11) Most dorms are carpeted. If you have allergies, you will want to let Wellesley know so that they will place you in a non carpeted room. </p>
<p>12) Don’t know about allergens… sorry. </p>
<p>13) Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Common areas are cleaned by staff, but students still need to take care of their dirty dishes. </p>
<p>14) There is no communal kitchen gear. </p>
<p>15) It’s been awhile since I filled out the housing questionnaire, but I think it included things like degrees of neatness, music preferences, and typical bedtime. </p>
<p>16) Each room has a paper recycling bin, and every floor has paper/ other recycling/ and garbage bins. I’ve also seen recycling boxes for batteries and light bulbs in dorm entrances. </p>
<p>Hope this helps…</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your very detailed answers, college_ruled. Lots of great information!</p>
<p>Is it true that the class color for the class entering this fall (Class of 2015) will be yellow?</p>
<p>Fendrock, the yellow class of 2011 will be replaced by the yellow class of 2015 next year.</p>
<p>^What’s this about class color?</p>
<p>bdw college_ruled, your post was incredibly helpful. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Are classes indeed taught around a table?</p>