<p>I visited all Wellesley, and liked it quite a lot. </p>
<p>I have concerns, though--I've heard the atmosphere is horribly competitive and cut-throat. Anyone know if this is true? Also, how aware of their privilege do the women there tend to be? I hear Wellesley is sort of dresses-and-pearls-ish, and I just wouldn't want to be surrounded by people who felt entitled, etc. What's been your experience?</p>
<p>Also, if you know anything about Smith or Mount Holyoke that's worthwhile sharing, tell me that, too--I'm interested in them, as well. Thanks!</p>
<p>Impromptulove, I am the parent of a Wellesley student, so this is my understanding of the atmosphere:</p>
<p>competitive, yes, cut-throat, no. My D and many of the others at Wellesley are type A over-achievers who push themselves to do their best. This, in turn, raises the bar so the standard is very high. The grading policy (average grade in a class can’t be higher than a B+) means that students who are used to never receiving grades lower than an A in high school all of a sudden have to shift to a new reality.</p>
<p>But D tells me it’s them pushing themselves, and it’s not nasty or cut-throat or at the expense of anyone else. No sabotage.</p>
<p>Regarding the privilege: there are some very privileged students. D is not one of them. She couldn’t afford the fees to belong to one of the societies, let alone the wardrobe she would need. But she does have friends in societies, who have second and third homes and other lifestyles she has read about. She has tons of friends and has enjoyed meeting people from all backgrounds and from all parts of the world, just as she brings diversity with her background and experiences.</p>
<p>She has attended alumni events both in our region and also where she did a summer internship. Some of those attending could be viewed as a little snooty, but she has manners and knows how to compose herself. The alums are a fabulous, active network and as a student she already personally benefited from their contributions. She looks forward to being an alum who can help future Wellesley students as well.</p>
<p>I can imagine it might not be the right atmosphere for some, but she loves it and feels so fortunate to be a student there.</p>
<p>Regarding Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges, you should check their respective boards, under CC Top Liberal Arts Colleges. Wellesley has a board there too. There is lots to read there, especially if you look through postings back a year or so.</p>
<p>I graduated from MHC and I loved it there! MHC, Smith, and Wellesley are all academically rigorous schools and (from what I’ve heard), it’s because students expect the best from themselves, and NOT because professors make students compete against each other.</p>
<p>Wellesley, Smith, and MHC all have beautiful campuses. Wellesley always struck me as the most “stereotypical female” of the three schools, but you can’t argue with their academic reputation. Wellesley is also the closest to Boston and I’ve heard from a friend that went to Wellesley that the campus seemed somewhat deserted on weekends because everyone would go to Boston. This would not be the case at MHC or Smith where an occasional weekend away is something students will do, but there will ALWAYS be something going on on campus.</p>
<p>I didn’t attend Wellesly so I can’t offer any specific advice but I’ve heard it’s a wonderful school.</p>