<p>One thing is for sure. You have to be absolutely 100% positive that Wellesley is a good fit for you. I thought it was, before I saw behind the fa</p>
<p>In response to this absurd post, I can only quote from the movie Billy Madison: "what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought." </p>
<p>I do not even know where to begin ripping this pathetic and bitter denouncement apart. </p>
<p>lets start with diversity:
your statistics are factually incorrect. The schools is about 35-40% ALANA population (black, latina, asian, native american, biracial) and around 50% white (do your homework next time and check the statistics on the admissions page). It is true that black students only constitute a small percentage of the study body, but they have a very large presence on campus through clubs like Ethos, which is probably the most tightly-knit, active group on campus.
and your argument about the "low acceptance level of people of differet races at wellesley" is probably the most ridiculous, erroneous claim I have ever heard. If anything, the school is way TOO PC and over-accepting of people and what they do. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of cultural events celebrating different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc., ALL THE TIME, and they are widely attended.
Yes, some girls at wellesley are wealthy. But the majority absolutely are not. In fact (I refer again to the admissions website statistics) 57% of students receive financial aid; if you know the requirements for financial aid, then you would understand that none of those 57% have jets or casinos in Las Vegas. Sure, maybe there are a few very rich students like that, but the vast majority of students do not have that kind of excess. And to be middle class at wellesley, you probably are actually middle class, forget that BS about "doctor and laywer parents" who make "200,000$" a year. What do you do, read up on their taxes?
Of course there are some students of fantastic means, but they, as in society in general, are few and far between, and people don't get judged on their money here anymore than they would get judged by their money at any other women's college. </p>
<p>second: wellesley has a phenomenal network of incredibly supportive alums. I know dozens of students personally who have gotten internships, jobs, even free places to stay when they needed it, from wellesley alums.
and frankly I am just shocked that you would characterize any students at an all-girls school as "catty and snobby." GIRLS.....CATTY? I've never heard of that before. Come on, Get real: anywhere you go you are going to meet catty, snobby girls. but in my experience, I have met very few of them here. I have only seen upperclasswomen be friendly and helpful to younger students; if they seem like they "rarely bother to speak" to them, it's probably because they're busy and they have their own lives...they aren't babysitters or asssigned mentors. but if you need something, you can always seek one out if you are nice and friendly back.
and if people eat lunch alone, its because they are eating quickly and don't have time to meet up with their friends, or are cramming for a test they have to take or something. I always see large groups of people sitting together at meals, having fun and being social.
There may be cliques, just like at any school, but they aren't so much cliques as they are groups of friends who hang out together and enjoy each other. most people here are incredibly friendly, so its rare that "cliquey" girls are mean. </p>
<p>third: it is very common to have problems with your roommate at ANY school. It is certainly NOT a wellesley phenomenon. although i have to say I have had amazing roommate experiences.
sure, some people can't deal when they don't have their way, but that doesn't mean they were spoiled at home. it just means they are stubborn, and i don't see that in wellesley girls, either.
and perhaps YOU don't say you are from wellesley, but most girls have wellesley pride and are smart enough to know that if the men they meet don't respect that, then they aren't worth their time. it is neither sad nor pathetic that girls get dressed up to go to frat parties: we work really really hard all during the week, and we deserve to go out and enjoy ourselves, and who are you to judge what they wear? Nor do guys really consider us desparate...I think that is your own experience.
oh, and drinking...rampant? not exactly. wellesley has been rated the most stone-cold sober schools in the country, so that is just wrong. sure, students drink, but most don't do so rampantly, nor is it very common at all during the week. ultimately, there are large groups of girls who do and do not drink, and it isn't hard to find a comfortable situation. Lots of college girls EVERYWHERE get drunk to feel good about themselves--and how can you even prove that the girls at wellesley do this?
and another thing: perhaps some of the fraternities may have bad reputations, but this is the case at any college. and it is a very rare case at MIT. There are several incredibly cool, fun houses with great, nice, smart guys. don't accuse them of being sketchy just because they don't like you....oh, and don't blame wellesley for making you socially awkward. it's your own fault if you can't talk to people.</p>
<p>Wellesley has less of a traditional college social life, but there is certainly a lot going on if you just look for it (and get some friends). The events just don't consist of huge parties several times a week. mostly social events are cultural events, lecturs, or other activities on campus, or just casual hanging out with friends around campus. A lot of girls DO go into Boston to go to MIT frats and to the clubs, harvard, BU, concerts, restaurants, stores, etc. And how about you pander to the stereotype of wellesley girls just a LITTLE bit more by saying they are looking for "mit or Harvard boyfriends to later fulfill the title of a trophy wife." I dont know if you are projecting your own wishes or what, but that's a really REALLY unfair assumption to make about such an intelligent, hard-working student body. its also unfair to judge students who do want that. haven'tyou heard about the new feminism? it's all about CHOICE and not being told that what women want is wrong by other people.
Also, the bus ride from wellesley to harvard square takes 40 minutes MAX during RUSH HOUR. usually the bus gets there earlier, depending on the time of day. (again, do your homework and check the senate bus website)</p>
<p>dont complain about the dorms. there may be some small rooms, but on the whole the dorms are SO MUCH BETTER than dorms at other colleges. if your room is a "dingy hole" then maybe you should clean it. And granted, the ville does sort of suck, but that is why people go into Boston. </p>
<p>As to traditions: there are a lot of them that students can choose to be involved in or not. it has nothing to do with "big sisters." but to be honest, if I were your big sister, I wouldn't want to hang out or talk to you, either.
some people may be independent and wrapped up in their own lives, but most people are pretty social, friendly, and generally involved. </p>
<p>classes are nice and small and there is invariably TOO MUCH discussion, in my opinion. wellesley students are vocal and opinionated, and unless you are taking a math class or something, you will be exposed to a lot of discussion. </p>
<p>Wellesley has its ups and downs, but you have not represented them well here AT ALL. I hope everyone who reads your post recognizes that it is a very bitter, angry response to not fitting in or just being generally pessimistic.</p>
<p>Haha you're hilarious! You're probably one of the pyscho feminists who thinks she can change the world. Yep, met many like you here. Wellesley girls always trying to prove they're right. "Ohh Hillary Clinton went to my school which somehow makes me cool!" = ) I'm just giving my opinion fool and you're free to give yours. I thought Wellesley girls were supposed to be "accepting"...</p>
<p>While it's true that Wellesley isn't for everyone (that's the same for every college), a lot of the other things the original poster said really aren't true. At least, they haven't been for me.</p>
<p>In my experience, the upperclasswomen have been wonderful. It's only my first year here and I was placed into a higher level language course with primarily juniors and seniors. Every single one of them is really nice and approachable and not snobby or mean at all. They'll actually stop and talk to me if we meet in a dining hall or at an activity and have lunch with me and they're just wonderful. Of course there are exceptions, but the upperclasswomen that I've met so far have been overwhelmingly very friendly and helpful.</p>
<p>The professors have also been very good. I'm in two classes with around 10 people -- of course the professors know our names and of course they're willing to be a little flexible if you need it. They're not the stereotypical callous, research-oriented people. In my other classes of around 30, it's a bit harder... you do have to take the initiative and meet your professors halfway. To say that they don't bother is really unfair, I think. </p>
<p>I'll also say that being with only women has not been a problem. Granted, I've not been here long-- but housing did a very good job (in my opinion) of pairing me with my roommate. Our room is pretty small and cramped and we're not going to be BESTFRIENDSFOREVER, but our living patterns are similar. Really: tolerance and civility go a long way.</p>
<p>...I'm not sure where the idea that all the people here are super rich and materialistic comes from. There are very rich girls, I'm sure, and there are also many girls who are really into fashion and brand names. You'll find those types everywhere. You haven't been looking clearly enough if you think that's the only kind of person that exists here.</p>
<p>hey flowergirl, did you ever attend wellesley? Based on your BS, half baked analysis of Wellesely, I have to ask whether or not you've ever stepped foot on the campus. Your entire post demonstrates a large degree of ignorance, self-righteousness and general absurdity. I agree with WZLY2008...the things you say are just plain LIES...statistically incorrect and uninformed. You are exactly the type of girl who would not succeed at Wellesley or any other prestigious university: someone who makes things up, is opinionated but not justified, makes sweeping statements based on false facts and blames her surroundings for her failures and shortcomings. Almost everything you wrote about Wellesley is untrue and your response to WZLY2008 only further exhibits your immaturity and lack of experience. If you are going to post something so ludicrous about one of the best colleges in the country, you better be ready to take the heat from the smart, intellectual and "priveleged" women who go there.</p>
<p>GROW UP. Nowhere is perfect. Every college has its advantages and flaws. Your post reveals nothing about Wellesley, but rather reveals aspects of your personality that explain why you wouldn't fit in at Wellesley. </p>
<p>ps- any school that costs 40,000+ a year, is bound to have some rich kids</p>
<p>"Majority of the girls here are extremely wealthy"
"dorm hall"
"there is little discussions in any of the classes I have taken."
"pyscho feminists who thinks she can change the world."
"Wellesley girls always trying to prove they're right."
'"Ohh Hillary Clinton went to my school which somehow makes me cool!"'</p>
<p>non-wellesley troll. congratulations on getting some responses. did your ex-girlfriend go here, or was your application rejected?</p>
<p>anyone interested in a longer discussion, please see wellesleyblue:
<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/community/wellesleyblue/175844.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.livejournal.com/community/wellesleyblue/175844.html</a></p>
<p>To Flowrt:</p>
<p>1) Wellesley women do change the world. They've done so for many, many years and will continue to do so for many more. I really don't need to list all the alumnae, do I? So sorry you won't be one of them... well, not really, I guess.</p>
<p>2) EVERYONE who has an opinion has to prove they're right. It's human nature. The very act of replying to wzly2008 is YOU trying to prove you're right. Don't try to act like it's some terrible, uncontrollable affliction that only affects Wellesley women.</p>
<p>3) Not everyone here loves Hilary Clinton. There are plenty of other alumnae to be proud of. It is cool to go to a school that educated so many bright women, but ultimately it's what the students here accomplish - that's what makes them feel so cool. The opportunities here are great and unlike anything a student would be able to experience at many other colleges and universities in the country.</p>
<p>4) Yes, you're giving your opinion, but you have presented it in such a way that - even if you aren't saying it directly - you seem to believe that your experience reflects that of every student at Wellesley. If wzly2008 is free to give her opinion then why did you reply the way you did? Why couldn't you have graciously agreed to disagree?</p>
<p>5) Wellesley women are accepting, but like everyone, there's a limit. Don't expect us to be saints, especially not after reading what you posted. There aren't a lot of people who would stand for such an immature and factually incorrect representation of a place that has done so much for them. If Wellesley's not right for you, then it's not right for you. But to paint such a horrible picture as you did is just wrong and is really misleading to students who are really interested in attending the college. Though I guess that, ultimately, it doesn't matter what you said. The replies here from other Wellesley students are sure to overshadow the comments you so maliciously posted.</p>
<p>whoa. that was a total overturn of everything I thought wellesley stood for. I'm surprised that there is such controversy!</p>
<p>Thanks wzly2008 for your necessary and thorough defense of our school. In my opinion, the first post on this thread, presents a grossly inaccurate image of the school I have come to know. This is going to repeat some things already said, but I feel the need to write something. As a member of the Wellesley Class of 2008, I can say that I've only had one main source of disillusionment with our school--and that happened when the workload hit and I wasn't able to take advantage of all the events and opportunities I was so fascinated with as a prospie. Admittedly though, I did bring the large extracurricular portion of it on myself. However, I do not aim to change the world though I believe that I've met women here who are capable of making a significant difference with their lives. I don't consider myself a psycho feminist nor do I find anything to suggest that wzly2008 is one as was suggested, but I do want to be empowered to accomplish something I can be proud of with my life. (Hmm...Now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder what constitutes a psycho feminist, maybe I am one after all.) </p>
<p>Wellesley's student body is certainly more diverse than suggested in the first post, as stated before. It's certainly more diverse than my home, though the one thing I'll admit to be lacking is a stronger conservative presence in debates. </p>
<p>I've yet to feel a pressure to dress in trendy or expensive clothes at Wellesley. More often than not, I and alot of people I know wear sweats, pajama pants, or jeans to at least their morning classes. I sure don't look for certain clothing labels. I see students who dress up and put on makeup for class, but I feel that's more a personal choice than about fitting in with any Wellesley image. I consider myself middle class,and I'm here on financial aid, most of my friends are too. I had a bad first-year roommate experience, which can make life a little less happy, but I'm generally impressed by the rooms here compared to other schools as well as the residence buildings themselves.</p>
<p>Some Wellesley students can get stubborn and combative in debate, especially when the come together as an online Community. However, in many cases online personalities do not match offline ones. In others, well, sometimes people are stressed and others well, they aren't just a Wellesley thing. </p>
<p>As for social life, true, its hard to access co-ed parties on a single sex campus, but travel into Boston is available. But as wzly2008 said, getting ridiculously drunk at a frat house isn't just a Wellesley thing. Frat parties aren't all there is too a social life either. Going to off-campus events, clubs, or classes is another way to make off-campus friends of any gender. I knew it was going to take effort to meet men at Wellesley, but that was a choice I made in coming to the school. </p>
<p>Most of all, I think I like the organizations on campus. Im not the most involved person in the world, but I appreciate the variety of interests Wellesley answers. Its not perfect, but I think the strength of some of student body's involvement is central to the school. </p>
<p>Well, I said my piece about it. Im probably a bit biased, but Ive met too many wonderful women whom Im honored to call friends here not to defend it.</p>
<p>HAHA this is hilarious... I've gone from preppy to scrubby here at Wellesley... impress people with $130 jeans?? pulease... just so you know... the clothe that I buy, I pay for it with my own money. If I feel like I want to buy a coach bag with money I worked for waitressing... I don't see how that's wrong. Look at what people on other campuses wear, i.e. Williams, or Vandy... look at what we wear... are you serious if you're going to say people here are pretentious? if anything... i've never been more comfortable wearing pjs to class as I am here.</p>
<p>the desperate thing: i chose to come here because i didnt want the distraction of being so up close to guys. in a way i have control over having fun: i can fully concentrate during the week and party as i want on the weekend. i don't need to go to co-ed to find a guy. if anything... GOING to co-ed just to met guys makes you desparate </p>
<p>Wow I'd sure as hell want to go to Wellesley after seeing the way all you girls attacked that first year for posting about her negative experience. It really seems like an amazingly nurturing and positive enviornment.
Why can't wellesley girls be nice to eachother and respect every woman's right to her own opinion? Not every woman who goes to Wellesley is going to have a positive experience - just because you're having a great time doesn't mean everyone else is too.
It's kind of sad that community isn't enough for you all and that you have to go beyond firstclass to attack everyone else.
Yea, I'm sickofit.
Please feel free to attack me too.
I'm sure I've offended someone.
~One of the seven wearing kooba toting econ majors on campus</p>
<p>Why are all of you attacking her? This is how she percieves Wellesley. This is her own truth. Why are you all so defensive? She obviously is not alone. I know plenty of students who transferred/are thinking of transferring out of Wellesley for various reasons.</p>
<p>I'll say one thing about the diversity. It was not what I had expected (granted that diversity means different things to different people). </p>
<p>To all the prospective students out there:
THINK REAL HARD. What type of diversity are you looking for? Seriously consider whether or not living in or very close to a large city is important to you. Even though you probably will be studying most of the time, it is nice to be able to go out into a city on a whim.</p>
<p>Also, especially for the "Hispanic" and "Black/Non-Hispanic" prospies, realize that there are not many of you out here. This is true for a lot of schools but it's a different story if say you were in New York City or Boston rather than the TOWN of Wellesley. So take that information and do what you will with it. (i.e. for those of you who do not give a flipping **** about this, that's great but please respect the fact that it matters to some people!)</p>
<p>~m</p>
<p>What is being attacked by the students on this forum is not the girl's opinion but her wording of that opinion. She skewed the facts to portray an image of Wellesley that exists for her only. Not once did she use the word I to talk about Wellesley. She basically stated this is the way Wellesley is-period. No that is the way Wellesley is for her. When you use such patronizing language people will get offended. As an African American student I DON'T dress up for class. Yes there is a small minority of Hispanic and African American students but what you failed to mention is that efforts are being made to change this. I never eatv alone here and I have made good friends. i'm not rich and neither are any my friends. When you relay your experience only talk about your perception of this school instead of making it seem like this is what Wellesley is like for everyone. When you attack Wellesley, people will attack you and if you go here you know this. No one should be suprised by the responses. It's your preogative to feel whatever you want about Wellesley, but expect people to be kind when you make statements that are mostly based in your reality alone.</p>
<p>flowrt, it seems that you are having a very negative experience here. that is understandable, not every college is a good fit for everyone. i'm sure there are many schools out there that i could have written a similar post about if i'd chosen to go to one of them.</p>
<p>however, i would not presume to be able to express the experiences of others simply because my experience was so negative. you barely mention yourself or your experience, but you discuss at length what others do and how they feel. your estimation of the demographics seems slightly inaccurate, and while your descriptions of the student's life experiences may, and i'm sure do, describe some, they certainly don't describe many, myself included. i may not be on financial aid, but my family certainly does not own jets, multiple farms, or casinos, and the only store in the ville i shop at is CVS. i wear sweatpants and go to class with messy hair on a regular basis. i don't go to frat parties, and i almost never drink. i havent eaten a meal alone since my first week (i'm a little shy). all of my professors know my name.</p>
<p>i'm sorry that you feel you picked the wrong college for yourself. it happens all the time, and people often transfer. but just because you are unhappy does not mean that this school and these people are bad. this school is a great place for me, and i'm very happy. it definitely sounds like wellesley is the wrong fit for you, and for that reason you should certainly look into going somewhere else. but be careful how you phrase your complaints. you are welcome to talk about your experience, negative as it may be. you can say what you don't like. but it is unfair of you to presume to say that the things you are unhappy with are negative for everyone.</p>
<p>Dearest Ladies, </p>
<p>First and foremost I would like to say that everyone is entitled to their opinions. While strong opinions will receive a strong reaction, that can be expected of any discussion on any topic. </p>
<p>That being said, Wellesley is an extremely controversial place, to those who have been/are students, and people who are looking at it from the outside. Everyone has a different experience. While I've read the posts espousing Wellesley's kind, caring, and nurturing side and I DO agree with them... I also read the first post and while I was upset, I did find that I agreed with some of what she had to say. </p>
<p>There are good and bad aspects to the school, but no matter WHAT EXPERIENCE I have had here, I've always LEARNED SOMETHING. So really, it's all a matter of how you choose to look at what you've experienced. Some people enjoy the challenge that Wellesley presents (in its many forms... no boys, catty/snobby girls, hard work and extreme course load), and some people react adversely to it. </p>
<p>I wasn't really making an argument for either side, I just wanted to point out that everyone is so rooted in their own ideas that maybe it would be worth taking a minute to stepping into the other person's shoes.</p>
<p>Most of these girls are the ones who post on Community all the time because they have no life and their real friends are simply onine brats. If you have a life, don't come to Wellesley because you will lose it. There is no social life whatsoever. Every class is filled with snobby brats, the cliques do exist, and every girl you meet will be offended because you told her your favorite color was blue- which of course she will find someone to say that the color blue reminds her of poverty in india and you should be ashamed of yourself because that is racist. i don't lie, i'm a senior and i know how it works. yes i do have friends and we all cant wait to get the **** out of this ****hole.</p>
<p>My interviewer transferred from Wellesley in her sophomore year. I'm ED- I gushed about Wellesley the entire time, but after I was done, she spent a good 30 minutes telling me why not to apply. More than any of the Wellesley events I've gone to, or the glossy pages they've sent me, she cemented my ED decision. Wellesley was open enough (or unaware enough :]) to let a bitter transfer student interview an ED candidate. Flowrt works the same way. If she's the 'pessimistic extreme', I know that Wellesley's pretty damn good. All of her complaints were social (minus dorm comment/little discussion)- based on personal experiences. That so many students put down their books and caffeine to respond and contradicted her message really shows how varied the Wellesley experience can be.</p>
<p>Oh, politicallyincorrect, I don't know if I'm one of the Community girls you are referring to - I think my name is probably the only one here that's obvious, so either you're referring to me or you just assuming that all the other posters are Community-crazed wenches. Anyway, I personally don't post on Community "all the time" - in fact, I rarely do, compared to my first year at Wellesley. I am simply known for having quirky opinions and being quite vehement about them. I do have a life, and I'm quite happy with it, and I am not friends with any "online brats." (What's an online brat, anyway?)</p>
<p>That being said, as a disclaimer, I think that those who do post on Community a lot - it's not that they don't have lives. Community is there for people in the Wellesley Community to communicate with one another, and some people just feel really passionate about certain subjects and tend to comment on them a lot. I don't see this as a bad thing, if the alternative is total apathy about the world we live in, both in and outside of Wellesley.</p>
<p>Coming to Wellesley didn't cost me my life, at all. As was stated before, you (and this is an editorial "you") can't expect to have a social life handed to you, here or anywhere. Heaven knows I've spent many nights in New York City doing absolutely nothing - the point is that you have to make the effort to be social. People aren't just going to come to you just because you think you're so amazing and wonderful. There's always a lot going on on-campus (way too much, oftentimes I don't have time to go to everything I want to go to!) and there are many ways to get off-campus, so I really don't see how anyone can claim not to have a social life here. Just step out of your room and you'll find something going on somewhere, believe me.</p>
<p>Who do you see as "snobby brats" here? People who don't talk to you? Maybe they're just a little preoccupied with the massive paper they have to finish the next day. I know that that's often my reason to not smiling at every single person I pass in the dining hall. If you feels ignored, it's not because people here are snobby and looking down at you. We're just all really busy doing all the great things we tend to do. You have to give them a chance, or else how can you complain that no one is giving you a chance?</p>
<p>If by "cliques" you mean, say, the crew team, or the Shakespeare Society, or one of the cultural or ethnic organizations - they are not cliques, in the high school sense of the word, by any means. It's just that people with similar interests tend to gravitate toward one another. Simple human nature. Again, if anyone feels left out, they need to join a club or two and find other people to hang out with because, trust me, they're there.</p>
<p>Being offended is NOT a Wellesley-only trait. Come on. I go to Oklahoma and offend people because I'm not a born-again Southern Baptist. I offend people because I don't like unrelenting military recruiters. Any person anywhere who believes passionately in something will be offended when confronted with some one who is nonchalant about their passion. At Wellesley, you have many, many, many different people who, while perhaps not "diverse" enough in a ethnic fashion (and honestly, there are a lot of minorities here who don't "look" like minorities, and I'm one of them, so saying the campus looks white is just a bit of racism or ignorance on somebody's part) are certainly from radically different backgrounds, and therefore have radically different opinions.</p>
<p>I hate to break it to you, but people get offended a LOT more in the "real" world. Look at Jack Thompson and the video game industry. Look at the evolution vs. creationism debate. Wellesley is very laid back, compared to some of the other people in America these days. Wellesley women have opinions. Everyone does. Maybe it's just that people here are more likely to let you know that what you said is not cool - instead of just gossiping about you behind your back or doing some other high school girl-type thing.</p>
<p>Yes, there are bitter Wellesley seniors. Yes, there are even some students who transfer. But there are many students who consider transferring but then stay, and many, many more students who are happy just being here. I don't know the exact statistic (but I remember being in awe of the numbers), but I believe Wellesley retains a pretty high percentage of its first-year class each year, and a pretty high number of students who come here graduate from here. Just because there are some vocal opposers to Wellesley doesn't mean they speak for the entire school, and that is, quite simply, what this entire argument is about. If everyone would just stop declaring that they "know how it works" and stop pretending that they speak the truth when it's obvious, from the statistics, that they don't, then we wouldn't have a problem here now, would we? (Yes, I know I'm saying how it works but I have the statistics, quoted by wzly2008, to back me up, don't I?)</p>
<p>If you don't like Wellesley and you stayed, that's your problem. You could've left if you really wanted to. Don't try to come out here, where you can anonymously bash the school you're currently attending (and who is doing so much for you, even if you won't realize it until after you graduate and hit the real world), and act like it's all Wellesley's fault that you don't like it here. You're an adult. You could've left. That's all I'm saying. </p>
<p>I loved my time here at Wellesley. Was it perfect? No. But compared to my alternatives, Wellesley was clearly the best choice, and I'm glad I made it. But that's just me. If you (you prospective students, you) want to know how you feel about the school, you're going to have to come check it out for yourself.</p>
<p>The other response have thoroughly covered the points made in this post, but there was one thing that really struck me: </p>
<p>"Professors dont really bother to know your name, and I havent found anything special about any of the professors. "</p>
<p>I have never had a professor whose class I took not know my name. I've gotten to know professors whose classes I've never taken as well, and they've "bothered" to learn the name of a random student like me in addition. I am continually awed by the passion my professors have and their kindness. Professors here actually care about the students in their classes. But this is a two-way street; you do have to make efforts to get to know them too--go to office hours, or even emailing. </p>
<p>There <em>are</em> intriguing discussions in class. I'm auditing a comparative literature seminar, and the interesting ideas and interpretations are why you'll find me at every single meeting. </p>
<p>I'll sound like a complete dork, but the classes and the profs are why I'm here.</p>
<p>Not to get into this debate too much, cuz it seems that people are really getting a bad impression of us Wellesley ladies...</p>
<p>But.
1) We are the most diverse school on the east coast, and the third most diverse school in the country. It's all well and good if you don't think it's diverse enough, but keep in mind that you're not likely to find somewhere more diverse.
2) I love my school, and what my school has to offer. Of course, there are people who won't like it, and that's how it is anywhere. I wanted to transfer my first year too, and we do have a high transfer rate. Here's my experience, and the advice I'd give to prospective students:
GET INVOLVED. I was miserable my first semester because I was bored out of my mind. Coming from high school where I had classes all day, did sports, and participated in the musicals, I found myself with a huge amount of spare time that I just didn't know what to do with, and I ended up spending a lot of it feeling sorry for myself. Then I started to get involved with student life- I joined clubs, went to on-campus events, got a job. I actually started to get to know people around me, both underclassmen and upperclassmen, and found out that so many of them are amazing people. Of course there's cattyness here, but there's cattyness everywhere, but I think it's way less here that at a lot of co-ed colleges, and mostly because we aren't one (i.e. we don't waste any time fighting over boys).
3) Social life- no, we don't provide your "typical college experience" when it comes to social life, you might as well know that right now. If you want to go to a frat party, go to Boston (and many people do). But we do have an on-campus social life if you're willing to give it a try. The Pub is an awesome place to hang out, even if you're under 21. There's tons of concerts, and even on campus parties (and guys even come from other schools! Seriously... everyone always assumes that on-campus parties are just girls, but most of the ones that I've been to have more guys than girls). It really is pretty fun if you let it be.
4) Roommates. Maybe my friends have just had great luck, but I know scarcely anyone who had a bad roommate experience, and most my friends chose to stay with their roommates for their second, and sometimes even third, year. No school is perfect, but I actually thing our Housing office has got a great track record for making good roommate matches. And if you don't get along, you can always change rooms, it's not that hard.
5) Internships/connections/etc. Have you tried the CWS (Center for Work and Service, for prospies)? Because we have a truly awesome internship program- over 100 students are PAID to do non-paying internships every summer. It is kind of competitive to get a stipend, but it's an incredible resource that I don't think many schools offer. I volunteered in Sri Lanka last summer on a CWS grant, and the Political Science department is paying my housing and a nice stipend for an internship in DC next summer. Although the stipend programs are available to anyone, it means that even the not-so-rich students (and there are lots, see earlier posts) can participate because we don't have to be so worried about the need to get a summer job to pay for school.
6) Classes. I love love love my classes at Wellesley- generally they are small, which gives you the chance to get to know both the prof and the other students. Of course the level of discussion can vary a lot, but generally speaking there's been a lot of discussion in my classes (of course, I take mostly social science classes which are discussion-based, so that's slightly biased). However, even if your class doesn't feature a lot of discussion, most profs are easily accessible for office hours, and if any current wellesley is reading this and hasn't taken advantage of office hours, I encourage you to go! Ask questions about the material, start up a discussion with the prof- you find out that they're really interesting and friendly people ;)</p>
<p>Jesus I meant this to be a short post but my Wellesley love knows no bounds ;)</p>
<p>To finish off, ANY school is what you make of it. You can go to Welleley and have a terrible time, or go to community college and have the best experience of your life. But you've got to be willing to invest yourself, to make an effort with your own life. Don't come here expecting to be entertained, come here and expect to involve yourself with the community. Non ministrari and the like (College motto: not to be ministered unto but to minister). I do 99% of my learning outside the classroom.</p>
<p>If anybody's actually curious about Wellesley, I'm more than happy to answer questions and the like.
kellis at wellesley dot edu</p>
<p>Please don't sell my address to a spam agent, I was nice enough to post it.</p>