I have only 9 days to apply (or not apply)
+Free to Apply
-9 days to apply
+Went to the Fall visit and stayed in the (very nice) dorms
+I felt insanely SAFE at night
+The campus is breath-takingly gorgeous!
+Food was good
Minority student. I didn’t see much diversity when I went there
+Cross register with MIT (My dream school)
-I want to be an engineer so LACs aren’t ideal
-No boys (I may become more awkward, forever alone and all that cliche stuff). Idk how much time it will take to get used to
-I’m not into politics but not a lot of political diversity
EXCELLENT alumni system
+The classes I went to seemed like the teachers really cared and were knowledgeable
-Very cold
-45 bus to Boston/Cambridge
Tight-knit (sisterly)
+Everyone is very intelligent and ready to change the world
-Very challenging classes
-Small school huge campus. (I could just get a bike)
Many opportunities to study abroad
-Not sure if I’d fit in
+Wushu club looks fun (lol) http://www.wellesley.edu/admission/facts <-- according to this 770CR, 640W, 650M I have a solid 30%+ chance of getting in.
-I didn’t feel like the girls there got out much. They were very hospitable, but had a TON of work to do.
I’m confused. If anyone could point me towards helpful Wellesley threads or even better a WELLESLEY STUDENT I’d appreciate it!
:-/
Hey, did you go back a page or two? There were a couple of decent/recent threads re: overall campus mood. I chimed in on one from the fall (General questions for Wellesleyans) & a bunch of parents+a student commented on “Our Wellesley visit, and some questions.”
Google “The Wellesley News” to read the school paper online. I always read the newspapers of schools I am considering to get a sense of what’s important to students, what activities are going on, and the police blotter is always interesting! There are a bunch of blogs too.
My d is W sophomore. The work is hard, but students typically take only 4 classes, so I don’t think it’s overwhelming most is the time. Her friend group is pretty diverse, both in terms of background and in terms of major. She spends a lot of time in Boston and with friends at MIT, so she sees boys. She really likes returning to the quiet of W, and having that balance. You get used to the cold (or so she tells me)! The programs with MIT are awesome, and it is relatively easy take classes there. I’d apply. Good luck!
My daughter is also a sophomore. Based on what I’ve heard from her, I think you have a couple of misconceptions about Wellesley. First of all, it is very diverse, ethnically, politically, and spiritually.
Second, people DO have fun on the weekends. My daughter goes to Cambridge almost every weekend, although she did not do this her first year because she wasn’t yet sure she could manage her workload and still have fun. And she goes out with actual guys (most of her friends use online dating services.) I hate this, but they are all taking precautions to be safe and so far, she’s only had good experiences.
Getting to classes at MIT is harder than you think. That is one long bus ride, so if you have a class at MIT, count on spending half a day getting there, attending class, and riding back. Most of the W women who take MIT courses take architecture or other classes, believe it or not. You’ll have a better experience if you take your sciences at Wellesley. My daughter’s roommate practically lives in the science building.
What’s easier is getting to Olin, and that’s where you’re going to want to take your engineering classes. You should also consider applying there.
Yes, Wellesley is cold. My daughter is a native Bostonian and still hates the weather. And because it’s cold and icy, you’re unlikely to use your bike past, say, late November. My daughter just bundles up and runs to her classes when it’s frigid. The grounds people do a really good job clearing snow and ice. For a tropical fix, you can go to the greenhouses, which are magnificent.
I’m so glad you decided to apply! I’m a first-year at Wellesley so I thought I could offer you some insight about your concerns. As a minority student, I have to say Wellesley is an extremely diverse campus. There are students from different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and everyone feels welcome and included. I was also worried about fitting in here, especially with the stereotypes of the typical Wellesley student. All I can say is that Wellesley has so many different kinds of people and it won’t be hard for you to find your place. The classes here are extremely hard, and it can get tiresome spending entire afternoons and evenings in the library, but it’s definitely worth it! All of my classes and professors have been incredibly engaging and have definitely been worth the workload. The professors here are so dedicated, and are always available, which is a major plus. My biggest complaint about Wellesley would probably be getting into Boston, but it’s definitely worth it! Boston is such a great place to go to school because there are so many other colleges in the area. I’ve gone to parties at Tufts, Harvard, MIT, Babson and BU, so it’s not that hard to find things to do. It’s also really nice to have the party scene separated from your academics. All in all, deciding on Wellesley has by far been the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’m only a first-year! I have met the most incredible women here, and they inspire me each and every day. I have become so much more confident and independent since coming here, and am truly in love with this school. Feel free to message me if you have any questions!
Two of my good friends go to Wellesley, and maybe it’s just them, but it honestly seems like they spend more time on other Boston-area campuses than their own.
The programs with MIT are awesome, and it is relatively easy take classes there. I’d apply. Good luck!