<p>I've been accepted to MHC with a amazing! package, but I've still got some serious reservations about the school. I've got a friend who went to Smith, and it seemed CRAZY intense; people who were really grade obsessed, and constantly working. I'm laid back (I don't study too much and all of my extracurriculars, while quite impressive, are things I did b/c I thought I'd have fun) and I don't think I fit in at a place that's way more work than play. I'm not looking for a party school, but I want a place where I can take time off on the weekends is this the right college?</p>
<p>It depends on the individual! At Mount Holyoke, we aren't as public about our grades. Although there might be grade obsession, it's kept quiet and we still have time for fun. You will have to do some studying and be an excellent writer to come to Mount Holyoke. The competition is mostly against yourself. I don't care that my friends get /x/ grade; to me, it's about getting the grades I want, regardless of my friends' performance. </p>
<p>You can coast by with lower grades if you can not write/do not study. You can take time off on the weekends; I know people who go home to either Boston or New York every single weekend. We have a very heavy workload, but I do know people - who like you - have been laidback their entire time here. Granted, they don't have the best grades; however, they are involved in extracurriculars they love and are having the times of their lives. It really depends on your major, I think. In the math/science departments, it might be a little more intense, but it doesn't mean the rest of us have less work. </p>
<p>I think Mount Holyoke has a very healthy balance of work and play... I didn't study too much in high school either, but that's not really an option here. There have been weeks where I've felt a lot of pressure, but that's been only a few times. Whatever you do, good luck!</p>
<p>redrose, this was initially a concern for me too, but you know what i feel like i have had enough of slacking, and i am quite ready to get on the horse of mugging!</p>
<p>What makes Mount Holyoke a less stressful environment than some other colleges is that our students tend to be very non-competitive with each other and therefore aren’t constantly out to “prove” their intellect to their classmates or one-up each other with recognitions and awards. Students here are VERY bright and extremely dedicated to their studies, but it tends to be a much more personal thing. I know that I have to work very hard, and I spend more time than I care to admit in the library, but I also know how to sleep late on weekends, go out with friends, go to parties, and so forth.</p>
<p>So, yes, you can probably just do the bare minimum and pass your classes, but you might find that things are still quite manageable if you actually do work hard. ;)</p>