<p>Hello! I'm a prospective student of Mount Holyoke College & currently a high school senior. I'm interested in Pre-med studies. I took a tour of MHC about a month ago; I am in love with the campus, and the science program impressed me to a great degree. However, I know there may be a couple negative stereotypes associated with MHC, from what I've heard by students who are enrolled. For instance, apparently some people think that girls from MHC are all drunk 'party girls', or that they are crazy man-haters. I don't care if these labels are slapped onto me if I go to MHC, but thinking ahead, is there a chance that these assumptions can affect my capability of getting a job or going to grad school? It sounds dumb, but I would like to know how seriously MHC students are seen in the professional world.</p>
<p>As an alum I am amazed that you have heard this. Granted it has been quite a while since I graduated in the 90s, but I still have strong ties to the school and know of two first years right now. They never heard such things when they were looking, and have not experienced anything of the sort since they have been there. MHC has a great reputation with grad school and in the professional world. Sciences are particularly strong, but really a degree in any major will be well received whatever your career path is. As for being crazy man haters, there is a vocal lesbian population, but all colleges have LGBQT populations. You will find all types there, partiers, non drinkers, hard core intellectuals, feminists, liberals, conservatives (not as many), All American girl next door types, a sizable international crowd, athletes, musicians…in short, the student body is quite diverse, you can find your crowd. I am trying to get my daughter to consider it (she’s a junior now). We have visited, and after the visit the fact that I went there is the only negative she could come up with…and the fact that she’s not sold on going to a woman’s college.</p>
<p>It is amazing what high school seniors “hear” from other high school seniors who have "heard’ it from someone God knows who. Yet they take this as gospel. This is certainly not limited to MHC but virtually every college. </p>
<p>@tufty101 That’s what I figured. I didn’t think these rumors/stereotypes would go so far because the student body is so diverse. I personally took Holyoke very seriously when I visited, and that’s why it’s now on my list of schools to apply to! But I always get… strange reactions when I tell people I’m applying there, so I wanted to clear these types of stigmas away, hopefully by people who went there or are now.</p>
<p>@TomSrOfBoston “from what I’ve heard by students who are enrolled” = Enrolled at MHC, not my high school… I’m not there yet. I’m on the outside looking in. I don’t take everything anyone says “as gospel”, that’s why I asked about this type of thing. How else am I supposed to know if I don’t ask? And on top of that, how would I know that “every college” has these if I have not attended college? I am just trying to get as much cleared up as I can.</p>
<p>@Astrofeline, I guess it’s always good to ask! Sometimes stereotypes have some kernal of truth but in this case I don’t think so. As others have said, MHC is seen as a very fine school to the outside world… and it IS.</p>
<p>You will hear things about all colleges that you explore during your application journey. Try and think back on what you actually experienced versus the stereotypes that you heard and that should help clarify any concerns for you. IMHO the remaining seven sisters are all highly regarded by graduate schools and employers and they strive to graduate well educated, confident women ready to face the world and its challenges. My daughter is just wrapping up her first semester at MHC and has found the campus filled with all variety of students- some who like to go to parties every weekend- and some who enjoy quieter activities like she does during their down time. It’s a very diverse place.</p>