I am a high school senior who used to be interested in attending Smith or Mount Holyoke, but I am now considering taking them off my list. I visited both schools last year and liked the academics and the campuses. I also like how prestigious they are. However, I don’t want to go a women’s college because I have always liked having male friends. I also never dated a guy in high school but I really want to try it in college. The social aspect of a school is important for me, and I would really miss guys if I were on a campus without them for 4 years. I’d much prefer a small coed school like Brandeis or Connecticut College.
I have a 4.0 GPA and 1540 SAT and I’m in the top 1% of my class so I think I could get merit money from Smith or MHC. We won’t qualify for financial aid but we’re not rich. I already got into 2 of my safety schools with significant merit scholarships. Do you think it’s worth it for me to apply to Smith or MHC since I like the academics but don’t want to go to a women’s college?
If you don’t want to go to a women’s college, you shouldn’t apply to a women’s college. Particularly since it sounds like you already have acceptances at affordable schools you like better.
I attended Mount Holyoke many years ago and had a terrific social life. I joke with my classmates about the mixer buses we organized and the parties we attended. There’s something about a campus with two thousand women that attracts men . . . . Today it is a bit more challenging. The students of today with whom I have spoken about this meet guys through the internet and by going to parties at other colleges much as I did. In my day we had a real paper Facebook that had the pictures of every member of the class. These facebooks got passed around at all the colleges on the East Coast. Now, the internet versions seem to work in similar ways.
There also will be some men in classes at Mount Holyoke because of cross registrations of students from Amherst College and U Mass and from students who attend Mount Holyoke who are participating in the 12 college exchange.
The benefits of a women’s college extend far beyond the ability to see some guys at parties and in your classes. I would suggest you give this issue more consideration.
I understand your trepidation about going to an all female college. And its not just about meeting guys at parties. It is about developing a skill set that comes from experience discussing and debating topics, from collaborating on projects and from developing real friendships with men. Follow your gut. You list excellent alternative colleges where you could do just that and then some. Best of luck!
Particularly since it sounds like you already have acceptances at affordable schools you like better.