<p>I start college in the Fall; I'm unsure about the topics/rumors of Sweet Briar. I went on a tour, everyone seemed nice, friendly etc. However, is that what it's REALLY like? I don't want to go to a college where it's fake i.e. the friendliness factor. I just want to know what it's REALLY like there, is it a great place or is it like High School (selfish, backstabbing, after MRS. degree, egocentric) bunch of girls? Is it as easy to make friends, join clubs etc. and as welcoming as it seems?</p>
<p>I think this is the place for me, but I want to be sure I'm not going into a hormonal pit of doom where I will likely transfer. I want to know the truth, the ugly facts and all.</p>
<p>I'm really nice, yet tend to be somewhat shy, but I am a very determined, intelligent girl. I want to achieve great things and I am all about nature and hard work. </p>
<p>I went to SBC and would love to fill you in. Send me a private message and ask any Q you like( My opinions vary on different subjects and some of what I want to say is not fit for public viewing…lol)</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind about women’s colleges in general, is that it’s been shown (Reviving Ophelia, Odd Girl Out, Queen Bee’s and Wannabees, etc) that this impression that girls in a group are “catty” and “backstabbing” and that’s just an inherent part of their nature is false and has its root in a couple of things: 1) Girls are not encouraged to express aggression or anger. They’re supposed to be nice all the time, and if they absolutely must say something unpleasant to preface it with “I’m sorry, but…”, because it’s important that you apologize prior to giving a negative opinion. As a result, girls tend to channel their natural anger into unhealthy directions, and the results are then not taken seriously because it’s mostly dismissed as “Oh, well, girls are catty.” </p>
<p>2) Girls are encouraged to fight over boys. Hopefully not by their parents or teachers, but definitely by society at large. It’s the message that’s written into popular books for teenagers, as well as popular television shows. Other girls can’t really be your friends because underneath it all, they’re just competition for your boyfriend or potential boyfriend. And another message girls get is that being attractive to and desired by boys is the #1 most important thing. More important than any education, any skill they may have, etc. So it’s worth fighting for. And again, this leads to more bad behavior. </p>
<p>So the awesome thing about women’s colleges is that by removing men from the equation, they encourage you to look at other women not as competition, but as your sister. Suddenly, when there’s not some guy to fight over, you realize how utterly stupid it was to think you needed to fight over that in the first place. Women’s colleges also by and large emphasize the importance of your internal arsenal of skills (your brains, your resolve, your talents) over your external presentation. And finally, they encourage you to really examine with and wrestle with your pre-conceived notions of how women and girls “should” behave, which in turn can lead to some awesome revelations and sometimes great scholarship like the books I mentioned up top. </p>
<p>I’ve had no experience with Sweet Briar, so I can’t say how much applies there, but in my experience with women’s colleges in general, they are great communities of women and maybe the greatest thing that they can teach you is to recognize that “catty girls” or women taking second place to men is not and does not have to be the norm.</p>
<p>I graduated from Sweet Briar MANY moons ago, but was on the board and have been a fairly active alum over the years. My daughter has been accepted and received generous scholarship offers, and I am quite conflicted about whether it is the place for her.</p>
<p>For one, people REALLY are that nice. Yes, there are preppy girls and socialites, but for the most part, the women are genuine and down to earth, and just friendly. A lot of that has to do with it being a Southern school-sorry but I am biased here. The other thing is that women on campus aren’t trying to show off and compete for men, so they naturally let their guard down a little bit more.</p>
<p>I cannot say enough good things about small classes, access to professors (many of whom live on the beautiful campus), and the strong sense of community at SBC. All of these features were huge factors in what I got out of the school. It was very hard to leave after my 4 years.</p>
<p>The major drawback I have is the social life. When I attended, to see men, it was pretty much drive to W&L, UVA, Hampden Sydney to attend frat parties. A lot of drinking and Greek life were the focus. Not sure how and if that has changed, and that is one of the big negatives I have in recommending that my daughter embrace SBC as a real choice for her.</p>
<p>Academics are excellent. Research opportunities abound, and the focus on science and women in those careers over the last several years has been a big factor in making SBC a real jewel for women who are serious about a career in science and technology.</p>