<p>A friend and I decided to visit Smith College - regarded as one of the best women's colleges in the country. I was drawn to Smith because I thought that a women's college education coupled with the relative conservatism of Smith would suit me well...</p>
<p>However, I found that a lot of the women we talked to in Smith harbor quite radically liberal ideas and beliefs, and it seemed to be a microcosm of what the entire Smith community feels. Many of the women who assisted us on our tour said that they hated men, they wanted to overpower men, they believed women to be superior, etc. </p>
<p>I'm now seriously rethinking women's colleges. (Elite) Women's colleges are very good with placing women in top graduate schools across all fields and the academic merit of Smith is unparalleled by most institutions... </p>
<p>...however, I myself am a cultural conservative for the most part. While I live my life according to the philosophy - if it's not hurting anyone, and its not affecting me, then who cares what other people do - I do have my own personal principles which are pretty traditional/conservative in nature. I regard myself as a women's rights activist to some extent but still, I don't know how comfortable I'd be with such radical feminism.</p>
<p>Would it be possible for me to reconcile the hyper liberalism of a women's college with the benefits of receiving an education from a women's college? Or do you think that the education isn't worth being (presumably) miserable for 4 years?</p>
<p>Was this is a visit type of thing where you met actual students, or just admissions officers? Because if it was admissions officers, they probably would be the most hyped up people.</p>
<p>What ever gave you the idea that Smith was conservative? I think of it as one of the most liberal women’s colleges. Sounds like you had a misconception going in. I would say that while Wellesley certainly a strong liberal cohort, you might find a decent sized group of conservatives there. Or you might try Sweet Briar.</p>
<p>lol. Maybe when Barbara Bush went there. This is the school that Velma from Scooby Doo was based on - you know that, right? The Smith stereotype has been bookish and butch for over 40 years.</p>
<p>I was talking to actual students – perhaps I was under an incorrect notion, I was always led to believe that Smith was more conservative than the other Seven Sisters schools - and it was certainly more conservative than Simmons (which is the only women’s college closer to me than Smith). </p>
<p>I’m actually applying to Wellesley and not Smith, after this visit.</p>
<p>Hilarious, and absolutely describes the two classmates of my Ds who are students there now. You are going to find feminists on pretty much every campus these days, though, except the most conservative colleges. On most campuses you will meet students like my D who asks anyone who disses feminism: “What part of feminism do you want to give up? The part that allows you to vote, the part that means you aren’t your husband’s property any more, or the part that allows you to have a career that isn’t teacher or student or nurse?”</p>