<p>I've narrowed down my choices to two schools, Wellesley being one of them. I love everything about Wellesley except its high-stress, competitive environment. Currently, I'm planning on majoring in econ or poli sci, two of Wellesley's most competitive majors. Is there really a lot of competition between the students? Do academics completely dominate social life? Are girls friendly, happy?
Also, should grade deflation be a concern?
Thanks so much!</p>
<p>@iddy09
What is the other school?</p>
<p>@tamtiger
Middlebury College</p>
<p>@iddy09
I am really not qualified to answer this question. I will let other more experienced people answer this. This is what I know, Middlebury is in a more rural area compared to Wellesley. For Political Science and Economics, Wellesley may be better. At Wellesley it is going to be high stress but I do not believe it is competitive as in Cornell where I hear people compete for As. Wellesley is not for some one looking to party and is also Unisex compared to Middlebury. Both are excellent schools in different kind of ways. Tough choice, good luck. </p>
<p>My daughter is not a hyper-competitive person, either, and she loves Wellesley. There are students there who are involved in numerous activities and who brag/complain about their workloads, but she just tunes them out and does what she needs to do. The one thing that is true is that everyone is very serious about academics and social activities very frequently involve intellectual discussions. They also may involve wine. ;)</p>
<p>I am a current student at Wellesley. The social atmosphere is very competitive .That being said, if you can tune it out and do your own thing- having an economics/poli sci degree from Wellesley will put you in a great place professionally post-grad. This may be worth enduring the atmosphere. I use the word enduring, because it can wear you down. Middlebury may offer a better balance with its Vermont roots and co-ed campus.</p>
<p>@WellesleyGirl22, does Wellesley meet your expectation? If you had another chance to choose, would you still pick Wellesley?</p>
1 Like
<p>Wellesley is a beautiful bucolic campus that belies the level of competition and stress that its students are subjected to. Make no mistake, the education you get here is unmatched anywhere, however, it is highly competitive. Add grade deflation to the mix and light a match and watch the conflagration. Have you ever heard of students taking courses at MIT for the purpose of raising their GPA’s? As Arliss would say, I kid you not! If you are up to the challenge and go in with your eyes wide open…the world awaits. </p>