<p>Hello, I'm a prospective student to Wellesley's class of 2016. I'm interested in English (especially creative writing), religions, biology and astronomy. Can anyone tell me about these departments at Wellesley--if they're well-respected, challenging, etc?</p>
<p>Also, does Wellesley have a mascot, official or otherwise? I know about "go blue!" but I was wondering if there is any symbol that has come to represent the college? If not, then what animal or object do YOU think would best represent Wellesley?</p>
<p>Nope, we just have “blue” for a mascot. I’ve always thought the Wellesley Wallabies would work well:)</p>
<p>I’m an English and History double-major, so I can definitely assure you that our English department is amazing: the professors are incredibly knowledgeable, and all the classes are discussion-based. I’ve taken classes in the other departments you mentioned, and they were all fantastic. The religion department has classes covering pretty much every topic, so you’re not forced to focus on one religion over any others. Both the Biology and Astronomy departments have great professors and facilities. You should come visit us and take a look at the observatory and science center, if that’s possible.</p>
<p>Re: the mascot, I’ve always thought it should be the all-female species of whiptail lizard that reproduces via parthenogenesis.</p>
<p>My daughter is a first-year Astrophysics major, and she is very involved with the Observatory.</p>
<p>She has been assisting at the Open Observatory nights, has participated in making observations using the 24-inch telescope, is preparing to play in the Physics vs Math department softball game, and has a paid position this summer doing research with a professor.</p>
<p>Seconding what’s been said about Astronomy (most people major in Astrophysics if they plan to continue onto graduate studies, or else pair Astronomy with another technical major such as Math or Computer Science). The department is one of Wellesley’s best kept secrets, and we have a great observatory, especially for a school of our size. In addition to paid research at Wellesley, I also know a lot of Astro majors that have participated in the UROP program with MIT’s EAPS department (Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences – they do a lot of Astronomy stuff).</p>
<p>Of course the courses will be challenging, but that’s true of any major at Wellesley. As long as you put in the work, you’ll be fine. As far as I know, the department is pretty well respected, and the alumni network within the sciences at Wellesley is extremely strong, as there aren’t all that many of us. For example, I’m not even an Astronomy or Astrophysics major (I’m Math/CS) but I have a paid internship this summer at NASA that I found with the help of an alum who used to work there.</p>