Wellesley v Wesleyan

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wesleyan University
1

<p>Hello! I am transferring as a rising sophomore this fall and am lucky enough to have my choice between Wellesley College and Wesleyan University (and Brown if they let me off their wait-list, ahahah). I'm a bit lost. </p>

<p>A bit about me: I am coming from a small liberal arts college in the Midwest looking for a more academic environment, more student activities, a more fun environment, a great alumni network (I really gotta get a job you know), friendly students who are passionate and fun and whatnot, and a good location. I am going to be majoring in Sociology and Economics (could dabble in Environmental Studies but we'll see) and would appreciate stellar departments and approachable faculty that can set me up for internships, summer research, and so forth. It's a lot to ask for, but as a transfer student, I've already been around the block a bit and can't settle :)</p>

<p>I am transferring from my old school because it was too small, the location was really crappy, I wasn't academically challenged, and there was really nothing to do at all except drink heavily (which is fine sometimes but like come on). So I'm looking for a good atmosphere.</p>

<p>Anyhow, I'll break down my perceptions/internet-findings about the schools and my perceived pros and cons. Please correct me if/when I'm wrong and elaborate!</p>

<p>WELLESLEY
Pros:
-arguably better academics/name recognition/ranking/prestige
-no dumb boys
-MIT/Olin/Babson cross-registration
-Proximity to Boston for internships
-Beautiful campus (I visited during Thanksgiving and died a little, it was so beautiful)
-great Econ department
-Educational Studies department (I'm really interested in Ed research/policy)</p>

<p>Cons:
-social scene could leave something to be desired. Would I have to go to MIT/Harvard to have a decent time?
-too intense?
-cliquey prep school girls? (how will a normal girl make friends? quite concerned. Most of my friends freshman year were boys.)
-it's not Boston, I might grow to dislike the upper-class suburb of Wellesley</p>

<p>WESLEYAN
Pros:
-It seems like the culture is very progressive and liberal and laid back
-A bajillion artsy, music-y, cool things to do on campus
-Proximity to New Haven, New York (!!)
-slightly larger
-small town setting (so everyone will stay on campus and hang out with me)</p>

<p>Cons:
-According to my mother, "It's not Wellesley." Prestige factor?
-Less access to a big city than Wellesley
-Lesser academics? I don't know.</p>

<p>Help would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you CC! (Cross-posting in both college and general transfer forums)</p>

2

<p>Not sure what you mean by “academics.” In terms of prestige, Wellesley is arguably the “best” women’s college, so that lends it prestige, though Wesleyan isn’t in the women’s college realm so the prestige is apples to oranges. I can’t speak for Wellesley, but Wesleyan has excellent name recognition for a liberal arts college and a very strong alumni network. The two schools have pretty much identical SAT averages (approx 650-750 middle 50th percentile on each SAT section for each school), with Wesleyan being more selective (though Wesleyan receives many more applications due to being open to all genders). Both schools have excellent econ departments. Seems academics are a wash, unless you’re referring to something specific, like Wellesley having an Educational Studies department or a better student:faculty ratio (7:1 vs 9:1). Schools are close in size (2,400 vs. 2,900). </p>

<p>I think one of the most important things to consider is that Wellesley is female-only and if you’ll be happy in that environment. Wesleyan is probably more laid back, with academics comparable to Wellesley, though there is no education minor at Wesleyan, and Wellesley has a larger endowment than Wesleyan. I’d figure out the gender thing first, and go from there. From my experiences talking with graduates of and people who transferred out of women’s colleges, it really is a different atmosphere.</p>

3

<p>I visited campus this past week (though there were no students) and was left unimpressed by campus and Middletown. I know that’s not the most significant aspect of a school, but it sort of is pushing me towards Wellesley.</p>

4

<p>“I am transferring from my old school because it was too small, the location was really crappy,”</p>

<p>Wes isn’t too small, but he same thing can be said about most places in New England.</p>

5

<p>Well she chose Wes, which is great. I would have done the same, but that’s just because I haven’t heard many good things about Wellesley. lol.</p>

6

<p>Thanks! Yes, sorry for not updating–I chose Wes mainly due to finances, but I also thought I might enjoy the social scene a bit more than the perceived intensity of Wellesley. Very excited for the fall!</p>