Wellesley vs Mount Holyoke vs Smith

College Search & Selection
1

I’ve recently been accepted at all three and I’m having a difficult time deciding between them. I was an early write at Smith and given a $20k/year Leadership Award at MHC. I’m interested in studying history, education, and theatre, and would love to continue my involvement in music (choir/orchestra). I’m a hard worker and get very wrapped up in my work (and stress), but I succumb to procrastination more often than I’d like to admit. I’ve heard horror stories about Wellesley being too cutthroat and stressful, and I’m not sure if I’m cut out for that type of environment…so I’d like to know if this stigma is true.

I have visited all three, and got the impressions that Wellesley is more competitive, MHC is more laid-back but less prestigious, and Smith is very quirky and proud of it. I love the 5-College connection at MHC and Smith, but Wellesley’s proximity to Boston/Cambridge is pretty sweet.

I am definitely leaning towards MHC/Wellesley (MHC because of the amazing students/alums I met and the campus vibe, but I would be lying if I didn’t say how much the name and beauty of Wellesley is calling to me). I am less enthusiastic about Smith, but I’m open to hearing more about it.

If anyone has any feedback on these three schools, it would be appreciated!

2

I’ll leave most of your questions to current students and alums of those colleges, but I will say I had a friend at Wellesley (who I visited several times) and I wouldn’t get too hung up on the proximity to Boston. We took the bus into the city a few times and it took a solid hour each way. I imagine if you have a car that would be a nice resource, but if you’re partying on a weekend it makes less sense. This is all to say, you won’t be immersed in Boston and the relationship with schools near Wellesley isn’t nearly as strong as it is in the 5-college consortium.

3

Well, my D is at MHC and she absolutely loves it. She made an instant connection with a professor in her department and basically has a mentor now. I’m sure she’d be open to talking to you if you wanted. (She also applied to all 3 schools…) PM me if you’d like her contact info.
P.S. What a terrific dilemma to have! Congratulations to you.

4

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/womens-colleges/1759619-smith-vs-mount-holyoke-vs-wellesley-campus-vibe.html#latest could someone answer my questions?