Wellesley vs. Smith

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wellesley College
1

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>I'm a graduating senior who is trying to decide between Wellesley and Smith. I plan on being a Classics major, although I am also interested in art and theater. I also plan on studying Italian and studying abroad in Italy sometime during college. I was accepted into the Smith STRIDE program, which is certainly a strong selling point. However, I would love to hear from any current or past alumna from either college to help me decide which school has the most to offer me. </p>

<p>How do the schools differ, both academically and socially? How would you describe the typical student at each school? One of my friends described Smith as the '70s and Wellesley as the '80s- do you think this is accurate? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I also really liked both and would have applied to Smith had I not applied to Wellesley ED. I think they have lots of things in common, and are both very strong.</p>

<p>That being said, I'll try to give my reasons for picking Wellesley. Of course, I don't know a whole lot about any of the schools, and I doubt anyone, unless they've attended both, can really give a fair comparison.</p>

<p>One of the big differences is the location. While Northhampton is very cute, it simply doesn't offer as much as Boston. I really like being able to go to major museums and other cultural centers, and those are only found in cities. Additionally, I hope to find internships while in college, and Boston certainly offers a lot.</p>

<p>I also think the social scene is a bit different, mainly as far as dating goes. I love the idea of a Woman's College, but I also like boys. :) At Smith, your options are mainly UMass and Amherst, but at Wellesley you have all of Boston. Socially, I think going into Boston on a Friday night is a lot more exciting than partying it up at a UMass frat, but that's just a reflection of how I like to socialize.</p>

<p>I don't think there is a "typical" student at either school, which is a great aspect of both, but I think there are definitely reputations of a "typical" student. I've also heard that Wellesley does have a sort of 80's reputation of being very professional, while Smith is a bit more 70's and has a higher GBLT population, but, again, I don't think those reputations really hold.</p>

<p>Academically, they're both really strong. As far as statistics go, Wellesley comes out a little better on paper. The average SAT of an incoming student at Wellesley is 1383, at Smith 1294. The retention rate (% of freshmen who don't transfer out) is 94% at W and 91% at S, while the graduation rate at W is 91% and 84% at S.</p>

<p>They're both great schools though, so congratulations! Not an easy decision, I'm sure!</p>

3

<p>According to the favorite catchwords for each school's student population, one might characterize Smithies as "oppressed" and Wendies as "offended" :)</p>

<p>More seriously, the differences in the student populations are not easy to pin down. As far as I know, no one on this board has attended both schools, and it's difficult to get a fully informed opinion that speaks equally to both experiences. What I can say about Wellesley students is that they're focused, articulate, and passionate about the world around them. They wholly invest themselves in their activities and feel very strongly about the way that the school is run. The stereotypical Wendy is, of course, dressed in pearls and a sweater set ... but students really do run the gamut from Birkenstocks and flannel shirts to heels and manicures. On average, though, students tend to dress and present themselves somewhat conservatively. I've seen staff members with more piercings than 95% of the students :) (It seems unfair to reduce students' personalities and senses of self to their clothing choices, but it's also an interesting metric for understanding the student body.)</p>

<p>The Classics department is small but with a devoted student following. I've taken classes with some of the faculty members and was always impressed with their effective teaching and engaging classes. </p>

<p>Congratulations to you, and I wish you all the best in making this decision.</p>

4

<p>One major difference is that 10% of the Smith student body is between the ages of 24 and 70. Another significant difference is that 26% of Smith's student body are Pell Grant recipients (low- to very low-income). A third difference is that, because of the Five College Consortium, there is a small but continuous number of men in Smith classes. A fourth difference is the town - within short (under half a mile) walking difference of Smith's front gate are 9 used bookstores, 5 or 6 coffeehouses, folk music venues, indie film house, used clothing stores, academy of music (for rock bands, etc.), two Indian, 4 Chinese, 1 Tibetan, 2 Japanese, two Italian, one Argentine, one Moroccan, one crepe, and assorted other restaurants, a knitting and weaving store, a Friends Meeting, a Jewish Synagogue, churches, and, I think, a Buddhist temple. Northampton is the mecca for students from the five colleges.</p>

5

<p>Some of mini's points are things that Wellesley and Smith actually have in common. Wellesley has a strong program for non-traditional students (ages 24+), and the program's website says that there are over 50 students currently enrolled in the program. Not 10% of the student body, but still a visible and important representation. Thanks to a strong connection between Wellesley and Olin, the campus also sees a small but continuous number of men (and non-Wellesley women!) in classes--and extra-curricular activities are also forming between the two schools.</p>

<p>Smith's immediate surroundings are undeniably more student-friendly than Wellesley's. Do think about how far from campus you want to venture!</p>

6

<p>How do the schools differ, both academically and socially? How would you describe the typical student at each school? One of my friends described Smith as the '70s and Wellesley as the '80s- do you think this is accurate?</p>

<p>I have no idea what Smithies wear, but at Wellesley, far too many people wear leggings with skirts like my late 80s Barbie dolls did and I'm waiting for the fashion to die.</p>

<p>On a more serious note, classics, Italian, Italy study abroad, art and theater all exist at Wellesley, though I'm involved with none of them. Italian is one of the few subjects with a minor, so if you change your mind about taking it, you can still have Italian as part of your degree.</p>

<p>Yes, the town of Wellesley is a really lousy college town, but at least everything you need is within walking distance: post office, library, grocery store, clothing store, sporting goods, bookstore, drug store and watch repair, save for a good place to get dvds and cds. Because Wellesley is a rich town, the library is exceptional, and the bookstore (which has a decent used section) brings in famous people (Sophie Kinsella, Julia Andrews, Brian Jacques, Allison Weir, Richard Peck and Lemony Snicket have all done signings since I have been a student here). The town dump (accessible by car) has a give and take book swap, and the "unwanted" books that are sold by the library for one or two dollars are pretty amazing.</p>

7

<p>I am in the exact same situation as maggie_magpie! The STRIDE program at Smith is definitely alluring and I love the idea of an open curriculum as opposed to Wellesley's distribution requirements. However, Wellesley does have a stronger reputation and I love Boston. I can't decide!</p>

8

<p>The distribution requirements at Wellesley aren't limitations; rather, they're opportunities to move beyond a narrow focus of study. Some students don't need the encouragement, but many do. If you're the kind of person who would take that variety of classes anyway, then the requirements don't really make a difference. If you're more hesitant to move beyond your primary or secondary interests, then the requirements are excellent motivators. The point isn't to be well versed in every field but, rather, to understand the process of learning and exploration across different subject areas.</p>

<p>Personally, the distribution requirements encouraged me to take classes that I would otherwise have ignored. In each case, the learning experience significantly impacted my personal and professional goals.</p>

9

<p>"One of the big differences is the location. While Northhampton is very cute, it simply doesn't offer as much as Boston. I really like being able to go to major museums and other cultural centers, and those are only found in cities. Additionally, I hope to find internships while in college, and Boston certainly offers a lot."</p>

<p>To be fair, Smith's PRAXIS program promises every student a paid summer internship their Junior or Senior year. So even if you don't go to Boston, the school will find you a position within your field of interest and give you a stipend. :)</p>

10

<p>I attend Mount Holyoke so you may or may not want to listen to me, but here's my breakdown. </p>

<p>If I could do things over again, I'd pick Smith over Mount Holyoke. If I had gotten into Wellesley though, I'd pick Wellesley over Smith. </p>

<p>ALL HANDS DOWN. Again and again, over and over. </p>

<p>Haha, I'm currently applying for transfer to Wellesley. I mean, 4th best liberal arts college in the country and so close to Boston? No brainer. Not to mention Boston is a billion times better than Northampton, unless you're into the homeless/hippie scene (which is really interesting, but not my personal taste).</p>

11

<p>However, Smith is IN NoHo, but Wellesley is a very long 13 miles from Boston. 13 miles doesn't sound like much, but it REALLY is because of the area. </p>

<p>Rankings mean nothing. Colleges can go up or down 20 spots in one year. Seriously, the rankings are probably the LAST thing you should base your college choice on (especially since there are not even many spots between Smith and Wellesley).</p>

<p>Babyunicorn, if you aren't happy at Moho, that is perfectly legitimate; however, you may want to rethink transferring to a college so similar. I don't know why you want to transfer, but if it is location then you are better off going to Smith. If you want to be in Boston, just apply to a college IN Boston (or Cambridge, hint hint :))! Trust me, Wellesley is way more similar to MHC than Smith is to MHC. Moho is closer to Amherst and Noho time-wise than Wellesley is to Boston, so don't set yourself up for disappointment!</p>

<p>OP, to summarize, Wellesley and Smith are the following sisters: One wants to change the world and debate gender politics with you (Smith), and the other won't pierce her nipples because she's too concerned that it will affect her future political career (Wellesley). Obviously this is an extreme example, but a generalization is the best way for me to avoid writing a page-long answer. The colleges are very similar, but I'd say that the BRAND of ambition and drive at each college is where they differ most in terms of personality. Also, as I mentioned, Smith is in Northampton (a hippie-filled, new england-ish, not-quite-city). Wellesley is in the VERY wealthy suburb of the same name, and much farther from Boston than the admissions office would like you to believe. Try driving from Wellesley to Boston (or taking the bus!) and you'll see what I mean.</p>

12

<p>
[quote]
To be fair, Smith's PRAXIS program promises every student a paid summer internship their Junior or Senior year. So even if you don't go to Boston, the school will find you a position within your field of interest and give you a stipend.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Not exactly true. While every student is guaranteed access to Praxis funds while they are at Smith, you still have to do your own work to find internships. Last summer I used Praxis to help fund an internship in Boston. I found the internship myself.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I also think the social scene is a bit different, mainly as far as dating goes. I love the idea of a Woman's College, but I also like boys. At Smith, your options are mainly UMass and Amherst, but at Wellesley you have all of Boston. Socially, I think going into Boston on a Friday night is a lot more exciting than partying it up at a UMass frat, but that's just a reflection of how I like to socialize.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Based on my own experience, a large number of Smith students do not spend a lot of time going to frat parties. There are lots of other social and cultural opportunities in the area that students choose to attend instead, including many downtown in Northampton and some at other colleges.</p>

13

<p>Wow, thanks for all the replies! After reading all of them, I'm definitely getting a better sense of all the colleges. This site has been a huge help!</p>

14

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15

<p>Yoyo, I don’t know if you’re still reading, but as a current undergraduate at Wellesley College I feel it is my duty to impart to you my honest, concise take on the two schools: </p>

<p>----Wellesley----</p>

<p>Boston: PWNS.*
Professors: PWN.
Quality of curriculum: PWNS. Also, small classes. Intensely valuable.
Quality of social life on campus: NIL. Seriously. Unless you are proudly lesbian (in which case it is easy to fit in with the proudly lesbian clique) it’s mostly populated by quiet, wanna-be-Ivy goody two-shoes. If you cannot stand this sort of company and/or despise social vacuums, be prepared to spend a lot of time appreciating the –>
Quality of social life off campus: PWNS. Enjoy your pick of Harvard, MIT, Babson, Olin, and Berklee parties, as well as numerous (usually over 21) clubs of Boston. Party it up all night. With whomever you want. Cept be careful of Harvard boys. They have bulbous egos. </p>

<p>----Smith----</p>

<p>(from the small amount of vicarious experience I’ve gleaned from my good friend who goes there)</p>

<p>Social life: Very funky. Very lesbian. People who go there like being there (as opposed to Wellesley, where I feel like most people would rather be going to an Ivy). Very liberal. I would suggest going to a party there, meeting people, and delving into the social life before your big decision. That’s the only way to see if you could fit in. </p>

<p>In conclusion, both good schools. Polar opposite in social life. Do your research and party it up. </p>

<p>(*If you’re not familiar with the lingo, “pwn”=“rock.”)</p>

16

<p>I know this is an old thread, but I’m curious- does anyone have any thoughts regarding the rigor of academics? Some people say that Wellesley is better because it is ranked higher and the scores are higher, while others claim the academics are about the same. Is there an academic advantage to going to Wellesley?</p>