<p>So I've noticed that this women's college is never mentioned on here and I'm curious to know why not? Because it's not part of the Seven Sisters? It's in Boston after all!</p>
<p>I attended graduate school (library science) at Simmons back in the 1990s. Since I lived a few hours away, I would schedule my classes to be on two consecutive days and spend one night. At the time, Simmons had a room available in one of their residence halls that could be rented by graduate students by the night - $25/night and I took advantage of that often. It gave me a bit of an insider’s view of the undergraduate school, but remember all of my impressions are dated by almost 20 years.</p>
<p>As you may know, Simmons was founded to give women the ability to “earn independent livelihoods and lead meaningful lives.” It was therefore always geared toward professional preparation. Although it does have a liberal arts college, I think Simmons excels in areas where students combine classroom learning with hand-on learning/internships. Nursing, nutrition, public health, public policy, social work quickly come to mind for me. If I’ve linked this correctly, you can see all of the academic programs here: [Academic</a> Programs : Simmons College](<a href=“http://simmons.edu/overview/academics/programs/]Academic”>http://simmons.edu/overview/academics/programs/)</p>
<p>It looks like there are now many opportunities to complete a Bachelor’s/Master’s program in 5 years. For someone who knows what she wants to do from the get-go, I think Simmons should be seriously considered, especially if she loves Boston. Simmons is next door to the art museums, a couple of hospitals, and near Fenway Park. The Fens provide a nice green space very close to the Simmons (right across the street of the front door), I considered it part of the Simmons campus although technically it isn’t. It isn’t too far from the T, although I consider downtown Boston within walking distance. </p>
<p>The campus is divided into two parts, the residential area and the academic area. You have to a walk a block to get from one to another, and that block is Emmanuel College. When I was in the residential area I would see posters for events (usually parties) at other colleges in Boston. In the academic area I would see posters advertising different speakers on various campuses, too, which would all be free. It seems that a Simmons student has the opportunity to enjoy a lot of the great things the city of Boston has to offer, but also the advantages of a small college. I assume they continue to have small classes. I think women’s colleges in general are very aware of the importance of mentors, so that would be something to look into as well. The undergraduates I met were all friendly and seemed to get along with with a wide range of fellow students. </p>
<p>I can’t say too much about the student body of undergraduates, but my sense is that political activism that occurs mainly happens off campus in a political office. I don’t think it’s a campus body that organizes sit-ins to protest the investment portfolio of the college, for example, but I think the political science majors have many opportunities in the wider Boston community. I think the students there care about the world around them in a practical, straight-forward manner - mentoring girls in the Boston schools, participating in food drives, that sort of thing. I expect it would be welcoming to all women, of any color and sexual orientation.</p>
<p>It might be best suited to a young woman who is a hands-on “do-er” sort of person, maybe not the philosophical or dreamy type. I firmly believe we need all types in the world, so nothing in my obervations should at all be construed as being negative. I tried to convince my niece who is heading off to study nursing to give Simmons College a look but alas the whole “women’s college” idea turned her off before she was even willing to check it out. My daughter (only a 9th grader) is open to considering a women’s college in her future, so we may be checking it out ourselves in a few years. It would depend on her program of study, though. Anyone with additional thoughts would be welcome to share!</p>
<p>I need to follow up with an off-hand comment I made above, about downtown Boston being within walking distance. It certainly is, but I was thinking about during the daytime. At night no woman should be walking in a city alone, waiting at a bus or subway station, etc. </p>
<p>If a student attends one of the lectures at another college in the evening, or a party on the weekend, or a concert at Jordan Hall (many New England Conservatory concerts are free, something definitely worthwhile to take advantage of if a student in Boston) - HAVE A PLAN! Don’t wander out alone. The Simmons neighborhood is safe, but please use common sense.</p>
<p>Thank you for the nice response? Just let me get this clear. Are you saying that Simmons is more a school for women who want to go straight into the workforce after undergrad instead of grad school?</p>
<p>The answer to your question probably really depends on what you are planning for your future. What sort of graduate program are you thinking about? Simmons students probably take advantage of the 5 year Bach/Master programs. Others without a doubt students apply to graduate programs at other schools. Many enter the workforce straight out of college. Just like any college, there will be a mix of skills & ambitions.</p>
<p>If you want to go into government policy, or social work, or nursing, or business, I think Simmons would definitely be worth a deeper examination. I’m sure the traditional liberal arts are strong, but I’m not as familiar with those areas at Simmons. I believe the best education is the one you give yourself, so if you have drive and ambition you could make any school in Boston help you reach your goals. </p>
<p>For example, if Art History is your interest, Simmons is next door to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and a block away from the Boston Museum of Fine Art. For the biological sciences, aside from whatever Simmons offers, the numerous hospitals that are literally right there out the back door probably have internships you could tap into, and could help you into grad school. </p>
<p>If you are interested in International Relations, probably Mount Holyoke or Smith would be better (I see you have questions about those schools as well). Same with foreign languages, and they have excellent study abroad opportunities. So a lot of it would depend on what you would like to study. If you want to go to professional schools (law school, medical school) MHC or Smith may have a stronger advising program. However, don’t take my word for any of this! For all I know Simmons could have terrific law & medical school acceptance rates. </p>
<p>Once you figure out what your goals are, poke around the various websites and see what is offered. Call or email department heads to ask questions. If at all possible, visit any school you are interested in, that can help a lot. Don’t forget to talk to your parents about the financial reality of paying for college and factor that in to your search. Good luck, and if you have any other questions these forums are terrific.</p>
<p>wannabegenious,
I’m a Simmons grad from a long time ago. I went straight to law school after Simmons. Some friends went straight into the work force and some went into various types of grad schools, same as any other college. I made lifelong friends at Simmons, had fantastic teachers and generally very small classes. The whole “oooohh, I don’t want to go to an all women’s college” nonsense really should go out the window when you’re talking about going to school in Boston. 
ETA: I have friends and acquaintances from Simmons who have gone on to be leaders in business, education, science, politics and entertainment. You can get a terrific education there!</p>
<p>Thank you both of you! I am thinking of going for an MBA after undergrad so I’m thinking Simmons is a really nice school, so both your inputs are gratefully taken:)</p>