The perks, I suppose, are the community of women - feeling supported, tight-knit after graduation, opening doors especially for names schools like the Seven Sisters.
That said, I went to a well-renowned all-girls’ high school, and believe that single-sex education is overrated. Colleges are very different, I’m sure, but I was grateful to go to a large co-ed Ivy, living in a coed dorm, having normal relationships that were a part of my everyday (working on campus, classes, dorms, etc.). There’s also the not-so-small-matter of the true “college experience” - football/hockey/soccer games, frat parties, dorm wars that clearly were organized by the boys on our floor. We even had a coed bathroom. Having men around felt healthy and balanced - and there were single-sex dorms for those who wanted that experienced. I was in a sorority, and I liked that support on a big campus.
My only regret? Agreeing to attend that all-girls’ high school. My sister went to Smith and loved it. Northampton is gorgeous and fun, but dating was a bit awkward and forced, according to her. It’s a great fit for some people - I liked the college town, big campus experience while having my close group of sorority sisters, dorm friends, and classmates.