<p>I have heard numerous times people calling Wellesley the LAC version of an Ivy or a "near Ivy". I know Wellesley is great academically, but other equally good LACs in terms of academics are not compared to the Ivies as often as Wellesley is. </p>
<p>Why is this so? Is it because of closer relationship and interaction between Wellesley and the Ivies? Or is it because of greater similarity in college culture?</p>
<p>It could in part be tradition – back in the day, the Ivies were for men, and the Seven Sisters were the female equivalent.</p>
<p>You’re asking as to why specifically Wellesley is particularly associated with the Ivies? It has to do with the history of the seven sisters, and second the fact that Radcliffe disappeared, and third its geographic location of being the closest (of any remaining 7 sister college) to Harvard. </p>
<p>However while tradition played a part, its more than that. As a general rule prior to the mid 1960’s Ivy’s only accepted male students, however certain Ivies from inception or thereabouts created pararallel women’s colleges, which in some cases eventually became intertwined to such a degree they were to a large extent literally the same college. Most importantly this was the situation as it concerned Harvard and Radcliffe. Same with Columbia and Bernard. Now also the other 5 of the orignal “seven sisters” although not necessarily directly connnected with Ivies - were yes, deemed the “female equivalent” of Ivies.</p>
<p>So its partly by default and partly by tradition - that Wellesley became most closely associated with the Ivies.</p>
<p>The history of the 7 Sisters and the record of placement in great graduate programs.</p>
<p>I think it is completely on par with the Ivies academically and by reputation.<br>
They just never had a football team, so it will never get its due.</p>
<p>If I am reincarnated it is definitely where I want to go to college. Unfortunately, it seems that we bring little previous life knowledge with us if that is what happens, so I’ll probably end up being a stupid boy-centric 18 year old all over again.</p>
<p>"… never had a football team…" Sooooo, Wellesley can say “We are
undefeated.” Look at the bright side!!</p>
<p>.02 David</p>