<p>If I was black, I'd be applying to all black colleges for sure. To me, that would be a superb way to experience being in a like community and, similarly to women's colleges, practice being a leader in your community. OTOH, I dated a guy for a year or so who went to an all black college and he regretted it. I didn't really get to the bottom of why, but he was from the SF Bay Area and didn't really like being in the flyover states, I think. I'd think an all black male college would promote very interesting dialogue about the American experience for black men. Go for it.</p>
<p>As far as all female--dd does not date, but has had a pretty close group of males friends from freshman year on. Her closest friend is male. She has good group of girlfrinds too, but the guys are the ones she really feels understand her and have deeper intellectual discussion with.</p>
<p>Child#1 carefully considered several women's colleges in her hunt: Wellesley, Bryn Mawr, Barnard. Wound up selecting another school, in a tough final decision, over one of the above.</p>
<p>Like colleges of all kinds, each of these schools has their own unique character, and comparative strengths and weaknesses.</p>
<p>In her evaluation the same-sex character of these schools was considered on balance one weakness. She has many male friends socially, and our investigations suggested that the social concerns that come obviously to mind had some real basis in fact, at the first two schools at least. Each school had other positives that could conceivably have outweighed this weakness, depending on what the other available choices offered and the values of the individual doing the weighting.</p>
<p>Academics at each of these schools appeared to be excellent, though I really didn't look into sciences.</p>
<p>There are few enough of these schools that you can find out which are strongest in your planned areas of study and then investigate each individually, rather than as a class, just as you would the other schools you're considering.</p>
<p>This thread veered off topic. I have deleted the posts concerning abstinence programs. If members wish to continue the discussion, they should take it to the Cafe. Thank you. Moderator Skyhawk</p>