Wellesley College Reviews
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Christine from Salt Lake City, UT
07/19/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
17 out of 17 people found this review useful. 1 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Everyone! Honestly, I think one of the biggest strengths of Wellesley is how diverse a Wellesley woman can be. While I am not really a partier and prefer to spend my weekends hanging out in the city with close friends, there are definitely people who know how to party. Certainly there is a mixture of sexual/gender identity, but whether you are straight, lesbian, bi, or identify by something else, you will find others like you and are not disturbed by others. In fact, oftentimes I will be walking to my next class or my dorm and see a girl who will make me wonder how she got into Wellesley or why she applied, since she seems so different from me, and yet I love Wellesley and she does too. But even on opposite sides of the spectrum, Wellesley women truly and wholeheartedly love Wellesley--even the ones who hate it the first year come back and love it in the years following. We especially love the opportunities it offers to study overseas, meet student at other colleges, make up your own major, meet wonderful professors, and become friends with people you wouldn't be caught dead with in high school. Wellesley can sound like a school for bitc*es, or straight-edged uptight and prim girls, or lesbians only, or aggressive and scarily nerdy or smart girls, etc., but the student population will really surprise you. (Please don't take offense by any of my descriptions, I know they are very stereotypical but are only examples!) Don't cross this school off because it is all-girls and you or people around you have negative stereotypes of it--come over for spring open campus and see for yourself! I was hesitant in applying because my sister attended Wellesley and loved it, and since she and I are polar opposites I was highly dubious of whether Wellesley would be a good college fit for me. But after one year at Wellesley, I am ever grateful that I applied and decided to attend--it is really wonderful in so many ways.
Tips for prospective students Don't worry too much if you don't have a perfect GPA, perfect standardized test scores, or if you don't have a million extracurriculars. Many girls I know at Wellesley didn't have a stellar academic performance, but were accepted. Just do your best in whatever you can, and write a good essay about why you want to attend! My essay was honestly about my love for Jamba Juice, Asian music, my friends, my fashion sense, and the quirks that my friends will make fun of me for--it showed my personality and wasn't overdone or boring to read (well, in my opinion and my friends' opinions) and I think it really made a different in the acceptance process. And this is from my own observations and others': Wellesley isn't incredibly hard to enter, the way Harvard, Princeton or MIT is, but honestly, it is one of the hardest colleges to graduate from with a good GPA because Wellesley women are so excellent we have to grade-deflate to make some sort of distinction between the good, the excellent, and the outstanding. I have friends at Harvard and they don't work nearly as hard as the average Wellesley women--we take our studies and extracurriculars a lot more seriously than they do. So don't worry too much about acceptance--it's not the hardest school to enter. :)
Bang for the buck Definitely worth the money. The Wellesley experience is incredible. Everyone works so hard--as one of the top in my state, I went to Wellesley and met girls who were the top in their respective states, and met upperclassmen who, in my eyes, were close to achieving rocker status because they had done so many lovely, cool, and commendable things. Seriously try and visit campus and meet some of the students if you can--the prospectives I met all were awed by how much they loved Wellesley and by how nice and great the students were. There is no hierarchy, belittling, or aggression between Wellesley women--just intense yet respectful competition, and it is really every woman against herself. You compete to be better than you thought you could be--if you feel stupid because everyone else around you seems uber smart, guess what? Everyone around you feels the same way. Wellesley women intimidate Wellesley women, and that makes all of us try that much harder. We know how to party, have fun, and take care of ourselves--you do NOT have to do all-nighters if you manage your time well--but we study hard and also form meaningful relationships with faculty and students that you can't get at big universities or even at such an acclaimed school as Harvard. Wellesley is great because it is small, it is all-girls, it is far enough from Boston to be a real college and campus experience but close enough that you aren't in the middle of nowhere, it really tries to meet the needs of each student, and since it is a liberal arts school, will teach you all the skills you need for success as a person, worker, boss, wife, daughter, cousin, politician, lawyer, service worker... whatever your role is!
Am enjoying being here The campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation, is consistently in the top 5 liberal arts schools nationally, and of course, as an all-female school, is a haven for women! Because Wellesley is all-female, the perks of really being able to focus on school are immense. While at co-ed schools you may have to take the higher road and not talk as much in class because there are rowdy boys in the class, or have to deal with the sexism that I have encountered in many boys in my grade, at Wellesley you can be completely free to do what you want and need to do in order to perform at your peak. The small class sizes are a blessing, and being surrounded by girls makes competition and performance that much more intense yet friendly. Even if I theoretically had to leave Wellesley and go to a state university because of tuition costs, I would forever be thankful for my time at Wellesley and remember what a tremendous blessing it was to meet other women who have the same goals and aspirations as me, and who don't get distracted from their goals.
Am learning a lot Wellesley is an excellent liberal arts school because, in a nutshell, they teach you how to figure the world out for yourself. They have excellence in everything: faculty, location, students, campus, dining, residential staff, dorms, comprehensive studies, major and minor flexibility, inter-college communication, etc. You're surrounded by girls who are the top in their state and have been up to the national/international level in music, the arts, sports--you name it, you have it. The Wellesley woman is a good speaker, a talented writer, not afraid to ask hard questions, intense, diligent, and a level above other college students. We put our all into not just our academics but everything else as well--while Harvard, MIT, Babson, Olin, and other schools may not work too hard on a culture festival, an orientation event, an intercollegiate party, or an open Boston forum, Wellesley women and faculty take professionalism to a completely new level. Every woman who receives an award, a distinction, an executive position in a club or otherwise, fully deserves it. At Wellesley, you're surrounded by the best of the nation--women who will be great in the future, and who will make their mark. So am I learning a lot? Yes, both in and out of class--and most likely much more out of class. The people you encounter are insanely smart, hard-working, and honest. The students at other schools provide a way for a student of Wellesley to really see the perks of Wellesley and what sets us apart from other schools, whether all-girl or not.
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A student from Brussels, Belgium
08/21/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 9 people found this review useful. 2 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Wellesley is a fantastic place for driven, intelligent young women who want to focus on their education but also be active in many clubs and sports. Most Wellesley women are involved in at least one organization on campus, be it political, social, or sportive. Social life is not traditional; if you want a frat/sorority scene, you have to go out in Boston to find it. However, many other social opportunities provide for a well-rounded college experience.
Tips for prospective students Wellesley is a demanding school and definitely attracts a certain kind of person; however, it also has produced the highest percentage of women in executive, high-ranking jobs. Make sure that your writing skills are up to par, as most non-science classes require a large amount of reading and writing. Talk to a current student at Wellesley, but be aware that there are many different attitudes about the school (quite a few which have to do with the fact that it is all-women). Lastly, give Wellesley a chance. A few years ago, I never would have pictured myself at a small, women's college outside of Boston, but now I would not attend anywhere else.
Bang for the buck Wellesley is a private college and very expensive. Their financial aid program is fantastic, for those who make the cut-off. Unfortunately, I do not; I have found it difficult to finance my Wellesley education (I am paying for half of my tuition, room, and board). However, I have not transferred because I know that the education I am getting here is unparalleled and the bright, talented, friendly women who attend Wellesley could not be found at a school with a lower price tag.
Am enjoying being here Wellesley College definitely has a unique environment. With no men around, there is a distinctly different feel than co-ed campuses. However, I think this is only an advantage. I did not want to go to a women's college; when a friend (who was a sophomore at Bryn Mawr College) suggested I look at women's colleges, I quickly dismissed the idea. Now, I am very glad that I decided to come to Wellesley. Although we are a women's college, the school makes every effort to facilitate transportation into Boston, where over 60 other schools (and an array of social activities and events) await. I am on the Equestrian Team at Wellesley and have found it very open and lots of fun. My dorm hosts many parties and themed events - this year we had a Speakeasy Dinner Party/Murder Mystery and a Silent Rave party. Wellesley's traditions make each year special with events such as Flower Sunday, sophomore tree-planting, and hoop-rolling. I have made fantastic friends at school, with whom I go tunneling, play hide-and-seek in the science center, and take boats out on the lake. Becoming involved in student government and other clubs on campus, I have found that everyone at Wellesley is able to find a niche that fits their interests. My friend from Bryn Mawr described going to a women's college as a constant slumber party with your best friends; I could not agree more.
Am learning a lot Wellesley College has a stellar academic reputation and it lives up to it. I have just completed my first year, but am already wowed by the intensity and quality of my classes at Wellesley. None of my classes have exceeded 35 people, the largest being Ecnomics 101 (one of Wellesley's most popular courses). My smallest class was Arabic with only 12 students (language classes at Wellesley rarely exceed 15 students). All my professors have known my name and offered personal time to help me out with any problems I may have. There are free, Wellesley-funded tutors for every subject and often student-run study groups that meet before exams and midterms. Classes are very challenging, but the school and the professors work hard to make sure that challenging does not turn into overwhelming. There is a large amount of work to be done outside of the classroom, however, it is all relevant and none of it is merely busy-work. Most classes rely heavily on discussion, and while attendance is usually not mandatory, most students come to class because the professor's lecture is worth their time. Wellesley has a liberal arts focus, so you get to take classes in all different subjects, even those with no pertinence toward your major. This is a great benefit, for you can really explore subjects you may never have been exposed to before without jeopardizing your major. I have genuinely enjoyed going to most of my classes and have very rarely skipped.
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Grace from Bellevue, WA
07/16/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 12 people found this review useful. 3 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Women's college will support the female students, because people here would are very encouraging that anyone could succeed.
Tips for prospective students the environment are more soothing than the mingle party of sex that the male will dominate the school ground more than women would. Excellent education program. Encouraging environment.
Bang for the buck I'll do anything to go this kind of college desperately that I'll do whatever it takes to go here.
Am enjoying being here Women's college was something that I always wanted to go, because there's no males students hanging around in the campus that there's sisterhood bond building up that I know that my experiences will change dramatically, because honestly I feel uncomfortable being surrounded by males ( honestly, I believe it's a distraction).
Am learning a lot At first, Wellesley College was the only college I was thinking of and when I started to learn about the Wellesly there's a lot of departments that I want to take. When i clicked on the department I was thinking of taking in Wellesley there's these courses that I got really excited and suddenly get the feeling of going to this college and do my best to attend this school. If I attend this college I will write notes during class to keep on top all the time.
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Taylor from Maplewood, NJ
08/17/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 6 people found this review useful. 4 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Self-disciplined intelligent girls that love to learn and have slumber parties every night.
Tips for prospective students DEFINITELY visit before you come here, spend some time with the students before you make a decision. Also, if geographical location is important to you (ie., east coast, suburban setting, etc.), make sure you check it out.
Bang for the buck They have a good chunk of change to dole out to students, so the financial aid was pretty fair. It's a beautiful campus, the dorms are gorgeous, and the food is pretty good.
Am enjoying being here Wellesley is an amazing school, without a doubt. However, Wellesley is not for everyone, and the social set-up can be very daunting if you're used to going out and having fun in high school.
Am learning a lot The academics here are top notch, without a doubt. This is not a school for the faint of the academic heart- it's not enough to show up to class everyday and do as the professor says to get an A. You have to go above and beyond what you learn in the classroom in order to do well here.
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Student
12/28/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 18
Categories Comments Great for these types of students I was looking for a small school with smart and hard working students that would fuel my academic fire and that is exactly what I found at Wellesley. This school is good for students who are willing to work hard at academics. From what i've noticed, all the students are hungry for success and they are willing to pour their sweat and tears into their work to reach it. There doesn't seem to be any slacker groups of students at Wellesley, and that makes me work harder to keep up with all the rest of the students. Wellesley is also good for students who enjoy small class sizes, which allows you get to know your professors better. This past semester, class sizes for me ranged from 3 to 24, which made it easier to participate as a somebody instead of a lost number in a 100+ student class.
Tips for prospective students Like previous students commented, don't be afraid to apply even if you don't meet the academic standards. I for one did not completely meet the standards, but I was still accepted. Having an interview with an alumni was beneficial, I think, because I was able to show my enthusiasm in person and talk more casually about myself, interests and goals. Another tip is to think about what you would like to pursue. Even if you decide to come in undecided, you should do your homework on possible majors. Since Wellesley is a small school, the number of course offerings and majors are limited, especially for upper level language courses, so looking up majors and courses on the Wellesley website will be beneficial to see what is offered.
Bang for the buck Wellesley's academics does give you a lot for your dollar because the professors are very approachable and helpful, and the courses are challenging. The support given to the individual students is very good since class sizes are intimate and I feel like that is something hard to come by. The high level of academics matches the high tuition cost, but calculated into the full attendance cost is an unusually expensive one-and-only meal plan, which makes me feel like I have to eat in the dining halls to get the most bang for my meal plan buck.
Am enjoying being here Wellesley feels like a girls camp where we have homework and tests. It's a calming feeling since our campus is quite nice and there are no scary/creepy men around (except during on-campus parties hahaha). I feel safe and the young women I meet are all wonderful, talented and bright, and help to create a positive learning environment. However, I give this enjoyment rating a 4/5 stars because of transportation. I hardly/never really leave the Wellesley area because it takes about 30-40min and costs around $3-5 depending on the day, time and mode of transportation (bus/Green line/commuter rail) to get into Boston.
Am learning a lot A majority of things covered in class during my first semester were all new to me, so I can easily say that I am learning a lot. However, academics isn't the only thing I feel like i'm learning. The expectations at Wellesley are definitely much higher than in high school, and this makes me learn how to live effectively and efficiently. Juggling difficult schoolwork and extracurricular activities, and controlling sleeping and study habits by myself makes me feel like I can become a more independent woman by being here in this setting.
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Meagan from Wellesley, MA
01/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 6 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus police are amazing! They really look out for students and care about our safety. The campus always feels safe.
Greek Life There are no sororities on campus, but we have societies which are basically the same thing
Clubs and Activities There are so many different clubs to choose from!
Great for these types of students Dedicated, hard working, over achievers
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have our own Lake! And every fall we have Lake Day, a carnival outside by the lake
Bang for the buck Wellesley provides some amazing connections and opportunities you will get no where else
What to do for fun Going into Boston is really fun, and going into the Ville for ice cream or coffee with friends is always nice
Food and Dining There have been some good improvements in the food lately.
Dorm Life Each dorm has its own different culture, east side is generally more quite and less social, west side is louder and known for more poartying
Academic Rigor Classes are challenging and rewarding
Tips for prospective students Don't let the all-girls environment scare you off!
In three sentences Attending Wellesley was the best decision I have ever made. It is an empowering and inspiring place. It has provided me with opportunities I would have never imagined.
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Gina from Wellesley, MA
02/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 18
Categories Comments Food and Dining i think the food is great. there are lots of vegetarian options, and there's ice cream in all the dining halls at every meal.
Dorm Life it really depends on the dorm. the new dorms have a reputation for being quieter, and west campus is known to be more social. i don't know that many people within my dorm, other than the people in my hall.
Academic Rigor we don't have grade inflation. enough said.
In three sentences this place prizes excellence, yet has a wonderful sense of community. wellesley is incredibly diverse and accepting-- i've learned so much from my fellow students. this school has so many resources that it is impossible to take advantage of them all.
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Anonymous from Miami, FL
05/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Wellesley is so safe. It's almost ridiculous. We love our Campus Po.
Greek Life I have no personal experience in Wellesley's greek life, though our now-four Societies are each dedicated to bringing a new, exciting activity to campus.
Clubs and Activities So. Many. Orgs. Wellesley has a large selection of organizations that put on various fun activities. It's definitely worth it to attend the multiple fairs dedicated to detailing events planned for the year. Get involved! It's so fun!
Great for these types of students See above Tips for Prospective Students section.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Stepsinging (singing traditional Wellesley songs on our Amphitheater's steps), Hoop Rolling (literally rolling a wooden hoop as fast as possible down a stretch - it's a race), Flower Sunday (not mandatory, but fun: Wellesley students sign up to receive little sisters, to whom they present flowers as a surprise and listen to speeches and watch performances in the Chapel).
Bang for the buck Wellesley seems to be a little on the expensive side, but when considering all that we as students receive and have available (the Wellesley transportation, the great food, etc), it's reasonable. And Wellesley prides itself on giving good, reasonable financial aid.
What to do for fun Various Wellesley orgs (campus organizations) hold parties, pub nights and other events on-campus, but there is also an extremely convenient way to get into the city to visit MIT, Harvard, Berklee, BC, BU and the other surrounding colleges and universities (as well as, say, Newbury Street). The bus stops along Harvard, MIT and in the middle of Boston and is very easily accessible. Running at all kinds of hours, this also allows for safe and easy transportation to and from parties or other events outside of Wellesley's campus.
Food and Dining Though one of the largest complaints on Wellesley's campus is the quality of food, I, personally, enjoy the meals. It isn't Mom's home cooking, but it's definitely not as bad as some other colleges'. The dining service is innovative and accommodating.
Dorm Life Depending on personal preference, Wellesley dorm life encompasses a variety of atmospheres. Each of the Wellesley dorms (or dorm complexes) are known for their own traditional type of population. For example, East Side is more quiet, laid-back and individual, whereas West Side is more rowdy, group activity-oriented and upbeat.
Academic Rigor I have not had a single course more difficult than any other. Despite your academic strengths and weaknesses, each course is taught at a steady pace, based on student feedback and participation. Though professors are usually easy to work and negotiate with, Wellesley courses call for a lot of the student's time and attention. There is, of course, still time for great fun and games. Work hard, play hard.
Tips for prospective students If you someday want to own your own business, practice, firm, or be your own boss, no other undergraduate program has the ability and success in preparing students to be more individual and self-sufficient as Wellesley. Wellesley builds confidence, adds to personality, and brings people together in wonderful, fascinating ways.
In three sentences Wellesley is a well-rounded, diverse, open school: the students are pushed to work their hardest, achieve their goals and be amongst the best of the best. Wellesley prepares each of its students to be a leader, one who is able to work successfully and efficiently with others as well as direct projects herself. Courses are rigorous and sometimes stressful, but the result of a Wellesley education cannot be amounted in letter grades; here, values and practices necessary for success are learned inside and outside of the classroom.
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Kaitlyn from Wellesley, MA
06/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Our campus is safe, simple put. My friends and I have left late night performances and walked back the other side of campus at night with no problems. I've forgotten my iphone in a instrument practice room for two hours and came back to find no one had moved it. The only thing to worry about getting stolen is mostly food.
Clubs and Activities There is everything. Muggle Quidditch was started this past year and is growing. There are so cultural clubs, special interest clubs, and student government and house council.
Great for these types of students Wellesley is a women's college. I was going to college to study not socialize, so it wasn't a big deal for me, but some prospective students have issues with an all female campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Wellesley has a lot of traditions. There is stepsinging at the beggining and end of the year. There is hoop rolling at the end of the year, where the winner is thrown into the lake. Other traditions unique to our school during the year include our Guild of Carillonneurs, which is student run, and primal scream during finals week.
What to do for fun There's the city of Boston nearby, but there is just as enough fun to have on campus. There are concerts and sports games on most weekends, along with parties and mixers if not at Wellesley, at any of the other consortium schools. MIT, Olin, and Babson are accessible via the exchange bus during the week, so if you're looking for something to do take advantage of activities at any of the four schools.
Food and Dining It's college cafetaria food. It has gotten better in the past year, but I don't have high expectations for it, so its not something I really notice.
Dorm Life Dorm life events are great, but my experience has been that unless I prop my door open during the day, no one takes to anyone on the floor.
Academic Rigor The academic rigor is there and students are serious about studinying as much as having fun.
Tips for prospective students If you see the campus, you will fall in love with the bright cheery atmosphere of a park. Seeing campus was one of the greatest determinations in me attending, trumped only by the glance at the classes catalogue which gives a bird's eye of the academic interest and rigors of the school.
In three sentences Wellesley has the coziest campus not too far from the city, but not in the heart either. The classes are interesting and challenging. From Quidditch to several accapella choirs, there is something for every girl.
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Maya from Pittsburgh, PA
06/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is very safe. Unlike some places where the campus police are there to keep students in line, at Wellesley their main focus is keeping students safe.
Greek Life There is no real Greek life on campus but Wellesley does have societies (which are academic sororities basically). There are black sororities and frats in Boston and MIT has a vibrant Greek scene.
Clubs and Activities There are so many ways to be involved.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The tradition of student run cooperatives is very cool. I also like step singing and the hoop rolling competition for seniors.
What to do for fun Boston and Cambridge will be your best friend. Take advantage of the free Peter Pan during the week and make sure you have tokens for the weekend.
Food and Dining Wellesley tries really hard to provide healthy food options and somewhat succeeds compared to other institutions.
Dorm Life Some of the dorms are beautiful and some are not. There is too much variance by room and hall.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard, informative and really fun.
Tips for prospective students Read lots of different kinds of material before you head to Wellesley. Also, find some way to be more organized. You will appreciate good organizational skills once you start to attend.
In three sentences Wellesley is a good all women's institution. It teaches women how to be successful in the professional realm. It also gives students the tools to think critically and analytically.
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Anonymous
07/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus police Po drive around at all hours. Very safe town as well. Emergency numbers and blue boxes around campus. Lots of police around at times when people come from off campus.
Greek Life None, but their are societies which are similar.
Clubs and Activities Lots of things that you can get involved in but doesn't take over college life. If we don't have it, you can start it.
Great for these types of students Academically committed women who want to go on to big things. May like to party and have fun but academics come first.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Step singing. Platform 9 3/4. Hoop Rolling. Big Sister Brunch. Let Me Speak. Come here to find out more and experience for yourself.
Bang for the buck Lots of aid for those who qualify and need it. The dining and printing are included which could otherwise be costly.
What to do for fun Hang out with friends around campus on one of the many open greens. Go down by the lake and rent a boat, run around it, or just sit and read with the awesome view. Take the Peter Pan bus into Boston or to one of the many schools in the area. Or rent a zip-car and go on an adventure with some friends.
Food and Dining Food isn't always the most delicious but you don't have to swipe in and you can go in any time and take as much as you want. I haven't heard of this luxury at any other college. Always a salad bar, allergy station and many dining halls to choose from.
Dorm Life Many dorms have dining halls in them which is convenient especially in Northeast winters. Halls consist of women from all years which is nice so underclassmen can readily seek guidance from upperclassmen. By the time you're a junior/senior you will most likely be in a single.
Academic Rigor Be prepared to work hard!! Teachers are amazing and classes are small but be prepared to put in the time for reading and writing and doing whatever work you need to in the library.
Tips for prospective students Keep up your good grades all throughout school. Know that this is an all girls college and your friends may be going to big co-ed schools and have a very different experiences bit this campus gives you so much to appreciate. Visit the lake when you visit campus! Not a party school on campus but buses running around the clock into Boston - MIT and Harvard which make for a lot of fun.
In three sentences Very different environment than any other college with little quirks that you come to appreciate over time. Demanding academic college and competitive sports teams on a Hogwarts-like campus. A school for women who want to succeed and go on to big things later in life and touch many people.
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Bell from Los Angeles, CA
07/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 18
Categories Comments Greek Life There is no greek life.
What to do for fun You can go into Boston or watch a movie at Collins Cinema. There are also events during the week.
Food and Dining The food is ok. We have unlimited food which is nice but sometimes it gets a little repetitive. The dining halls close at 7 except for Lulu which is open until 10. If you want something different it's pretty simple to go into Boston.
Dorm Life We are all very close. There are some dorms which are better at this but it really depends on the girls in your dorm. Stuff is pretty safe and everything is near the dorms so that's not a problem.
Academic Rigor Wellesley have a grade deflation policy which dictates that the class average cannot be higher than a B+. This is sometimes frustrating when you have an A- but end up with a B+ to keep the average at that level. The classes are very tough.
Tips for prospective students Please remember Wellesley is an all-women's college and it is very obvious. Many girls complain about this aspect so if having guys around is important then rethink Wellesley. If you want a stellar education and amazing friends Wellesley is the place to be.
In three sentences Wellesley is an amazing place in terms of education and resources. It is very diverse compared to other place yet it may seem like a bubble at times. All in all Wellesley is better than most places.
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Laura from Mesa, AZ
09/03/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
13 of 18
Categories Comments In three sentences I love all the information I receive in the mail from Wellesley, it answers every question I have. When I contacted them about their college visit travel grant they were quick to reply and very polite!
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Erin
10/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety I feel very safe on campus. I often see the campus police patrolling, and I have no problem walking places alone, even at night.
Greek Life None! Though there are societies that some students enjoy including an Art and Music society and a Shakespeare society.
Clubs and Activities There are so many activities to choose from! But what I love the best is that there is no pressure to join things. If you would rather focus on academics everyone understands. If you would like to try out an activity, but you change your mind, that's fine too. To me, this is a wonderful improvement from the high school mentality where I felt obligated to pick an activity as a Freshman and stick with it through Senior Year. I honestly believe that there are activities for every type of person here. Some groups are casual - like getting together to watch movies every week, and some are more formal. There are also plenty of opportunities to attend lectures and events on campus. In the past month I attended a free production of a Shakespeare play by the Actors From the London Stage as well as a lecture by a post-doctorate theoretical physicist from Harvard.
Great for these types of students I think that many types of students would do well at Wellesley - that being said, since I've recently been through my own college search, I would say that women looking for a studious, serious environment would enjoy Wellesley. Academics are clearly the focus, but the atmosphere is also very supportive and friendly.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The campus is incredibly picturesque and beautiful! I feel like I find a new place to study every day. My current favorite walk is around Lake Waban. I love to study on the third floor of the library looking out the floor-to-ceiling window at the trees. Hearing someone play the bells from the bell-tower brightens my mood, but some people dislike the hilly terrain. I'm fine with taking the stairs - especially the covered ones that go past the chalk inscription: Platform 9 3/4!
Bang for the buck The college is very expensive. However, I know that I am getting the best education for me at a price comparable to other private schools. I was disappointed that the college did not provide merit aid like others that I was accepted to, but for students who meet the requirements of need-based financial aid I have heard the college is very generous.
What to do for fun Go to Boston! Walk around the lake! Study! There are always things to do.
Food and Dining In my honest opinion the food is wonderful. Still, I hear plenty of students complaining. All I can objectively say is that there are plenty of options - we have multiple dining halls that cater to different tastes. I personally have no trouble finding at least one thing that I would love to eat!
Dorm Life Living away from home was my single biggest worry about college. I was disgusted by the idea of being forced to live with a stranger in a dreary, little room. However, I've learned that neither of those things are as terrible as they sound! Yes, the rooms are small. Dorm rooms are small everywhere. And honestly, I was expecting one about half the size I'm in. Here the dorms are technically called Residence Halls and they each have their own character. I like them because they are, for the most part, historic, beautiful buildings. The communal spaces are cozy and well maintained. Living in a building with women of all grade levels builds community and means that I can meet many different people.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard, and the grading is harder. However, I feel that I am learning more than I ever have. While I'm still adjusting to the mindset that I am competing against myself rather than my classmates - Wellesley's Honor Code prohibits discussing grades - I think that overall this will allow me to try my hardest and learn that life is not about grades. So far I have found professors very accessible and willing to help. Although the classes are difficult and there is a lot of studying, I know that I am learning.
Tips for prospective students Visit! The thought of staying overnight can be terrifying (at least if you are shy like me) but no matter where you are thinking of going, a visit can really make up your mind. For me, staying overnight with a current student helped me choose which school to attend. I knew I fit in at Wellesley.
In three sentences I love Wellesley. If you want a small, women's liberal arts college, Wellesley can't be beat. Academics are the clear priority, but there are plenty of opportunities for fun, and the whole atmosphere is supportive.
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Kiana from Worcester, MA
01/21/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is really safe, partly because of the location: not much happens in the town of Wellesley. I think I've heard sirens go off once in the past semester, and that was during Hurricane Sandy. Obviously bad things can happen, but overall Wellesley is a pretty safe place to be.
Greek Life Technically Wellesley has no sororities. That said, there exist three or four societies which are really sororities in all but name. They have initiations and secret traditions, they have their own houses, they hold their own parties... if you want to be part of Greek life, you can. On the other hand, you could consider Wellesley itself to be one giant (and expensive) sorority--and sometimes it does feel like that in all the best ways.
Clubs and Activities There are a huge amount of orgs on campus for pretty much every group imaginable. In fact, more often than not the clubs fair is a stressful time because there's so much to choose from! Most people choose one or two orgs and then commit to them fervently. As in everything else, each org is very passionate about what it does--there aren't many casual members or people who only sometimes help out.
Great for these types of students If you like a challenge and don't mind studying long hours, come to Wellesley. If you are passionate about an issue and want to go a school with likeminded souls, come to Wellesley. If you like to have a good time and go to parties, but also get good grades and more cerebral challenges, come to Wellesley.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Obviously Wellelsey has some pretty awesome traditions, some of which I'm not allowed to share. One that's not a secret is tunnelling: in addition to the tunnels connecting various dorm complexes, there's said to be other tunnels connecting different buildings across campus. Of course, students aren't supposed to go in those, but since when has that ever stopped anyone?
Bang for the buck If you're paying full-price, Wellesley's a tad on the expensive side, although the many resources available just might make it worthwhile. However, the college is pretty generous with financial aid: 60% of the student body receives some sort of aid, and for those who want work, there are many positions all around campus available.
What to do for fun Well, often people are studying... But fun's to be there if you want it. Student government and various organizations hold several parties a semester on campus; if you want to do something on a Saturday night, the best bet is to go off-campus to one of the local colleges. But you will have to pay for transportation. That said, there are a huge number of orgs on campus for you to join as well as several Societies which technically are not sororities but really are. There's usually something happening on campus, whether a performance or a party or maybe just the weekly movies hosted by the cinema club, but campus is pretty quiet past 11.
Food and Dining The food here is excellent. There are four dining halls on campus, each within a dorm so you don't have to walk far (or even go outdoors) to get food; there's also two school-run cafes, a fancy dining hall in the campus center, and two student-run eateries. The dining halls in the dorms close at 7, but the one in the campus center is open until 10, and the student-run Cafe Hoop is open until 1 in the morning. The only downside is the lack of fast food. The town of Wellesley is pretty upperclass, so many of the shops close early, and there's only one place (Lemon Thai) that delivers. However, if you've money to spend, there are several nice restaurants that have really good food.
Dorm Life The dorms are awesome: many of the buildings are in the Gothic architectural style, so they're really pretty. That doesn't mean the facilities are old--the bathrooms are pretty nice, and although some of the rooms are a bit small, you're never cramped. The dorms are split into different Houses (kind of like Harry Potter except without all the fighting), each with its own fight songs and traditions. You can be involved if you want, but there's no pressure to conform. Each floor has its own kitchen or kitchenette (depending on how big) complete with stovetop, refrigerator, and microwave. The bathrooms have individual cubbies for your toiletries, and the rooms have closets.
Academic Rigor Wellesley is hard. A lot of rumors go around about grade deflation, but the truth is that the classes aren't killer, they just demand that you actually put in a huge effort--the kind of effort that teachers talked about in high school but wasn't actually necessary to get good grades. Here a B is something to be proud of, but people still get As.
Tips for prospective students Wellesley students are smart, yeah, but most didn't get perfect scores on their SATs or have perfect 4.0 GPAs. What Wellesley cares about is that you have the passion to go after what you want and have a love of learning. A lot of people ask about the all-girls component, to which I answer: it's not an all-girls school without men, it's an all-women college without boys (it's on a T-shirt). You get used to it very quickly. I can't exactly describe the vibe, but it really is different when there's a male in the room. Once in a while there are guys in the classes (since we can cross-register with Babson and MIT and they can come join us), but not often. I guess two main results I've seen from being surrounded by women is a feeling of siblinghood with my fellow students and a greater appreciation of what women are capable of--having female role-models doing things I'd only dreamed of has boosted my own self-confidence and gotten me to dream bigger.
In three sentences Wellesley is, in a word, intense. The students are passionate and frequently rally around their favored causes, and they bring the same fervor to their studies along with their many extracurriculars. Between the high quality education, the student body's drive and passion, and the huge alumnae network, a Wellesley graduate has a big chance at success in life.
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Saraswati from Seattle, WA
01/28/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 18
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is very safe. I feel completely secure walking around at night.
Greek Life We have societies, which are like sororities, but I don't know much about them.
Clubs and Activities It takes some searching to find a good club or activity, but there's always something to do. There's not very much activism or sports culture on campus though.
Great for these types of students Students who care a lot about school, like to be involved in a zillion different things, and always push themselves to work harder and be better.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are a few student-run campus cafes that are really nice, and I've heard the Botanic Gardens are pretty, but the best kept secret is the Greenhouse. It has fountains and benches, and it's a great place to get away from things and relax.
Bang for the buck Wellesley is a great investment. You'll never be disappointed with the academics, but you'll probably be disappointed with the social life. But I think it's worth it.
What to do for fun Go to the Boston Commons. There's a really nice park, ice skating in the Winter, and nice movie theaters around there. There's a great comedy studio in Cambridge. And there's a thrift store near Kendall Square called Garment District which is really good.
Food and Dining The food is really good. There are lots of options for vegetarians and people with food allergies. But there's only one meal plan and it's a little on the pricey side.
Dorm Life I live in Munger, and the community is great. The rooms are really nice. Most of them have hardwood floors and really comfy, beautiful living rooms.
Academic Rigor Students at Wellesley set the bar high. It's a really motivating environment, and people are generally really supportive of one another. What you learn eventually is that you have ultimate control over the quality of your work, but you have to work hard, get things done early, and take advantage of resources like Professors' office hours and student tutors.
Tips for prospective students Visit a few classes, and stay the night if you can. It's a great way to get to know the campus. It's also a good idea to apply early or do Early Evaluation, interview, and email your admission rep to show that you're really serious about coming here.
In three sentences Wellesley College has excellent professors, engaging classes, and a great network of successful almnae. You'll never been disappointed by the academics, but it's a lot of hard work. And there are tons of things to do in Boston.
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Linda from North Easton, MA
03/01/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 18
Categories Comments Clubs and Activities Too many to list. Anything from Shakespeare to swimming. Rowing, Skiing.
Great for these types of students Studious. Serious about their education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hoop rolling. Step-singing. Flower Sunday.
What to do for fun Sledding on the big in hill when it snows! Go to the theater, check out the campus museum. Constant speakers. Dances. Opportunities to volunteer outside campus (in the community). Trips.
Academic Rigor Excellent. Lot's of reading. Be prepared to have a lot of homework.
Tips for prospective students Visit the school and sit in on a few classes. Fill out all paperwork as soon as possible.
In three sentences This college setting is not only beautiful, but is a real community based school. Support for students is available whenever needed. It's safe and secure.
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Mahrukh from Attleboro, MA
03/29/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
18 of 18
Categories Comments Food and Dining Wonderful food, one visit and I ate enough for a small family!
Dorm Life All girls schools generally are going to be cleaner-less shower time though!
Academic Rigor One of the best schools in the nation.
Tips for prospective students Focus on ECs and write a good supplemental essay. Make sure to show who you are in every aspect. Get an interview in September of your senior year!
In three sentences The environment at Wellesley is both physically and academically stimulating. You'll feel inspired to learn her and actively try to fit in with the environment. It's away from the city so you'll focus on your studies!
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