Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA, USA

Reviews

Wellesley College

Christine from Salt Lake City, UT

a current student here
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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!
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. :)
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.

A student from Brussels, Belgium

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Kiana from Worcester, MA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.

Wellesley First-Year

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wellesley College is a women's liberal arts college which is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and has passionate students and dedicated professors coming together to create a campus bursting with intellectual stimulation. Students have immensely diverse interests, which cultivates a rich extracurricular environment, with everything from Pre-law Associations to Astronomy Clubs and Quidditch Teams. All of Wellesley College works towards supporting one another in their academic and personal endeavors, and the enthusiasm and compassion of students, professors, and residential life, all come together to make Wellesley College a wonderful place to call home.
Tips for prospective students
Be yourself in your application! Wellesley will like you for who you are.
And of course, take demanding courses in high school, if only to ready yourself for the academic challenge which is to come.
Academic Rigor
Wellesley College is committed to the pursuit of knowledge at the highest caliber, and with this pursuit comes intense academic rigor. Courses are small, ranging from 4 to 35 students on average per classroom, and 100% of classes are taught by full-time professors. Classes consist of lively, provocative discussions, in which students are encouraged to speak up and ask questions of both their professors and peers. Though each course comes with a medium to heavy workload, professors are each so passionate about their respective subjects, and fellow students are so committed to academic excellence, that this work seems more of an enjoyable task than an obligation. Professors make an effort to be available for their students to help them approach their workload, to assist them in understanding the course material as thoroughly as possible, and to serve as a mentor. Professors encourage students to attend their office hours and arrange additional meetings if necessary.

Wellesley College's academic rigor cultivates an atmosphere of passionate students - who will debate and discuss their favorite subjects everywhere from a classroom to a dining hall - and incredible professors - whose dedication to students and passion for their research and course material inspires students to indulge in all that a liberal arts education has to offer.
Dorm Life
As 98% of Wellesley women live on campus for all four years, residential life at Wellesley College is lively and full of both fun and support. In any one residence hall, students are supported by a Residence Director ( an adult who has graduated from college and who lives with the students full-time) a House President ( a woman in her senior year who has volunteered to be a mentor for the students of the hall, as well as planner of activities an manager of logistics) an Academic Peer Tutor (who mentors the students in academic manners) and multiple Resident Assistants (women of sophomore to senior standing who have volunteered to act as mentors for students of the hall.)

All members of any given residence hall come together once a week for House Council, a forum led by the House President that involves all residents of the house and allows them to voice their opinion on campus wide issues. Another weekly activity is Communi-tea, a weekly tea and cookies hall wide social that is held as a study break. In addition, the House President and Resident Assistants work tirelessly to plan other social events such as movie nights, cookie baking nights, and door decorating contests. As a result, members of each residents hall become extremely close-knit, and pride for one's respective residence hall is something that is seen all over campus. This being said, if one does not want to involve themselves heavily in one's residence hall community, one does not feel forced to (House Council and Communi-tea, along with the other activities, are not mandatory) but residence life does do an excellent way of creating an easy to join, welcoming, and fun community.
Food and Dining
Wellesley College has five dining halls for just over 2,000 students. One of these dining hall is kosher and vegetarian, and one of these dining halls is located in the campus center. The other dining halls are located within residence halls.

Wellesley Fresh does an excellent job of providing students with fresh, varying, and wholesome meals. Each dining hall offers multiple options per night, with a meat option, a vegetarian option, grill option, fusion (usually asian) option, and a full salad, sandwich and soup bar. There is plenty of food available, and I have found it to be well-prepared, delicious and, very healthy.

The only reason I have rated Food and Dining four stars out of five is because I feel as though Wellesley Fresh could provide more variance in options for fruit - such as fresh berries and the like, though it does offer a nice selection of fresh whole fruit.
What to do for fun
Wellesley College's holds many activities which students attend for fun. From an academic perspective, there is always a lecture with an guest speaker on campus, and Wellesley students to find attending these lectures to be a source of enjoyment. Previous speakers have been Wendy Sherman (lead negotiator for the Iranian Nuclear Deal), authors Salmon Rushdie and Amitov Ghosh, and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

Aside from academically oriented lectures, Wellesley's student run organizations host many campus wide events for students. For example, Wellesley's Slater International House hosts cultural shows, various dance organizations hosts performances, and choir hosts free concerts. The Korean Student Association (among other clubs) hosts parties in the campus center, and the Japan Club hosts an annual Japanese festival. There are also various social tea's an even an annual bread baking workshop. These examples are only a sampling of the many activities happening daily on campus.

In addition, Wellesley has a bus system which takes students in to Cambridge and Boston, giving students a chance to have fun off campus and explore one of the nation's largest and most progressive cities.
Great for these types of students
- Passionate about something, whether it be an academic field, a global problem, or an unanswered question.
- Likes an intellectually stimulating environment
- Views learning as a fun and rewarding activity
- Isn't afraid to take risks or ask question
- Wants a supportive community
- Has a multitude of interests and wants to explore them all!
Clubs and Activities
Wellesley boasts over 200 organizations from a Chess Club, to Habitat for Humanity, cultural organizations, dance organizations, a high caliber choir and numerous A cappella groups, International Relations Council, Model United Nations, a Philosophy Club, various club sports including ultimate frisbee and quidditch, among many, many others! There truly is something for everyone.
Greek Life
Wellesley College does not have sororities or fraternities.
Campus Safety
Campus Police does an incredible job of keeping the Wellesley College community informed of any safety issues by releasing a weekly police report in the Wellesley News.

This being said, I have never once felt unsafe on the Wellesley College Campus.

Student

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Anonymous from Miami, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Great for these types of students
See above Tips for Prospective Students section.
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!
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.
Campus Safety
Wellesley is so safe. It's almost ridiculous. We love our Campus Po.

Meagan from Wellesley, MA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the all-girls environment scare you off!
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging and rewarding
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
Food and Dining
There have been some good improvements in the food lately.
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
Bang for the buck
Wellesley provides some amazing connections and opportunities you will get no where else
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
Great for these types of students
Dedicated, hard working, over achievers
Clubs and Activities
There are so many different clubs to choose from!
Greek Life
There are no sororities on campus, but we have societies which are basically the same thing
Campus Safety
Campus police are amazing! They really look out for students and care about our safety. The campus always feels safe.

Emmet from San Franciso, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
An incredible space where you will be pushed academically, intellectually, and physically to be a better student. An incredible diverse student base where you become friends with people from diverse backgrounds. It is unique and incredible.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that you express interest in the college and do not wait until the last minute to sort out finances with the college. Email with the admissions office and talk with current students.
Academic Rigor
Wellesley College demands a lot from their students. It is widely recognized that it is harder to get and A at Wellesley than it is to get and A at Harvard. The college does have grade deflation, a policy that makes it difficult, but not impossible, to maintain a GPA over 3.5.
Dorm Life
The dorms are absolutely beautiful. There are not many dorm parties as the campus tends to be more mellow. There is a lively dorm community with Dorm tea and Dorm meetings that are a lot of fun.
Food and Dining
The food is very good and all you can eat for every student because there is only one meal plan available.
What to do for fun
I volunteer, go to parties at the various Boston colleges (e.g. Harvard and MIT), attend events on campus, and explore Boston.
Bang for the buck
It is a very expensive school. Although for some they give incredible financial aid, it is not universal to the entire student body. You get a lot of perks because you pay for them and there are incredible internships that the college will pay for.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are many traditions on campus, but a lot of them are secret until you get there. We do have a bell tower that rings on the hour. It is run by a student club and sometimes they play the Harry Potter theme song or Fantom of the Opera. It's great!
Great for these types of students
Students who are:
-academically motivated
- not easily stressed out
- social
- ambitious
- if you love Harry Potter
Clubs and Activities
There is alway something going on. Whether it be a play that is being put on, a concert or dance that is happening, or a lecture there is always an event that is happening.
Greek Life
There is no Greek life because there is not a Greek system in place. However, there are societies that students can apply to join. The application is difficult and has either a project or a written portion. There are many different societies that have different reputations. You have your artsy societies like ZA and Shakes, and you have you party societies like PhiSig and TZE.
Campus Safety
One of the safest places I have been. We have a strong and positive relationship with our campus police and incredible security training at the beginning of the year.

Mina from Ontario, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wellesley is a great, but relatively unknown women's college. The college will take care of you, but there are many things that require you to be from a certain level of society. It's secluded a little, but that can be a good thing and it is so easy to get off campus.
Tips for prospective students
If you're a person of color, make sure you are comfortable with their demographics. LOOK UP THE DEMOGRAPHICS. It plays a huge role in feeling represented at Wellesley.
Just because Wellesley isn't well known, it doesn't make it a bad school. It is amazing! Most professors genuinely care, and class sizes aren't bigger than maybe 30 students.
The college is beautiful!! but very small. Keep that in mind.
Academic Rigor
Definitely what Wellesley is known for: almost killing you. But! It pays off a ton. You end up one of the best! There is no grade inflation, so if you earn a B, you get a B. You feel less bad about doing alright. The help is there if you need it. There's countless resources from office hours from professors to help rooms.
Dorm Life
Depends where you live... I really love my residence hall since I live on the fourth floor and everyone up here is really nice and clean for the most part, no one too crazy. There are some more party-prone residence halls. The RAs here are also a lot cooler. They're remodeling a bunch of stuff, too, so they're going to be so old. Some residence halls are really cool and look like something from the past, so that is really cool. You usually have to share a room for the first 2 years though.
Food and Dining
Better than most places, but not perfect. The ultimate thing: There's ice cream at every dining hall, ALWAYS. Also, they try to make ethnic foods and only sometimes do they succeed.
What to do for fun
Oh man. There's buses into Boston, MIT, Harvard.. There's buses to the mall, movies, and other places on Saturday. With Boston, there's an infinite amount of things to do. It is something you have to devote more than 3 hours to though. There's events like every weekend too, which are always great!
Bang for the buck
Oh man, the town of Wellesley is rated like among the top 3 wealthiest cities in the U.S. sometimes so you better believe stuff here is expensive. Boston isn't so bad, but you can't go without money. If you have a job, it's not so bad. If you get a really good financial aid package, your job will let you have all the fun you want if you're careful.
In terms of the EDUCATION, if you're from a low-income family, you can get a really good financial aid package. If not, I know it depends. Overall, the Wellesley education is great, IF you already come from money. Wellesley has a lot of resources to help out though.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You have to come to Wellesley to experience the greatness that is our traditions. Most of them are secret and amazing.
Greek Life
We don't have sororities, we have SOCIETIES. They're basically the same thing.

Mackenzie from San Francisco, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wellesley is a motivated, driven woman's place to take risks, challenge herself, and learn unique tools for success. The professors are dynamite, the resources are incredible, and the campus is New England paradise. Then on the weekend, feel free to blow off some steam with friends in Boston and Cambridge!
Tips for prospective students
Wellesley likes to see some fire, some passion for learning. That is what will keep you afloat at this rigorous college. Take risks and challenge yourself. Engage with your teachers, coaches, and other adults to push yourself and think outside the box. Take classes and do extracurricular activities because you love them and you want to succeed at them-not because you feel like you are supposed to for a resume boost. Colleges like Wellesley appreciate authenticity.
Academic Rigor
No basket-weaving classes here. Professors are reluctant to give out top grades unless students truly deserve them. This keeps students on their toes to do their best, and it maintains the Wellesley name as an academically respectable one. Although the schoolwork definitely piles up, Wellesley has a lot of academic and tutoring resources for students. Students are competitive with themselves, but not cutthroat with each other. And despite their challenging coursework, Wellesley women feel free to take risks like learning new languages or performing scientific research for credit.
Dorm Life
Wellesley has adorable historic dorm buildings. Just about everybody lives on campus, and all four years are represented in each dorm. Some rooms are pretty small, but it's a fair trade-off for having a beautiful historic building. And given the women's college thing, these dorms are well-kept, hospitable, beautifully decorated, classy, and just quiet enough. Wellesley has some great staff who help to maintain the dorms and serve as resources. Students have a lot of freedom with hosting gatherings, having guests over, etc. because of the Honor Code which governs student behavior on campus.
Food and Dining
Everyone who lives on campus is obligated to be on the unlimited meal plan, which makes for a great community atmosphere because the dining halls become universal gathering spaces. The food is pretty good and there are a lot of options, especially for vegetarians. Wellesley could do a bit better in the gluten-free department. There are no classes from 12:30-1:30 pm, so virtually everyone has a lunch hour together.
What to do for fun
There are always cool lectures, talks, and events on campus.
Thursday night is Pub Night, when students gather at the on-campus pub for a dance party and a beer. Otherwise, parties at Wellesley can be hit-or-miss, with a couple dependable staples throughout the year. A lot of Wellesley women frequent the MIT and Harvard social scenes, which can be a lot of fun. Olin and Babson down the street have their share of parties as well.
Bang for the buck
Be sure to take a wide variety of classes and take advantage of the many departments. Every major at Wellesley thinks her department is the best department. Also, take advantage of Wellesley's many partnerships with other schools by taking classes at Olin (engineering), Babson (business/entrepreneurship), or MIT. What a deal!
Great for these types of students
Young women who are well-read, self-motivated, independence, and crave academic challenges. Get ready to admit that you in fact do NOT know everything, but that is the beauty of education, isn't it?
Clubs and Activities
There are a large amount of organizations at Wellesley and all have their unique quirks. Clubs are excellent ways to test your boundaries or try something new, like rugby or Irish music performance. Clubs and activities are great ways to socialize with other schools, too. Many organizations travel into Boston and elsewhere and have mixers with corresponding organizations at other schools.
Campus Safety
Wellesley College is located in a safe, affluent neighborhood in Wellesley, MA. There is an excellent campus police force that is considered part of the community.