Wellesley College | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Lizzy

Class: Sophomore
Major: Economics
Gender: F

High School:
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

In my opinion, the most incredibly part of the Wellesley experience is the feeling of sisterhood. There is something about having gone to an all-woman's college that links us strongly to each other and to all the alumnae who have gone before us. I never dreamed I would meet friends like the ones I have met here. I have six best friends who would walk through fire for me- and I think our strong connection stems from the fact that there are no boys over whom we compete or who demand attention in social situations. Wellesley is in the suburbs of Boston but it is incredibly easy to get into the city. My friends and I venture into Boston at least once a week. We explore Harvard square or Chinatown or the North End or Quincy market and we have come to realize that Boston is truly one of the most fascinating and college friendly cities in the country. Aside from Boston there is always the town of Wellesley. The "Vil" as Wellesley students call it, is the quintessential New England Town. There is a Talbots, a Gap, a bagel store, several high-end baby stores and of course the life-line of the students, CVS. I have probably spent more time in that CVS than I have in all the other stores combined. As far as the Wellesley administration goes, there is certainly some tension between the student body and those "higher up." The most recent controversy was over whether or not the infirmary should shut down their 24-hour service. Despite the student protests and petitions the administration went ahead with the shut-down. While this was somewhat disheartening, the administration has never done anything that wasn't in the students' best interest so it is probable that the new infirmary policy will not be detrimental to the student experience. I think the thing that is the most unusual about Wellesley is the bond that we have with alums. There isn't a lot of athletic school spirit per se, but there is an intense pride that comes with being a Wellesley Woman. We are all intimately connected with the women who graduated 100 years ago and with those who will graduate in the next 100 years.

Academic Life

The academic experience at Wellesley is truly phenomenal. It is so empowering to be in classes that are taught by women and to know that the smartest person in each course will be a woman, the person who participates most will be a woman, the one who gets the incredible government grant to research willbe a woman. I don't think there are many places in the world that tell women that they can be everything (and more) than men can be. What other school has a woman alumna who is running to be the first female president of the United States? Because there is this sense of empowerment, class participation is extremely advanced and often evocative. No one is ever afraid to speak out and to voice her opinion. And the fact that the professors here greatly respect students is absolutely incredible. I have spent a lot of time discussing the latest world news, the latest celebrity gossip, the buzz on campus or just my own stress level with my professors. I have had several meals at my professors' houses and it isn't unusual to get an email from a professor if you missed class to see if you're ok. Of course, this has its downside too. There just isn't any inconspicuous way to skip a class. Your absence will certainly be noticed. Wellesley students spend a lot of time studying- and they definitely spend some time in deep dinner conversations. There is definitely an intensely intellectual atmosphere on campus- and it can get almost suffocating at times. But the environment can also be stimulating...I have found myself dreaming of a future that I never imagined would be possible. And of course, having incredible friends makes the intensity that much less, well, intense. Wellesley women get the jobs they want. period. There are Wellesley women working on wall street, in the best medical and law schools, in business or academia. At home or abroad. The alumane network is truly one of the best in the country.

Student Body

Wellesley students can't really be described in a nutshell. As noted above, there are prevailing stereotypes of Wellesley students but there really is a niche for everyone. So don't worry, if you don't own a set of pearls, or you aren't really into dating girls, you'll be ok. I would however put in a disclaimer. Wellesley students are not, on the whole, activist hippies who chain themselves to trees. We are more likely to change the world through bureaucracy and intelligence than through protests and sit-ins. Another thing that most Wellesley students are not, is conservative. Whether it is New England, or feminism or just being young, the prevailing political atmosphere on campus is definitely liberal. There might be 5 republicans. As for the racial and socioeconomic background of Wellesley students, Wellesley is one of the most diverse campuses in the country. There really is incredible opportunities to meet people who come from different cultures and to discuss your culture with them.