by Jennifer Simons, former admissions officer at Tufts University

Women’s colleges offer something for all women. They are diverse, engaging places focused on a multitude of facets of education and the human experience. Some have a particular niche, however, and it is incredible to think of all the students these colleges are able to serve. All women’s colleges are special but these are specialized…

by Jennifer Simons, former admissions officer at Tufts University

The Seven Sisters, starting with the founding of Mt. Holyoke College in 1837, began as the female counterpart to elite colleges, which at the time were open only to men. The moniker was a reference to the Greek myth Pleiades. There is a constellation that bears this name as well.  Students reading this blog have likely never heard of the term Seven Sisters, but to their elders, the term was synonymous with the best, most desirable schools in which females could obtain an education. While they might be the first of the women’s colleges, the Sisters in no way encapsulate all that women’s education has to offer. And, while many women’s colleges have merged with other schools and/or have become co-educational, the ones that remain continue to prepare leaders for their place in the world. 

by Jennifer Simons, former admissions officer at Tufts University

If you speak to an admissions officer for let’s say, Wellesley, she might mention their beautiful campus or famous alumnae. If you speak to a student at Barnard, she will likely extol the virtues of a campus in the city and the robust internship opportunities therein. A professor from Agnes Scott College might mention their unique SUMMIT program, in which each student has her own personal Board of Advisors and is empowered to be an agent of global change. An alum from Sweet Briar or Mills College might tell you how they, as part of the student body, prevented their beloved alma mater from changing its core mission. But I’m not here to talk to you about any of those things. I’m going to tell you a secret: Women’s colleges aren’t special. 

by Sara Calvert-Kubrom, former admissions officer at Lewis & Clark College

When researching colleges and deciding where to apply, there are so many factors to consider that vary for each student – cost, location, academic quality and programming, athletics, student life, professional development, and so much more. We often talk to families about the importance of a college being a strong “fit” for a student, but what does this really mean? Although some aspects of fit can be quantified and measured, sometimes it is a feeling that a student gets when they step foot on a campus, or a profound resonance with the campus values and culture.

In another story from our team, Jen Simons will share her experience choosing and attending a women’s college. We’ll also answer your questions on college finance and admissions.

by Jennifer Simons, former admissions officer at Tufts University

When I recommend a women’s college to my female-identified students, occasionally the response is a joyful, “Yes, I was thinking about…”  Sometimes, the response is more measured: “Um, okay, maybe? I hadn’t really considered a ‘girls’ school.’”  And finally, and perhaps most frequently, I am greeted with an abject look of horror in response and some version of, “I don’t want to go somewhere without guys!”  Well, I have good news for you, all of you in fact, as I have never had a single response of “Excellent, I choose not to ever see another male person ever again!” You can attend a women’s college and still socialize and go to class with…males.

by Ian Fisher, former admissions officer at Reed College

This is the fourth in College Coach’s series of posts covering university-specific supplemental essays. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve shared guidance on answering the Brandeis supplemental essay, the CU Boulder admissions essay and the University of Delaware’s test optional supplemental essays. Stay tuned for our last installment for Lehigh University.

Scripps College is really cool. It’s a women’s college nestled in Claremont, California, and a member of a five-college consortium, along with Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Pomona. Scripps has maybe the most beautiful campus among the five, with striking Mediterranean architecture and Spanish tile. For women, or those who identify as women, there is really nowhere like Scripps anywhere on the West Coast. Serious applicants to Scripps would do well to research these and other unique qualities of Scripss before they begin to tackle the college’s required supplemental essays.