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On a recent
trip to Western Massachusetts, I visited two wonderful women’s colleges: Mount
Holyoke (@mtholyoke) and Smith (@smith). While both are women’s colleges and
have many similarities, they are also quite different from each other. I
strongly encourage young women to explore these as well as other women’s
colleges, before deciding whether to apply only to coed institutions.
Mount
Holyoke, in South Hadley, is smaller (2,200 students) and in more of a rural
setting than Smith. Tucked into the Berkshire Mountains, this beautiful campus offers
the opportunity to think and learn in a comfortable and quiet setting.
Recently, a series
of fabulous restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques were added at the edge of the
campus. All are within walking distance of the residences.
Academics
have always been the strong suit of the Northeastern U.S. liberal women’s
colleges known as the “Seven Sisters.”* As the first dedicated to educating women,
Mount Holyoke has never been distracted from its mission of providing a solid
liberal arts education, coupled with strong programs in the arts – including
dance, theater, and studio arts. They
also offer well-respected programs in business and science. While one might think
of South Hadley as a “sleepy little town,” dynamic intellectual pursuits are
alive and well at Mount Holyoke.
Smith
College in Northampton is the largest of the Seven Sisters, and is located in a
much busier town that’s within easy walking distance. There is a lot to do in
the area surrounding Smith, and the campus itself is a haven around a beautiful
lake.
A very
strong engineering program is offered, along with its liberal arts core. Smith’s
curriculum also has a strong global focus, and encourages students to study
abroad to prepare for a future career as a global leader. Their open curriculum,
with no core requirements, encourages students to explore their interests in
many areas, so students frequently have double majors or minors.
The
residential system at Smith is governed by a house system, rather than
residence halls, and students identify themselves by their house (all if which
are self-governing).
Both Mount
Holyoke and Smith have a population of non-traditional women students, as well
as significant international populations. Their selection process emphasizes
the GPA of incoming students. Both colleges are SAT optional, in recognition of
their focus on strong high school preparation. Each is a member of the Five
College Consortium, and students can easily take classes at the other colleges via
a bus system.
Don’t miss
the opportunity to explore these and other women’s colleges to round out your college
research. You may find a good fit and a
rewarding college experience!
* The other
women’s colleges of the Seven Sisters include Barnard
College, Bryn Mawr College, Radcliffe
College, Vassar College, and Wellesley
College. All were founded between 1837 and 1889.
