Strong Academics, Idyllic Settings at Women's Colleges

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.