becks13

I'm quite a shy girl, and find it difficult to make friends with new people. I can talk comfortably with boys, but as long as they start the conversation. I'm thinking of applying to an all girls college, but will that make me under confident and even more shy or build by confidence? Will I be able to adjust in a coed school?
Thanks

siliconvalleymom

You might look for colleges with a focus on the freshman experience, whether with special trips to kick off the freshman year, or living/learning communities where everyone in the dorm takes a class together, or dorms limited to freshman.

englishjw

There are good reasons to consider an all girls school and that might be beneficial for you. On the other hand, there many different types of students at virtually every college. With time you are likely to form long lasting friendships with others no matter where you go. You may need some patience and siliconvalleymom's advice is very good to help you make the transition to your new life. I would also suggest finding a school where cooperation/collaboration - as opposed to competition - is emphasized as part of the culture. There are other options as well such as Bryn Mawr with the tri-co (Haverford & Swarthmore) where some of every option is available and you can experience different environments at your own pace.

floridadad55

You won't always be shy.

People change.

So I don't think that you should attend a girl's school just because you are shy.

To me, that is not a very good reason.

Time to jump into the water. That's what the college experience is for. It's not only academics. It's meeting people from other places.

In any case, at college, you will find other people similar to yourself.

If, for example, you join a sorority with people you feel comfortable with, then you will have a bunch of new friends.

becks13

yeah, i'm not applying because it is an all girls school! just wanted to make sure going there doesn't make me more underconfident

becks13

thanks for all the replies

M's Mom

Take a look at the small liberal arts colleges (LACs). Because they are small, it's easier to meet people - the students you see in class, you will also see in the dining hall, walking around campus, and again in your ECs, so there are many points of intersection that make it easier engage. Classes are smaller too - it means you will be asked to participate, which can help you develop your public speaking skills in a structured environment and let people, including the faculty, get to know you in class. It's also easier to develop faculty relationship outside of class if you aren't one of hundreds in a lecture hall trying to get to know a prof in a particular subject and competing with grad students for his or her time and attention.

happy1

You can look at some LACs where the size of the school may not be as intimidating and you will see the same people again and again. You may also look for schools that have some freshman dorm communities that match an area of interest or lifestyle because you really get to know people well in that type of environment. My S who was quite shy had a fantastic experience at Fordham (a Jesuit school in NYC) living in a wellness dorm during his freshman year. Wherever you go. try to open yourself up to new people and new experiences and you will be great.