<p>First, I disagree that BM is more selective than Wellesley and Smith; based on what I saw last year, it was easier to get into BM than Smith. (In my d’s high school, all six women who applied to BM got in; only two of those got into Smith.) That said, Bryn Mawr, like Smith and Wellesley, has a self-selective applicant pool which means that all who get in are academic achievers.</p>
<p>Interestingly, I asked my d. (who still adores Smith) how her high school friends are enjoying college. Those who are attending Wellesley are much more “disappointed” than those attending the other women’s colleges. I couldn’t get her to pinpoint why, probably because her friends haven’t articulated why, either, except to say that most of their new friends have already decided to transfer.</p>
<p>That elusive “fit” is essential to find. My d. knew after re-visiting her top selections, including Bryn Mawr, that Smith would provide the best opportunities and environment for her. You <em>really</em> need to visit the schools. If it is impossible, then ask the admissions office to put you in touch with a few current students, just so you can get a feel for the type of woman who attends that school. While it won’t give you a whole picture, at least you’ll get something.</p>