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I think jmmom said it best ( loved the “wide, wide world” reference) - Wellesley is a place where women can develop the confidence and leadership skills that will take you anywhere. Studies have shown that women are often much more quiet and passive in a coed classroom, often deferring to the dominant (and louder) voices of men within that environment. That just doesn’t happen at a women’s school where every voice is heard and encouraged. </p>
<p>It’s also a place where great female friendships can be made without the distraction of men . On the other hand, the social life can be great. Students are far from isolated here. It’s only 12 miles to Boston and Cambridge and it requires only the smallest amount of initiative to hop on a bus (they run continously from campus) into Boston or Cambridge to attend events at Harvard, MIT, etc. MIT is not the only social outlet for Wellesley women by far and most MIT men are not geeks (although, a few famously are - I remember a guy who literally came to a Wellesey mixer wearing a pocket protector, pens and calculator! Yikes!) Social events pull students from all over the area -Harvard, MIT, Babson, Brandeis, Tufts etc and mixers (or frat parties etc.) at those places as well as at Wellesley are numerous. </p>
<p>Many women choose Wellesley despite, not because of, it’s single sex status, but go on to appreciate all that really means. I’m not saying that it’s for everyone, but I’m glad it hasn’t gone coed and its popularity seems to only be on the rise.</p>
<p>Twinmom, I am really surprised to hear that story. I think your guide told it how it was when she said “she was in the minority politically” there. But, still, unbelievable that she said all that. We, too, had some characters on our many tours and S would have crossed many fine places off his list if he had used some of them as a criteria. But I agree that schools ought to do their best to ensure that those representing the school are not like the young woman you encountered.</p>
<p>Also, ditto to all those who’ve said that Wellesley is nobody’s safety!</p>