Wellesley College Top Questions

I'll admit that I owe pearls, and have been known to wear a cardigan, but neither regularly. I think that there's a healthy balance between all ends of the spectrum - the very conservative, 1950s, proper kind of girls and those who are absolutely not at all. Likewise, I think there's a tremendous variety in sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship status... I know first years engaged to their boyfriends; I also had a House President who was engaged to her girlfriend at one point. There is, I think, I more sizeable LGBTQ community here than at other institutions, maybe, or maybe just a more open one. But I don't think that that community is a definining or even dominant group on campus. At its best, the openness and support on Wellesley's campus creates space for really great dialogues. At its worse, we're no better than anywhere else. And, of course, being a women's college, trans issues are a particuarly interesting topic, although there isn't a particuarly large trans population on campus - I think we're still more conservative than other schools, like Smith or Mt. Holyoke in that regard. And of course there are students who like booze and boys, but there are at least as many students who spend Friday night studying for an exam or working on a putting together a cultural show, or watching movies... There are students who get very down on the social life here, but I think that its actually really been a very positive experience for me - you get to choose the elements you want in your social life and exert a lot more control over who your interact with and in which settings than I think most people do in high school.

for the most part no.

You can find them all.

It is accurate to some extent. Sometimes it's hard not being a lesbian on campus.

to an extent. those people exist, but don't make up a majority of the student population.

Most Wellesley Wendys are intense and ambitious, and many are indeed spoiled and rich, especially those in the "societies," Wellesley's equivalent of sororities. There is a vocal lesbian minority on campus, but it IS a minority, and not a bad one, either. Wellesley women do have a tendency to get too worked up over issues and sometimes forget to keep assessing the situation, in favor of ranting and raving instead. The fuck truck is oft-ridden, simply to get a social life, but it is not a rule that you will fuck if you ride the truck. And...we do not ALL like Hillary- and we will not ALL vote for just because she's an alumna.

I think they are true to some degree, as are most stereotypes, but I love Wellesley despite some of the drawbacks. All of my friends and I are extremely hard working and motivated, but we have a sense of community that is really unique. We are not competitive with one another, and actually work to help each other through whatever we are going through, academically or personally. It's a fantastic environment. As for the political scene, it does tend to be liberal (as most northeastern schools are), but there is a complete spectrum of views here. The beauty

I mean, personally I don't think so as I don't fall into either category. I think stereotypes normally stem from some place, but really, everyone is different on this campus.

While neither of these stereotypes are completely accurate, there are kernels, perhaps grain of truth. Wellesley students are pampered by our staff, administration, and professors. During finals week, we have treats (which include cookies) and are read bedtime stories by our professors. We even have dog-therapy for the over-stressed on occasion. Yes, Wellesley is an extremely open and welcoming campus and that hospitality extends to students of all sexual orientation. However, that does not necessarily mean that coming to Wellesley makes you a lesbian. Nor should it assume that your life will be male-deprived. There are women who feel this way, but it is only because they buy into the stereotypes. By realizing the amazing women and opportunities that surround a student each day, that student will fly by these "hurdles" to make the most of their experience.

The vast majority of women do work like crazy...a lot also take themselves too seriously, but I have never had as much fun as I do at Wellesley with my friends. They're really what get me through all the stress and massive amounts of work. As much as I look forward to graduating, I can't imagine life without them right there a few rooms over.