Do *any* straight women apply to Wellesley or the 7 sisters any more?

[Anonymous]

I have been strongly considering Wellesley for my daughter as we have many older and impressive Wellesley alumnae in the family tree that have led interesting, productive and happy lives.

While there has always been a significant lesbian/ LGBTQ presence at Wellesley and other women’s colleges for as long as anyone can remember, in recent years it seems this element has completely taken over the campus. I saw a recent survey that suggests over 70% of Wellesley students now identify as LGBTQ, and from what I have seen recently in student articles etc., the campus culture seems to have taken an actively hostile attitude towards the perspectives of traditional, heterosexual young women who are interested in men.

Have Wellesley and other women’s colleges effectively become LGBTQ-only schools? From what I have read I have significant concerns about recommending this school to my heteronormative daughter, which seems to mean that the three generation family tradition at Wellesley has come to an end.

Are the all-women’s colleges aware of this problem and making efforts to be more welcoming to straight young women? Because no matter how large the endowments, I don’t think their business models can survive coming to be seen as LGBTQ-only institutions.

[Anonymous]

Yes women's colleges have effectively been radicalized, politically and socially.

[Anonymous]

I am interested in this, too. My DD loves the campus and academics but she's straight and wants a boyfriend.

I heard it used to be the best of both worlds with the bus that takes students to the MIT parties etc on the weekends, but I'm not sure that's as well attended anymore.

It seems like there are so many students that are either LGBTQ or international. If you have current info, please share!

[Anonymous]

My daughter and all of her college friends from a Seven Sisters are straight. Graduated in 2024.

[Anonymous]

oh wow, didn't even think of this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and all of her college friends from a Seven Sisters are straight. Graduated in 2024.

Which one? Unlikely to have been Smith or Wellesley.

[Anonymous]

It is not different from any other elite schools. Kids don’t date any more whether they go to ivies or Wellesley. They are all so career focused now. In co-ed schools, girls still hang out with girls, and boys hang out with boys. No one has time for relationships or even hookups.

[Anonymous]

I know a straight Wellesley first year student! I also know people who dated women in college and now are married to men (vice versa for a smaller number). Let your daughter visit and decide for herself.

And know that if she realizes at some point that she's not 100% straight, her college won't be the reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am interested in this, too. My DD loves the campus and academics but she's straight and wants a boyfriend.

I heard it used to be the best of both worlds with the bus that takes students to the MIT parties etc on the weekends, but I'm not sure that's as well attended anymore.

It seems like there are so many students that are either LGBTQ or international. If you have current info, please share!

Why does international matter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is not different from any other elite schools. Kids don’t date any more whether they go to ivies or Wellesley. They are all so career focused now. In co-ed schools, girls still hang out with girls, and boys hang out with boys. No one has time for relationships or even hookups.

This is sad.

[Anonymous]

If your kid wants men on campus, a women's college is a bad choice regardless of whether her classmates are mostly gay or straight. I went to Smith and loved it. My sister visited me there when she was in high school and told me while she liked a lot of things about it, she wanted "warm weather and boys." So her list included Stanford, Emory, Tulane, Rice, Pomona, etc. It's ok for different people to like different things! It doesn't seem like Smith or Wellesley are hurting for applicants or donations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and all of her college friends from a Seven Sisters are straight. Graduated in 2024.

Which one? Unlikely to have been Smith or Wellesley.

Ha ha! Actually, Smith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is not different from any other elite schools. Kids don’t date any more whether they go to ivies or Wellesley. They are all so career focused now. In co-ed schools, girls still hang out with girls, and boys hang out with boys. No one has time for relationships or even hookups.

True. I have a daughter in a large public uni. It’s really hard to find guys. She is funny and objectively attractive but has been wholly unsuccessful (despite a lot of effort about which I feel like I have heard every detail).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is not different from any other elite schools. Kids don’t date any more whether they go to ivies or Wellesley. They are all so career focused now. In co-ed schools, girls still hang out with girls, and boys hang out with boys. No one has time for relationships or even hookups.

Not the case at Northwestern. The freshman cohort is very mixed with boys and girls - all going to parties together. Large groups too.
Do your research on the social elements at colleges.
It matters. A LOT.

[Anonymous]

Vassar is now coed, dating scene is good for straight women/men.