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I've been considering Sweet Briar, an all-girl's college in Virginia. But I'm concerned--my whole life I've attended coed public schools, and I'm afraid that I might miss the coed social scene. Also, I've heard girls complain that they just get tired of "too much estrogen" and need to spend time with guys. Then one of my friends voiced the opinion that an all-girl's college would be the coward's way out of a real education, since it wouldn't challenge me to deal with men.

The school has so many good things about it (horses, friendly and caring community, alumni network, archaeology), but the all-girl aspect makes me think twice. Does anyone have any thoughts/advice?

By Lethalfang (Lethalfang) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 04:45 am: Edit

One word: bad.
It's been said that college is not real world, and if that is the case, all-woman colleges are much less so.

By Tropicanabanana (Tropicanabanana) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 04:50 am: Edit

You will miss the coed scene. I applied to 4 women's schools, but now I couldn't really imagine going to one. My friends and I were laughing about how close I came to going to one. Being friends with guys seems natural to me.

There are other benefits; women's college graduates are more successful in male dominated fields, such as science and government.

You really have to visit and stay OVERNIGHT if you want to get a feel for it. A lot of them feel very isolated and their social lives can suffer.

I don't see what's "cowardly" about it. It's not like you're going there because you're AFRAID of men.

By Anovice (Anovice) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 07:51 am: Edit

Like others have said: visit it and really get to know the school. Voice your concerns with students(not administration) and see what they say.

By Lauraanne (Lauraanne) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 08:26 am: Edit

Maybe look for schools that have links with all-male or co-ed colleges nearby. That way you get the best of both worlds.

By Mom101 (Mom101) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 09:25 am: Edit

I would go if it was the best school I could get into. Let's face it, they are not that popular now and several have great prestige, great alumna networks and will give you access to good jobs and grad schools. You can meet guys anywhere.

By Tdizzo (Tdizzo) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 12:13 pm: Edit

if you're interested in an all-womens college check out Scripps in California. Solid academics, amazing campus, and is surrounded by four other coed schools.

By Pyewacket (Pyewacket) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 09:59 pm: Edit

The advice here is good. If a women's college offers you the best choice in academics, financial aid and "comfortable surroundings" , the lack of men may be a trade-off worth making.It can also motivate you to use vacations or Junior Year to explore coed options elsewhere --abroad, exchange programs, internships, etc. Look at some newly coed, previously women's colleges like Goucher, Skidmore, Wheaton(MA).

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 10:06 pm: Edit

Some girls thrive in the atmosphere. My girls did at at all girl high schools, felt that it was more supportive academically and that they could focus on the academics more. College to them was more like a big party after that experience. As one poster suggested, a long visit may be in order during the school year. I suggest picking a few college of each type, coed and women's. Holyoke, Smith are in the consortium in Massachusetts. Wells is not as expensive or selective and is in NY. Sweet Briar, Hollins, Agnes Scott, Randolph Macon in the South and Scripps in Ca are all worth checking out. Right now the quality of education at these schools and the newly coed ones are a good deal because they have lost a bit of their lustre in desirability which gives many students a chance to step up academically since the facilities, curriculum and faculty are well above the coed schools at the same selectivity.