The Seven Sisters Colleges are a group of historic women’s colleges in the Northeastern U.S. known for their strong academics and supportive communities. If you’re considering college options and wondering if one of these schools could be a good match, this article will help you explore what they offer and how they might align with your goals.
So, What Are the Seven Sisters Colleges?
The Seven Sisters Colleges emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a consortium of women’s colleges including Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Wellesley College, Vassar College, and Radcliffe College. These schools were founded to provide women with the same level of education that men received at Ivy League institutions.
Today, the Seven Sisters continue to play a vital role in higher education, though they’ve evolved over time. Vassar, for instance, became coeducational in 1969, welcoming male students. Meanwhile, Radcliffe merged with Harvard University in 1999, integrating into Harvard’s structure. The remaining colleges—Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Wellesley—remain committed to empowering women through a strong liberal arts education.
Academics at the Seven Sisters Colleges
The Seven Sisters Colleges are top-notch academically. They offer a challenging liberal arts curriculum that pushes students to think critically, write well, and explore different fields of study. The professors work closely with students, whether on research projects, internships, or other collaborative efforts.
These colleges value curiosity and personalized learning. Because the classes tend to be small, students get plenty of one-on-one time with their professors, which helps build a strong academic community. Plus, students can often take classes or participate in activities at nearby schools, giving them even more opportunities to learn and connect with others.
Outside the classroom, the Seven Sisters Colleges offer plenty of academic support. Whether through advising, tutoring, or other services, these schools ensure that their students have the resources they need to succeed.
Barnard College
Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia University, gives students the best of both worlds — a close-knit community with access to all the resources of a major research university. You get the supportive environment of Barnard, plus the chance to take advantage of everything Columbia has to offer.
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: 3,043 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: Political Science, English, Psychology, Economics
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College is all about combining tough academics with a real sense of community. Students here dive into challenging coursework, but they also engage deeply with each other, building a supportive environment. The college is big on social justice and intellectual exploration, so if you’re looking for a place where activism and leadership are front and center, Bryn Mawr might be the right spot for you.
- Location: Bryn Mawr, PA
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: Approximately 1,425 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: Biology, Mathematics, Sociology, History
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College is perfect for students who are curious about the world and eager to take on leadership roles. The college has a strong focus on global learning and leadership, offering tons of opportunities for students to get involved in international studies, research, and internships, especially in the sciences.
- Location: South Hadley, MA
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: 2,220 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: International Relations, Biology, Psychology, Environmental Studies
Smith College
Smith College is all about giving students the freedom to shape their own education. With its open curriculum, you can design a course of study that really fits your interests and goals. If you’re self-motivated and enjoy diving into independent research and critical thinking, Smith could be a great fit.
- Location: Northampton, MA
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: 2,566 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: Government, Psychology, Engineering, English
Wellesley College
Wellesley College is known for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. It’s a place where women are prepared for leadership roles across various fields, thanks to rigorous academics and a supportive environment.
- Location: Wellesley, MA
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: 2,280 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Biological Sciences
Vassar College (now coeducational)
Vassar College, while now coeducational, still sticks to its tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice. It offers a broad liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and solve problems creatively.
- Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
- Type: Private liberal arts college
- Size: 2,516 undergraduate students
- Top Majors: Economics, English, Biology, Political Science
Radcliffe College (merged with Harvard University)
Radcliffe College isn’t a separate institution anymore; it merged with Harvard University in 1999. But its legacy lives on through the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, which supports innovative research across many disciplines. Even though Radcliffe no longer offers undergraduate programs, its influence is still a big part of Harvard’s commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary work.
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Type: Institute within Harvard University
- Size: N/A (merged with Harvard)
- Top Majors: N/A (now part of Harvard University)
Seven Sisters Colleges Acceptance Rates
Name Avg. SAT Avg. ACT Overall Admit Rate EA Admit Rate RD Admit Rate Class Filled ED
Barnard College 1480 33 11.47% 33.39% 8.38% 61%
Bryn Mawr College 1362 31 39.34% 57.4% 37.73% 40%
Mount Holyoke College 1430 32 39.76% 61.84% 37.84 45%
Smith College 1415 32 22.86% 49.22% 20.02% 56%
Vassar College 1470 33 18.66% 38.62% 16.86% 53%
Wellesley College 1430 32 13.57% 29.2% 11.74% 44%
Radcliffe College (merged with Harvard) 3.24% 2.41%
Life on Campus at the Seven Sisters
Campus life at the Seven Sisters Colleges is vibrant and full of opportunities. Whether you’re into student government, cultural clubs, or community service, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.
- Barnard College: Barnard students have the unique advantage of enjoying the close-knit Barnard community while also tapping into the broader Columbia University network. This means there’s always something happening, from activist groups to arts performances.
- Bryn Mawr College: Bryn Mawr students dive into a mix of academics and campus traditions like Lantern Night and May Day. The college’s culture is all about inclusivity and intellectual engagement, making it a great place to explore new ideas.
- Mount Holyoke College: With its global focus, Mount Holyoke encourages students to take part in study abroad programs and international internships. The college’s supportive community helps students find their place and thrive in a global context.
- Smith College: At Smith, the open curriculum gives students the freedom to take charge of their education, while the college’s strong tradition of activism and social justice provides plenty of outlets for passionate involvement.
- Wellesley College: Wellesley emphasizes leadership and service, with a powerful alumnae network that helps open doors for students as they transition into their careers.
- Vassar College: Vassar is coeducational, but it still maintains a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its location near New York City gives students access to cultural experiences and internship opportunities that enhance their education.
- Radcliffe College: As part of Harvard, Radcliffe students have access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, contributing to the vibrant intellectual life at Harvard.
Pros and Cons of Attending a Women’s College
Pros:
- Strong focus on women’s leadership and empowerment
- Close-knit communities with supportive networks
- High academic standards with plenty of personalized attention
- Extensive alumnae networks that provide career support
- Lots of leadership opportunities on campus
Cons:
- Limited male perspective in the classroom
- Smaller social scene compared to coeducational schools
- Fewer athletic programs than at larger universities
- Potentially higher cost of attendance
Is a Seven Sisters College the Right Choice for You?
When deciding if a Seven Sisters College is a good fit, ask yourself these questions:
- What are your academic interests? Do you want a liberal arts education that encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary study?
- What are your personal goals? Are you looking for an environment focused on women’s leadership and empowerment?
- How do you like to socialize? Would you enjoy a close-knit, inclusive community with strong traditions?
- How do these schools compare to others? How do the academic programs and campus culture stack up against other women’s colleges or coeducational institutions?
- What about finances? What financial aid options are available, and how do the costs compare to other schools?
Financial Aid at the Seven Sisters Colleges
When it comes to paying for college, the Seven Sisters Colleges are committed to making sure students from all financial backgrounds can afford their education. Each school offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based aid, merit scholarships, and grants, to help cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: All of the Seven Sisters Colleges promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. If you qualify, the college will create a financial aid package that covers the gap between what your family can contribute and the total cost of attendance. This package might include grants (which don’t need to be repaid), work-study opportunities, and sometimes low-interest student loans.
- Merit Scholarships: Many of the Seven Sisters Colleges also offer merit-based scholarships. These are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and other talents, and can significantly reduce your college costs. Some scholarships require a separate application, but others are automatically considered during the admissions process.
- Grants and Other Aid: Students might also qualify for grants from federal, state, or private sources. Like scholarships, these don’t need to be repaid. Additionally, the colleges offer various other forms of aid, like institutional grants for students with specific financial needs or interests.
- Applying for Financial Aid: To apply for financial aid at any of the Seven Sisters Colleges, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, in most cases, the CSS Profile. These forms help the colleges assess your financial situation and figure out how much aid you qualify for. Make sure you keep track of deadlines, as missing them could affect the amount of aid you receive.
Seven Sisters Colleges Financial Aid
Name Avg Fin Aid for Freshmen w/Need Avg Merit Aid for Freshmen w/out Need Private COA Avg Net Price
Barnard College $61,772 $90,928 $30,572
Bryn Mawr College $57,010 $21,544 $82,250 $37,015
Mount Holyoke College $48,044 $21,299 $82,980 $31,165
Smith College $60,749 $19,799 $86,026 $28,422
Vassar College $57,597 $85,220 $26,028
Wellesley College $64,345 $90,341 $21,614
Radcliffe College (merged with Harvard) $62,252 $6,000 $79,450 $18,037
FAQ on Seven Sisters Colleges
What makes the Seven Sisters Colleges unique?
These colleges stand out for their long history of focusing on women’s education, their rigorous academics, and their strong alumnae networks.
Can men attend any of the Seven Sisters Colleges?
Vassar is coeducational, so men can attend. Radcliffe no longer exists as a separate entity, since it merged with Harvard University.
How do the Seven Sisters Colleges support career development?
They offer a range of career services, including internships, mentoring programs, and strong alumnae networks that help with job opportunities and professional guidance.
What are the common misconceptions about women’s colleges?
Some people think women’s colleges are outdated or don’t offer a well-rounded social experience, but these schools actually have vibrant communities with diverse perspectives and lots of opportunities for students.
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