Advice!

Words of (unsolicited) advice, encouragement, and musings from current Wellesley students

"As a student from the Midwest, the best college-related decision I made was to choose a place that would allow me to expand my view of the world. I took my first steps on the Wellesley campus unsure of what to expect. That same sense of wonder accompanies me every day here. I encourage you to approach your college choice as a way to stretch yourself beyond what you know. For me, the liberal arts women's college experience was worlds away my from life back home and has enriched me in ways I never anticipated. In short, I encourage you to pick the place that will challenge you to grow the most. For me, Wellesley is that place."  — Kirstin Yanisch ‘13, Political Science and French, Shoreview, Minnesota

Remember that it is you going to college, not anyone else. It's four of the most important, exciting, and promising years of your life, and you do not want to waste any of it. Look at all the aspects, of course—academic, location, financial, etc.—and enlist advice from those you love and care about most. Yet remember that at the end of the day, follow your instincts about where you could fit in and where you will have room to grow. Take control of your own college experience and make sure the decision is yours. It's hard to hear (and scary!) but it's what I did and I could not be happier with my choice.  — Mara Palma '15, Political Science, Easthampton, Massachusetts 

When choosing a college we are often told to find the place with a great social life, world-renown departments or professors, and the coolest dorms. My advice is to find the place that makes you feel at ease and gives you the most opportunities to excel because no matter where you go will be a point where the going gets hard. My first semester, I was terribly homesick, yet thankfully the communities I’m a part of at Wellesley as well as the supportive faculty here were able to pull me out of my gloom.  So don’t just choose a college with the coolest dorms or most illustrious faculty because those factors don’t help you when you need it most, it’s just not worth it. — Patrice Caldwell '15, Political Science, Arlington, Texas

Talk to as many people as you can. If there's any organization you are particularly curious about, or if you are really interested in a certain department, try emailing them. Everyone at Wellesley loves talking about their school, and I promise you they'll be excited to answer any of your questions! — Houda Khaled '16, undeclared, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A young alumna's advice: To those who have already received acceptance letters: Do not base your choice on preconceived ideas; remain open to the possibly of “new” concepts like a woman’s college. Be proactive and email (or even call) people in the schools that have accepted you in order to make informed decisions. Listen to what alums have to say about the school. Although every student’s experience is unique, hearing other people’s perspectives gives you good insights. Most importantly, be honest with yourself: choose a school that you think will help you be your very best!—Halima '10 (Read more about Halimatu Hima Moussa Dioula.)

Choose a college that just feels right for you. I did and I never looked back. —Saba

Don't be afraid about fitting in. Although we are great, we are also welcoming, as there is a bond that develops between Wellesley women. I would also advise that new students get a warm coat when they arrive since the weather is somewhat unpredictable. —Aryanne

Your professors are an amazing resource!  Get to know them; they're some of the most interesting, not to mention helpful, people you'll ever meet.  And don't forget to explore the city of Boston.  It's the greatest college town in the whole world, in my opinion, and quite frankly, sometimes it's nice to get out of the Wellesley bubble. —Rachel

Don't just work.  It's so very easy to get absorbed in the large amounts of homework you have but don't forget to take advantage of all the amazing events/lectures/parties on-campus and definitely do not forget to go out and explore Boston!  These four years zip by quickly and it's a time you will never get back, so yes, do your homework but also have fun, be a college student (and take advantage of ALL the amazing college student discounts!) —Lauren

Get involved in activities and clubs or start your own. Schedule in time for yourself because it's easy to overextend yourself. When choosing classes, consider the subject but also ask friends and upperclasswomen about the professor teaching it. Make an effort to get off campus at least once a week - it's worth it! —Lisa

Come with an open mind and be prepared to challenge yourself. No matter where you end up going, you get out of college what you put into it. —Kyla

Although there is truly no place like home, with an open mind and heart you can always create a home away from home. Choose a college or university not because it has a good name, but because it is a right fit for you. Remember that wherever you go, utopia does not exist, but it is your attitude and perspective that make a whole lot of difference. —Dianne

It is hard at the beginning. Give it time. —Ami

Wellesley is a choice for your future rather than your present. You may not be immersed in the partying life right now, but it will pay off later. —Elizabeth

Hold a leadership position in an organization to meet other students and to learn the process of planning events. —Leah

Enjoy your time here. Academics are rigorous, and they can take a lot of your time. So you need to make sure to have fun once in a while. —Alex

Don't stress too much. Things will work out for the best. —Nalina