All students deserve equity in how they are mentored, sponsored, supported, and empowered to experience Wellesley. We are dedicated to ensuring that each of our students is able to take advantage of Wellesley's rich learning and living environment.

—Paula A. Johnson, president of Wellesley College

A diversity of viewpoints and life experiences produces better outcomes not only in the classroom, but also well into adulthood. ... Diversity enhances the academic and life experience for every student and graduate and for society overall.

—Joy St. John, dean of admission and financial aid

—Marissa Sterrett, senior assistant director of admission 

“I come from a strong community made up of people who look out for each other always, and when applying to colleges and visiting them that is what I had in mind constantly. When I visited Wellesley for the Fall Diversity program I knew that that strong community existed and I wanted to be a part of it — and do my part to nurture and sustain that community as well.”

—Briana '22, diversity team intern

“What was unique about Wellesley was its holistic approach to an undergraduate education. As an Asian-American, I fell in love with its belief that, without exposure to a diverse pool of students, we lose the opportunity to develop essential qualities such as empathy, perspective, and awareness. At Wellesley, education doesn't end once you leave the classroom—it begins. So I knew as soon as I visited Wellesley that I would never have to justify why I belonged there.”

—Haley '24, diversity team intern

“As a Latinx, low-income, first gen student, I felt ostracized coming from a predominantly white and affluent high school. Despite feeling lost, I always knew that I needed to go to a college that not only catered to my needs, but also introduced me to people of backgrounds both similar to mine and completely opposite. I knew by the time college came around that I needed to break out of the box I had been confined in for most of my life. Without much contemplation, I knew that Wellesley was exactly what I had been searching for; its nurturing environment and efforts to be inclusive for all immediately captured me. I am beyond grateful to call this campus my new home for the next four years, and am certain that Wellesley will give me the tools to help me take on the obstacles that lay ahead.”

—Jocelyn '24, diversity team intern

“The first time I stepped foot on Wellesley's campus, I vividly remember telling my mom by the Founders parking lot on that rainy April day that I had to be here and needed to get off the waitlist. Part of me knew, in that moment, that Wellesley was for me, largely because I found something I had been searching for but had yet to find at my predominantly white high school: a sense of comfort. As a person of color, it was refreshing to hear students speaking frankly about their experiences and finding intersections between race and the class topic. And I can confidently say that I have found my community on campus and that it continues to make me feel safe and welcomed.”

—Joni '23, diversity team intern

"What I love about Wellesley is that the entire community is heavily invested in helping you find your place and ensuring that you belong. When I arrived at Wellesley, I was initially uncomfortable having to transition into a new environment, but through the resources and organizations at Wellesley for first-generation and low-income students of color, I gradually began to feel at home. I have been able to connect with several students, faculty, and staff who are ardently committed to helping me succeed during my four years here, and I am truly confident that I can realize my full potential as a leader and make meaningful contributions to the Wellesley community."

—Liora '25, diversity team intern

"Coming from a school that was dedicated to serving low-income students of color, it was important for me to choose a college that would support me as I navigated higher education. At Wellesley, I have received more support than I ever could have imagined. I am surrounded by students who are intelligent, compassionate, and eager to use the knowledge they gain from Wellesley to impact our world in a meaningful way. During my next four years here to hope to learn more about the ways Wellesley supports its underrepresented students and be a part of efforts to nurture and encourage a safe and inclusive environment for all students."

—Nya '25, diversity team intern

“I applied to Wellesley through Questbridge and before becoming a Questbridge Finalist, I did not know Wellesley existed. What really drew me to Wellesley were the letters I received from current students and the ability to visit with the travel grant. My first time stepping onto campus it immediately felt like a place I could call home for the next four years of my life. Having the opportunity to explore campus, get to know the resources available to me, and attend an open Ethos meeting allowed me to see that Wellesley was an environment that I could thrive in.”

—Zaria '23, diversity team intern