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, 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

“The one thing I had always heard about Wellesley before I arrived was the strong “network.” I have yet to look for jobs or take advantage of said network, but one thing I have noticed even now is how involved alumni are regarding the happenings on campus and the wellbeing of students. It took me a while to try and encapsulate the experience, but it was once explained to me that at the core of every individual at Wellesley is a certain intenseness of purpose. I feel that this is the essence of Wellesley, and it speaks to our reputation in the outside world. Our network is only as strong as our community. I feel connected to my mentors and peers in a way that reassures me that I will always have backing, even beyond the 4 years that I am here. I will always have someone to guide me in my endeavors and keep me grounded. So while I might have come here for the many accolades that Wellesley boasts on paper, I have found it to be a very liberating experience, cushioned with wisdom and support.”

—Sarah '23, 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

“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 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