Wellesley, one of the most diverse colleges in the United States, is a liberal arts women’s college located 12 miles outside of Boston. Wellesley students break barriers, build bridges, and shift paradigms. We know that the boldest ideas, the brightest solutions, and the healthiest communities draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. Wellesley continues to expand the understanding of what women can and will do. 

All students come into Wellesley undecided; declaring a major in their sophomore year. Students can select from 1,000+ classes in over 56 departments, majors, and programs of study ranging from architecture to astronomy to Middle Eastern studies to neuroscience. First-year students enroll in writing seminars designed exclusively to help ease the transition from high school to college and to learn and discuss various subject areas in more depth. Wellesley's first-semester shadow grading policy (meaning all courses are graded pass/fail!) provides first-year students the space and support to transition to a residential college experience while actively exploring new intellectual opportunities. 

Experiential learning is deeply embedded in the Wellesley experience. Students choose to go abroad and to supplement their education in the classroom with internships and community service projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Over 90% of seniors complete at least one internship by the time they graduate. Literally hundreds of research opportunities are available to Wellesley students, often one-on-one with a professor. 

Outside of academia, Wellesley students have perhaps too many (if there is such a thing!) student-run organizations as options to join…over 180 to be more exact. Our community also encourages students to lead and create new organizations. Every year, hundreds of events (on-campus concerts, trips into Boston and Cambridge, specialized lectures, and more!) are held to ensure students find community and joy throughout their time at Wellesley. 

Did you know that Flower Sunday is the oldest and longest-surviving Wellesley tradition? Held annually in September, Flower Sunday is a day of siblinghood and celebration, featuring song, music, and dance where all new first-year students (littles) are matched with upperclass students (bigs) in their residence halls. As you can imagine, floral outfits abound, and littles are gifted flowers (upon flowers) from their bigs. 

Wellesley's approach to education works: six months after commencement, 97% of the members of the class of 2023 were embarking on careers in technology, media, art, education, business, or research or pursuing graduate study in law, medicine, or public health. The power of a Wellesley education is evident in the immediate and ongoing impact of their graduates. They are Rhodes Scholars, writers of celebrated TV shows, movies, and books, space shuttle commanders, environmental revolutionaries, civil rights activists, and investment trailblazers. They are Korea’s first female ambassador and two U.S. secretaries of state. They co-founded Zipcar, introduced Harry to Sally, and saved the Everglades.