How To Talk to Girls About Women’s Colleges Lia Brassord, Smith College Laura Stratton, Scripps College Tamar Adegbile, Cate School

Goals for this session Talk through common misconceptions and roadblocks to girls considering women’s colleges Practical tips for introducing women’s colleges to your students Plenty of time for question and answer

A couple caveats before we begin Many students who matriculate to women’s colleges don’t assume they will attend one when they begin their college search (and that’s ok!) Every women’s college has its own vibe, culture, curriculum, and history Women’s colleges each have their own policy about who can be considered for admission – if you have questions about this, call or email individual colleges

Misconception #1: Mean Girls Syndrome Variations can include: All girls communities are catty and mean (that’s how high school has been for me) I don’t even have any girl friends now – why would I fit at a women’s college Guiding comments: Women’s colleges are intentional communities where students choose to surround themselves with other women The type of women who self-select into a women’s college see the value in women helping and growing with other women (“all boats rise with the tide”) College is going to be different anywhere you go – relationships will be more mature and nuanced, choosing a women’s college is a great springboard for surrounding yourself with other strong women who are finding their voice

Misconception #2: A WC Isn’t The Real World Variations can include: I won’t have experiences that prepare me for the “real world” if I go to a women’s college I won’t know how to interact with men if I go to a women’s college I won’t have access to strong research and/or internship opportunities at a women’s college Guiding comments: No liberal arts college (or college, for that matter) is the “real world” – instead, it’s a place to learn, grow, and find the confidence to go after what you really want in life You’re right! It’s not – but a WC provides an academic environment that’s all about how women learn best. Classes are usually collaborative, interactive, and aid students in gaining confidence and finding their unique voice Research and internships abound at women’s colleges – women interested in STEM are supported (often by strong female faculty members) and are more likely to attend graduate and professional school

Misconception #3: I won’t have fun at a women’s college

Misconception #4: A women’s college is only a “fit” if I am an angry feminist

Recommendations from a current high school counselor Share the rich history of women’s colleges. Address the biases and misconceptions. Normalize the idea of women’s colleges. Find opportunities to educate students and parents about women’s colleges.

Question and Answer