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The Wonderful World of Women's Colleges

No boys allowed? That's right - females attending the 68 women's colleges across the country and Canada have decided to pursue their studies minus the males. It may sound a bit retro, with the more popular portrayal of college campuses as social scenes with potential mates as far as the eye can see, but those who have attended women's colleges highly recommend the experience.

Stat Scoop
According to the Women's College Coalition (www.womenscolleges.org), nine out of 10 women's college graduates attest to their school's success in strengthening their self--confidence. And interestingly enough, 30 percent of the 50 women on Business Week's list of rising stars in Corporate America graduated from single--sex schools. Nearly three--quarters of women's college graduates are in the workforce, and almost half of those on the job hold high--paying positions such as lawyer, physician, or manager - traditionally male--dominated roles.

Famous Faces
Some of today's most influential women began their careers at women--only schools. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, senator and former first lady, and DIANE SAWYER, journalist, both graduated from Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA). Former first wives NANCY REAGAN and BARBARA BUSH attended Smith College (Northampton, MA). LISA KUDROW and T�A LEONI, both well--known actresses, graduated from Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY). CYNTHIA NIXON, who played Miranda on HBO's "Sex and the City," graduated from Barnard College (New York, NY), along with JOAN RIVERS, notorious comedienne and fashion critic.

Reality Slice
What is it about these women--only colleges that produces such highly motivated and successful individuals? Sarah Hersh (pictured, left), a sophomore at Barnard College (New York, NY), offers some insight.

"Women's schools attract a breed of student who is self--motivated and concerned with her future," says Sarah, who made the decision to attend Barnard after visiting the campus. She chose the school primarily because of its New York City location, but also because of its "pleasant and welcoming" atmosphere. She feels there's something to be said about the nurturing aspect of being surrounded almost entirely by females.

"The campus is much more community--oriented than some of the other schools I visited," says Sarah, "and most women's colleges have relatively small campuses," which undoubtedly creates a similar atmosphere.

Besides the obvious goal of earning a degree, Sarah says, "I wanted a college experience that would leave me well--rounded in all aspects." In her opinion, the women--only factor most certainly makes an impact in the classroom. "Being around other women fosters a different kind of discussion than in my [coed] high school classes," she says. Although Sarah admits self--consciousness was never a major struggle for her, she believes many girls her age are insecure and in need of the support offered by both faculty and students at women's colleges.

"Encountering a lot of other women who are driven and hard--working is a powerful experience to have at a young age," she says. "The explicit encouragement provided propels girls into leadership roles and fields that aren't typically female." Sarah believes this helps women realize their personal and professional potential, which is vital to their success post--graduation.

And, a women--only school doesn't necessarily mean a women--only social life. To those who are debating whether or not to attend such a school, Sarah advises, "Don't worry too much about the social aspect, but definitely take it into consideration." The reality is there will be no boys living nearby or sitting next to you in class, but it's an excellent excuse to get off campus and experience the world outside your dorm room.

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