What are the 7 Sisters Colleges?

The Seven Sisters colleges are a group of seven prestigious, all-women’s liberal arts colleges located in the northeastern United States. They are:

• Barnard College (New York City)
• Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania)
• Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, Massachusetts)
• Radcliffe College (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
• Smith College (Northampton, Massachusetts)
• Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, New York)
• Wellesley College (Wellesley, Massachusetts)

The Seven Sisters colleges were founded in the 19th century, during a time when it was uncommon for women to attend college. These colleges were created to provide women with the same educational opportunities as men.

Today, the Seven Sisters colleges are known for their rigorous academics, beautiful campuses, and strong alumnae networks. They are consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.

History of the Seven Sisters Colleges

The first of the Seven Sisters colleges, Mount Holyoke College, was founded in 1837. The other six colleges were founded in the following decades:

• Vassar College (1861)
• Wellesley College (1870)
• Smith College (1871)
• Bryn Mawr College (1885)
• Radcliffe College (1894)
• Barnard College (1889)

The Seven Sisters colleges were all founded by Protestant denominations, and they initially had a strong religious affiliation. However, over time, the colleges became more secular and began to admit students of all faiths.

In the early 20th century, the Seven Sisters colleges were considered to be the best women’s colleges in the United States. They were known for their rigorous academics and their commitment to providing women with a well-rounded education.

However, in the 1960s, the women’s movement led to a decline in enrollment at the Seven Sisters colleges. Many women began to choose to attend coeducational colleges, where they could have the same opportunities as men.

Today, the Seven Sisters colleges are still considered to be excellent liberal arts colleges. They offer a wide range of academic programs, and they have strong faculty and research programs. The colleges are also known for their beautiful campuses and their supportive alumnae networks.

The Seven Sisters Colleges Today

The Seven Sisters colleges are thriving today. They continue to attract top students from around the world. The colleges offer a wide range of academic programs, and they have strong faculty and research programs. The colleges are also known for their beautiful campuses and their supportive alumnae networks.

Here are some key statistics about the Seven Sisters colleges:

• Total enrollment: 15,000 students
• Average class size: 15 students
• Student-faculty ratio: 10:1
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Tuition: $50,000 per year (average)

The Seven Sisters colleges are consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Seven Sisters colleges were ranked as follows:

• Barnard College: 11th
• Bryn Mawr College: 12th
• Mount Holyoke College: 13th
• Radcliffe College: 14th
• Smith College: 15th
• Vassar College: 16th
• Wellesley College: 17th

Why Attend a Seven Sisters College?

There are many reasons why students choose to attend a Seven Sisters college. Some of the reasons include:

• Rigorous academics: The Seven Sisters colleges are known for their rigorous academics. They offer a wide range of academic programs, and they have strong faculty and research programs.
• Beautiful campuses: The Seven Sisters colleges have some of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. The campuses are located in historic towns and cities, and they offer a variety of amenities for students.
• Supportive alumnae networks: The Seven Sisters colleges have strong alumnae networks. These networks can provide students with mentorship, career guidance, and other support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to a Seven Sisters College

There are a few common mistakes that students make when applying to a Seven Sisters college. Some of these mistakes include:

• Not applying early: The Seven Sisters colleges are very competitive, and it is important to apply early. The early application deadline is usually in November.
• Not submitting a strong application: The Seven Sisters colleges look for students with strong academic records, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. It is important to submit a strong application that highlights your strengths.
• Not visiting the campuses: It is important to visit the campuses of the Seven Sisters colleges before you apply. This will give you a chance to see the campuses and meet with the faculty and students.

How to Apply to a Seven Sisters College

To apply to a Seven Sisters college, you will need to submit the following materials:

• Common Application
• High school transcript
• SAT or ACT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

The Seven Sisters colleges use a holistic admissions process, which means that they consider all aspects of your application, including your academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal statement.

Conclusion

The Seven Sisters colleges are excellent liberal arts colleges that offer a wide range of academic programs, beautiful campuses, and strong alumnae networks. If you are a high-achieving student who is looking for a challenging and rewarding college experience, then you should consider applying to a Seven Sisters college.

Tables

Table 1: Seven Sisters Colleges

Table 2: Seven Sisters Colleges Rankings

Table 3: Seven Sisters Colleges Tuition

Table 4: Seven Sisters Colleges Acceptance Rates