I had never imagined that I would end up in a women’s college. I’ve attended co-ed primary school, middle school and high school. Thus I had no experience of living in single sex environment. The only reason that I applied to four women’s colleges was that it sounded new and interesting to me. But the result was somehow dramatic. I was accepted by three of the four women’s colleges I applied, but only four of eleven co-ed schools accepted me. I began to think that women’s college might be a better fit for me. And that’s why I came to Bryn Mawr.

After being here for about three months, I’ve found both the advantages and disadvantages of attending a women’s college. Overall, Bryn Mawr has met all my expectations of a small and academically outstanding liberal arts institution. The best thing about Bryn Mawr is that it takes care of its students so well that people feel at home here. Whenever I’m in trouble and reach out for help, there’s always someone to help out. Though Bryn Mawr doesn’t have million-volume books or enormous research opportunities, it still offers its students as much resource as they need. The alumnae connection is also one of the reason that many students chose to come here. We may not have as many as Nobel Prizers as some giant co-ed universities, but our alumnae connect to their Alma Mater more closely. However, Bryn Mawr makes itself like a giant bubble because a lot of reasons. Students are protected from the competition with men, the violence in society and all other cruel but real challenges we have to face in the future. Besides, as everyone complains, Bryn Mawr doesn’t have a normal social scene. Thus we lack the experience of cooperating and competing with opposite sex which is an essential skill for our future survival in society.

The websites below basically talks about the positive aspects of women’s college.   

Annotated Bibliography

Candi Brancato. “Advantages of Choosing a Women's College”. International Student Guide To The USA.  http://www.internationalstudentguidetotheusa.com/articles/women_colleges.php

This article suggests that a women’s college graduate develops higher level of self-esteem and confidence. And women’s colleges students tend to choose science related or economics as their majors, which are traditionally considered as male disciplines.

Diane Millikan “Why Choose a Women's College?” High School Graduate. http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/why-choose-a-womens-college.htm

The article states that students in women’s college have more access to leadership position than their counterparts in co-ed schools, and thus are more likely to become leaders in the future. Besides, women’s college students are not distracted by opposite sex and can focus on their studies better.

Cheri Lucas “Is a Women's College Right for Your Daughter?’’ Education.com http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Womens_Colleges/

Not like the previous two, this article mentions the shortcomings of a women’s college. It is more study based and thus is more trust worthy. It says women in women’s colleges cooperate more frequently with their peers and are more engaged. But women’s college is not a good choice for everyone. People have to make a decision based on their personalities and other factors.