Q&A with Margaret Hoyt, a graduate of Bryn Mawr College

Q: Why did you choose a women’s college?
A: Essentially, it came down to how comfortable I felt on campus. I had a tour, an alumnae interview and an overnight visit. I couldn’t believe how friendly, open, nice and receptive everyone was. I also was impressed by several key factors: the dorms, the campus grounds, the academics, the honor code, the traditions, etc.

Q: How easy is it to meet people from different schools, including men?
A: We are in a tri-college consortium with Haverford and Swarthmore. Because we have no limits on the social and academic exchange, I’ve found most of my classes to be co-ed. There are always men on campus and in the dorms. It is completely possible to have male friends or even a boyfriend if that’s what you want. The school provides transportation to the other colleges, and Philly is about 20 minutes away. It’s really much easier than one might initially think to meet people (men) from other schools. Really.

Q: What are some benefits of attending a women’s college?
A: Some women describe it as “one big sorority.” I think that women’s colleges transcend that definition. There is a deep sense of sisterhood and a tradition of academic excellence.

Q: Are there any drawbacks of a women’s college?
A: Most of the time what really irks you about this place is what you love most about it. Sometimes you feel like you can’t go anywhere on campus without running into a close friend. We have so many ways to combat the drawbacks that with a little effort, you can override any negative aspect. We have co-ed schools as close as two kilometers away. The solutions are all available; sometimes you just have to muster up the energy to fix your problem.

Q: Anything else?
A: Most young women don’t even entertain the notion of a women’s college. But even the most disinterested ones are usually intrigued once they come to campus.

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