Bryn Mawr College

Date: Sep 29 2013
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
It was this site that helped me chose Bryn Mawr, and now I want to help others make the best choice they can. Please Please read my advice. Please please visit campus and really take it all in. I met so many prospective students whose parents forced them to visit and the visit completely changed their mind about Bryn Mawr and they left with smiles and a new attitude.

Pros: You will meet some of the most interesting, best and brightest people of your life at this institution. This place will change your life. You will be challenged in a way that will push you towards developing who you are and where you are going to go. Bryn Mawr does wonders for your confidence if you are that quiet, different girl that never completely fit in (that was me, and a majority of campus, but not all). All this and more can be yours, but you have to put some effort in and open your mind. What they say about everyone coming in absolutely different and then gradating all the same is absolutely true, and in a good way. As a senior I came to realize this and appreciate this transformation.

Cons: I can't think of anything that is truly awful about this school that is different from any other school. Some school employees are idiots or mean, but others are the sweetest, most helpful people on the planet. Sometimes the food suck, but most times it rocks. The campus and student body are small, but you end up feeling like you know a lot of people. If you are of liberal mind, there are not many Republicans or conservative thinkers here so you will not often encounter a different opinion on a subject. If you are of conservative mind, there are not a whole lot of Republicans on campus, but there is a Republican Club, so there are a few, right?

Advice for when you are there or anywhere:

Academics: Your professors are not going to take you under their wing. Yes, they are helpful and care to see you do well, but they are not going to hold your hand and be your best buddy just because you show up to class every week. You have to cultivate that relationship. Really, don't be afraid or intimidated by them (some are academically famous). Believe me, when it comes time to ask them for a recommendation, you'll be glad you stopped by for office hours even when you were really busy. Also, there is a healthy tumblr-sphere and other internet time waster atmosphere here. Resist! The days when I let my blogs collect dust were the ones I got the most sleep, best grades and still managed to be social. Bryn Mawr academics are what you make of them. Some classes are easier, some are harder (intro doesn't always mean easy and 300 level doesn't always mean hard), Tri-Co and UPenn classes are the same way.

Social Life: DON'T let anyone tell you there is no social life here. The best social moments happen in between class, in the dining hall (I made the most friends in the dining hall) and in the library. No, those moments don't involve alcohol, but these are the ones that get you through that really tough project and soul crushing all nighters. These are the social moments that make college great and Bryn Mawr is full of wonderful young women to help you make those memories. Now, if you need to let your crazy out on the weekends you can really go anywhere to do that. I had friends that regularly went to UPenn, Drexel, Temple, Hford, Swat, etc for parties. I personally only went to Hford and Swat because I was not that dedicated or interested in going farther and I could usually fill up two weekend nights with parties and activities between the three campuses. You can easily find the people that DO put effort into finding off campus ragers and you can be friends with them and fulfill the need for a "normal college" experience. It really does happen. If you're more of a homebody, there is usually at least one party or open ended get-together involving music and alcohol etc happening every weekend on campus. Gay, bi, trans or questioning people will have the easiest time with on-campus socializing obviously, but this can also lead to lots of drama as the community is pretty small and tight-knit, but fun. The best way to make friends is to be open to every opportunity. Join a club or a team, volunteer, go to TA sessions, etc. Really, This works and everyone is open to new friendships. Also, try to break out of the Bryn Mawr bubble by getting off campus every so often, it's so easy with the R5 and R100 right there!

Boys: the oft worried about subject. Let's face it, if you are seriously considering Bryn Mawr, then you are not looking for your MRS degree. Now, boys can be found at other schools, but be warned, there are more girls than guys in the Tri-Co, so guys can and will be picky. Also, don't expect to meet guys in your Bryn Mawr classes. Hford and Swat guys do take classes at Bryn Mawr, but if they are normal, they will feel really uncomfortable on Bryn Mawr's campus and flee back to their own campus as soon as they can. Take classes at Hford, Swat or UPenn if you want to meet guys in class. I'm also reading reviews that state that Bryn Mawr girls hate guys. This is not true. There are groups that genuinely live D to the P and are rude and mean to the male gender, however, this is not everybody and most of the anti-dude sentiment is in jest (we're just awkward). In general, most Bryn Mawr girls are annoyed by guys showing up to our dining halls and dorms in swarms and acting like they own the place. We joke about it and angrily tweet about it, but really, most Bryn Mawr girls do not hate boys. If you are finding this sentiment prevalent, then hang out with a different group or enroll in mostly off campus classes and pretty much sleep at Bryn Mawr and live at your adopted campus. I have friends that have done this and were mostly satisfied, but came to enjoy the oasis from social drama that Bryn Mawr can be!

Graduating: Please consider this when applying to any school! Social life and academics are important, but what you do with it after you graduate is super important too (unless your family is independently wealthy, then disregard this section). I know it's hard, but try to pick a path within your first two years and do internships and externships related to your path from day one. GO to the CDO, talk with the career councilors before your senior year, they're so helpful! Freshman often think they aren't ready for internships, but just try it! Create an internship for yourself if you have to (I did!). Yes, this all takes extra time and is like an extra-curricular on its own, but so worth it! Leave Bryn Mawr with alumni and faculty connections or at least an understanding of what it takes to make it in "the real world" or in the area you think you want to go into. Also, if you can handle it, pick up an outside job while at school. Having experience in retail or restaurants will help you get a survival job to stay on your feet when you graduate and don't know what to do with your life or are waiting for grad school. Actually, try to work in Wyndham.

I hope this helps! <3 BMC'13