Mailing Address: 106 Central St. Wellesley, MA 02481
Rank on 2008 List: 41
Rank on 2006 List: 12
Matriculation Rates of African Americans: 87%
Average GPA: Don’t calculate
Total Enrollment: 2,200
African American Enrollment: 125
Number of Applications: 4,099
Acceptance Rate: School does not track
*Average SAT Scores: Reading: 660-750; Math: 640-730; Write: 660-730
Black Student Group(s): Wellesley African Students’ Association
Application Deadline(s): Jan. 15
Early Admissions Deadline(s): Nov. 1; Early Evaluation: Jan. 1
Acceptance Letters Sent Out: Early Decision: mid-December; Regular Decision — April 1
Financial Aid Options/Deadline(s): Deadlines Vary: Earliest is Nov. 1
Costs: Tuition: $36,640; Room & Board: $10,126; Fees: $688
Greek Organizations: NONE
ADMISSIONS Q&A
Jennifer Desjarlais, Dean of Admissions
What are you looking for in a student?
Wellesley is looking for candidates with intellectual curiosity: the ability to think, to ask questions, and to grapple with the answers. We want to know what interests students and how they embrace new opportunities to learn. We determine this through a review of the choices students have made with their academic programs and the opportunities they pursue outside the classroom. We look for evidence of leadership, motivation, and commitment.
What unique, university-sponsored opportunities and services abound for students of color at Wellesley College?
The Cultural Advising Network works to create a more multiculturally inclusive environment. Representing our richly different cultural identities and heritages, the group stands together to examine campus climate and to model unity in addressing the needs and interests of a truly culturally diverse community. To further these goals, each member of the Cultural Advising Network serves as an advisor and advocate for her own cultural group. The Network also serves the college community in the following ways: Policy review and development; information regarding programs, resources, speakers, and diversity initiatives at other colleges and universities; programming; consultation to departments seeking to expand their policies and programs to become more culturally inclusive; proactive problem-solving; community response/crisis intervention. Above all, the Cultural Advising Network models a community standard of respecting, valuing and seeking to understand each other’s experiences and identities. The Network builds alliances for institutional advancement and renewal using these standards as our foundation.
ETHOS, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary at Wellesley, serves as a support group for women of African descent by enhancing the cultural, political, social and academic experience of those women on this campus.
It shall also be to pool the resources of the black community, both on and off-campus, and through unity aid one another in fighting racism and sexism, and promoting cultural and political awareness.
WASA, or Wellesley African Students Association, exists to promote the exchange of knowledge about contemporary issues affecting Africans and Africans of the Diaspora. Its aims are achieved through such activities as monthly discussions, lectures, cultural celebrations, community service projects, written articles and participation in national conferences.
HARAMBEE HOUSE provides social, emotional, and academic support to students of African
descent at Wellesley College. Additionally, Harambee House’s purpose is to provide enlightening cultural activities for the Wellesley College community, as well as provide educational, cultural and social activities for students, faculty and staff of African descent.Harambee House has a mission to (1) to provide a central location for the needs of black students including studying, tutoring, and social events, while (2) serving as a cultural resource for black heritage to enlighten the college community at large. Harambee House continues to be a comfortable and welcoming space, both physically and socially. The House features a beautiful living room, library, and reception area on the upper level, and a spacious, full kitchen, student organization office, and den are located on the lower level. Computer access is also available. Students are welcome to enjoy the entire house for relaxation as well as social and academic events.
In addition, Wellesley sponsors a number of groups and organizations such as Women for Caribbean Development, Fusion, Ministry to Black Women, Graceful Harmony, National Society of Black Engineers, Sistah2Sistah and more to offer opportunities and services for students of color.
What advice do you have for an applicant that is specific to Wellesley College applicants?
Be yourself! In the application process, it is helpful for us to learn what matters to you, what your interests are, and how you may see yourself connecting with the Wellesley community.
Do you have any advice for students needing housing at Wellesley College? Is it difficult for freshman/sophomores to get housing?
Housing is guaranteed for students.
What advice do you have for students who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
There are no “minimum requirements” at Wellesley. The Board of Admission is looking for evidence in a student’s record, both in and out of the classroom, of her ability to meet the college’s rigorous academic standards and a willingness to engage in the community. Each student is evaluated within the context of the academic and personal experience from which they apply; in other words, we are doing our best to evaluate how a candidate may have taken advantage of the opportunities available to her at her high school and how that may have prepared her for Wellesley.
What advice do you have for applicants?
Don’t worry so much, especially about what you think admission officers are looking for. We would prefer that you dedicate your time to the things you enjoy in your high school experience and reflect thoughtfully on those experiences in the college admission process so that we may better understand who you are and what you have to offer.
What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional — transfer, international, students?
Wellesley admits transfer students in the fall and spring. Students must have completed at least one year of study elsewhere before they apply for admission as a transfer candidate. Financial aid is available for transfer candidates.
International students represent almost 10% of the student body, and students come from more than 68 countries worldwide.Some limited financial aid is available for non-U.S. citizens. There is an international student advisor and Slater House, a gathering place for international students on campus. There are also numerous cultural organizations and activities dedicated to the heritage and interests of our international students. The Elizabeth Kaiser Davis Degree program offers women of non-traditional age the opportunity to study at Wellesley.These women are fully part of the undergraduate population and experience at Wellesley, with a fair number choosing to live in campus housing. The Class Deans have responsibility for offering academic advising to both transfer and Davis Scholars, attending to their particular needs and concerns.
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, college essays, and recommendations during the application process?
Wellesley’s admission process is holistic, as each piece of a student’s application tells a piece of her story. The greatest emphasis is placed on students’ academic program and performance, with other quantitative data (such as the GPA, if available, and the SAT) reviewed within the context of each student’s experience. Extracurricular activities and the essay are also important elements and provide more personal information about a student’s interests and goals.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
1:9