There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what it’s like to attend a women’s college, and, as two exceedingly proud women’s college graduates, we’re here to dispel more of the big myths you may have heard through the grapevine or on TV. Researchers tell us that less than 5% of high school-aged women will even consider applying to women’s colleges, and that’s just not enough.
The truth is that young women often never look at women’s colleges because of these preconceived notions they have about what it’s like to be a student there. And that’s just not ok! Women's colleges are incredible institutions of support and empowerment, leading people to lives of success. When we counsel students on their college options, we encourage them to be open-minded. The more thoughtful your college search, the more likely you will end up on a campus that is fantastically well-suited to you. So without further adieu, let's take down of the most common myths about women’s colleges.
Debunking some unbelievable myths
As alumnae of women’s college and former women’s college admission reps, these are things we’ve heard firsthand about the women’s college experience. And while it pains us to give these stereotypes more of a spotlight, these are the honest questions and statements we often face as students and employees of these institutions. So if you hear any of these things, don't believe it.
You’ll be unprepared for the co-ed (real) world
This is just obviously false. Women’s colleges are not nunneries, and the students who attend will still interact with people of other genders. There are male faculty and staff. Many women’s colleges are also part of co-ed consortiums, or even allow co-ed students in their graduate programs, and will have a few male students milling about campus.
Related: How to Know If a Women's College Is Right for You
It will be full of sleepovers and late-night pillow fights
If you want it to be, sure! But let’s be honest, that only really happens in sitcoms and romantic comedies. And sure...maybe if you join a sorority. Largely, your social life will be just the same as it would be on another campus just with more women around.
You’ll have no social life
Women’s colleges are small communities, and because of that, they oftentimes plan many events on campus—or organize ones off campus. It’s all about taking advantage of the opportunities offered to you. You'd be just as likely to have no friends on a co-ed campus if you didn't put yourself out there. If student government hosts an off-campus ice skating social, are you any less likely to go if you attend a women’s college? Unless you have a dreadful fear of ice skating, then most likely not.
You won't be able to find a romantic partner
Yes, some people find their long-term romantic partners in college, but most people meet them out in “the real world.” You can meet people in college through friends, at off-campus events, club outings, or even in class. Being heterosexual doesn't mean it's impossible to meet a guy on a women's campus, and if you're queer, then you certainly won't have a hard time. And there are always dating apps!
Related: 3 Great Benefits of Attending a Women’s College
Fights happen every day
False. And we’re pretty sure the Real Housewives TV series is 99% to blame for this one. But really, there’s a reason so many women’s college mission statements emphasize community and empowerment. They also recognize that when women (and people, in general) believe in each other and support one another, a lot more gets done.
Everyone becomes a lesbian
As colleges in the US have started taking campus statistics on sexuality, you'll find that these numbers are roughly going to reflect the national statistics on people within the LGBTQ+ community. Attending a college won't change you into a lesbian. It's just likely the number of people who are open about their sexuality on campus is higher because it has a lot with the comfort and safety students feel in their environment. Women's colleges give students the safe space to explore their identities—if that means coming out, great! If that means being a great ally, even better!
Related: Spotlight on 5 Amazing and Supportive Women's Colleges
Even if you don’t end up applying to a women’s college, we hope it's because you thoroughly weighed the pros and cons of a single-sex education and decided it wasn't the best fit for you. If a women's college isn't for you, that’s okay—they’re not for everyone. If this did change your mind even a little, know you'll be in good hands if you end up on an all-women's campus. Either way, at least you’ll never again fall victim to any of these far-too-prevalent myths!
Ready to explore your options even further? Check out our list of All-Women's Colleges and Universities in the US. You can request more information from any school that has a green "Connect me" button!
