Reviews

Mount Holyoke is a great school with great facilities. There is also a great 5 College consortium that allows you to further expand your depth of knowledge and connections with students/professors in your field. The small class sizes give students a greater opportunity to engage professors and try your hand at holding a discussion. There are many opportunities on-campus and off-campus to seek help in writing, public speaking, critical analysis etc. The work is tough but so rewarding!

Overall a friendly, fun, interesting, and diverse group of women. When you need to get away, local transportation is completely free. Also not far from New York or Boston. Amtrak station is located in Amherst ( a free bus ride away) and Peter Pan bus line ticket sell right in the Village Commons, the local shopping center.

Education is definitely what you make it, but the opportunity to study at 4 acclaimed neighboring colleges and university, as well other study programs in the New England area, makes this education worthy of its asking price.

Visit the campus, talk to your college advisor, and apply!

Many international, religious, LGBT, athletic, artistic women but you don't have to fit a type to fit in. Just be driven and be ready to work.

I've visited the school twice and all the students I had met are driven and excited about the academics! They told me how approachable the faculty is and how each one of their professors is excited about the subjects they teach. I definitely felt the connection between the students and professors when i saw them at campus activities.

I actually did an overnight and i loved it! The dorms are very reasonably sized and comfortably fit the residents. There was so much to do on campus i couldn't decide, and everyone was willing to hang out and chat with me like i already went there instead of treating me as some random high school kid. Everyone made me feel as if I was already apart of the school.

Mount Holyoke definitely isn't as cheap as some schools but i believe every dollar invested here will be worth it. The opportunities it provides you with are endless.

Definitely check it out first! And even though it's an all women's college, don't scratch it off your list! It's Five College Consortium gives you plenty of chances to meet other people!

Strong women who are looking to be leaders and are prepared for a challenge.

Like any school, your learning experience is influenced by the professors, so as long as you research your professors, you can get what you want out of your classroom experience. The 5 College Consortium expands your options in terms of what classes or what kind of learning environment you want to experience. The downside to that is that it is a bit difficult to schedule your classes when they're on different campuses and take into account the sometimes-early-sometimes-late-but-always-free buses that get you from college to college and some to yourself to grab something to eat.

I love this school. It did take a while to get used to the isolated feel of the campus, but it's easy to go on an adventure and get around to the other colleges and experience different kinds of environments. Having a great group of friends really helps you get through anything

The tuition is really high. There's no doubt about that. But here's what you're getting out of it: a beautiful campus, close relationships to faculty and staff, small class sizes, great dorms, an amazing selection of food (including kosher/halal/vegetarian options), a Hogwarts-esque library, the 5 College Consortium, the occasional foam pit/rock climbing wall/concert, a wonderful gym, and an endless supply of hot showers. Did I mention the beautiful campus?

Bring or buy some weather-proof shoes! Snowy, icy winters seem to be sandwiched between periods of rain. The weather isn't usually too bad, but trust me, cold, wet feet can ruin anyone's day. Explore clubs and orgs! You might find your passion or your best friend.

Great for women who prefer a quiet environment to study, who are driven to expand their knowledge, who have an open mind, and who enjoy the environment that a small, liberal arts women's college can provide.

It is almost impossible not to be inundated with knowledge at Mount Holyoke. The class sizes are small and the professors are top notch. They are always willing to explain topics in depth and meet with students outside of class. Mount Holyoke also offers an incredibly diverse range of classes which allows everyone to find something they are interested in and explore many areas students may not have been exposed to before. Plus, even if you feel there is a little something missing, there are four other colleges where you can take classes at no extra cost!

Mount Holyoke campus is absolutely stunning, with beautiful landscaping and architecture. Don't let its old style look fool you though, the campus is very eco-friendly and technologically advanced. Everyone on campus, from the students, to the cooks, to the janitors, to the professors, is friendly. At Mount Holyoke, or MoHome as we like to call it, you feel right at home.

With small class sizes and great professors (and great food) Mount Holyoke really is worth the money. If that's not enough though, Mount Holyoke is one member of a 5 college consortium. What this means for the students is that instead of just having one college, with all of it's resources and classes, they have 5. Students within the consortium can attend classes at any of the other 4 colleges at no extra cost!

While it is an incredible place to be, Mount Holyoke is very academically challenging. Be prepared to have your mind expanded, but keep in mind how challenging it is so that you don't spread yourself too thin. Even if you are valedictorian of your class, make sure that you balance your course load, or at least attempt to. This will give you the best chance for success.

Mount Holyoke is really great for students who want a small town feel, but would still like to be able to go off campus and have fun. Prospective students should be very academically dedicated and prepared to face day to day life with very little male interaction and open to a mostly liberal campus.

I have to say, you have to work hard at your studies. The classes are demanding, but worth it. They're interesting and all taught by amazing professors. MHC likes to keep the classes on the small side, so that students have more opportunity to ask questions and learn.
That's not to say that by showing up you can just get a degree. You have to work hard, and earn every grade you get. But it's so worth it!

We love diversity here! We love that we can walk across campus and hear five different languages spoken along the way. We love to talk and listen to others who have different opinions, and come from different backgrounds.

MHC is very good about making sure that if you want to come here, you can. They give financial aid, scholarships, and plenty of work-study. And if all that doesn't cover the cost, they can help point you in the right direction to find other scholarships, or jobs.

As of last year, I didn't see myself going to an all-woman's college. And, to be honest, I applied to MHC on a whim. But what really got me excited about the campus was coming to the campus in the spring (just a few weeks before the dreaded D(ecision)-Day). I fell in love with the campus, and everyone was very nice to me - answering all my questions and pointing me in the right direction if they didn't know the answer.
I decided to go to MHC, and so far, I'm loving it. It was the perfect fit for me and so many others.
So, if there is any advice that I can give to a student who is thinking about coming to MoHo, it would be to come and experience what everyone is so excited about! :D

You don't have to be gay to come here. Although, you do have to be a woman. (sorry)
You don't have to be a flaming liberal to come here.
You don't have to be a tree-hugger, or someone who just likes to sit in the library and study.
It is true, MHC is a place that is academically challenging. And it is a quiet campus. And it does lean more toward the liberal side of things. And we do have quite a few quirky traditions. But for those who want to liven things up a bit, there are free buses that take you to any of the other four colleges in the area (UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and Smith College). And you can take classes at any of the other colleges, too.
But to come to Mount Holyoke, what you really need to have a fire in your heart. You need to have passion for what you're doing. You don't need to have a plan for your life, you just need to have the courage that a school like MHC will get you where you need to be.

incredibly open and friendly. it seems like a place that is genuine about everything, where everyone loves where they are and what they're doing. being there feels, to me, how college is always supposed to feel in movies.

just be yourself, when you apply, because that's what i did, and i was accepted. if you pretend to be someone else, both you and the institution will suffer from the wrong fit. also, if you are unsure about attending a women's college, visit one; you'll quickly realize that it's pretty much the same as a co-ed school, just even better!

they are very rigorous, from what i've seen. there are a ton of research opportunities, and lot's of one on one time with professors. no tas and no big classes.

the dorms all look super cool. some are more modern but others seem to have been there since the school was founded. they all look like they have their own character and appeal to them. also, fun fact; they all have a piano and a bathtub!

their food is all prepared at the school, never frozen or prepackaged like in high school. the only school i've visited where when you enter the dining hall it smells undeniably appetizing. they are consolidating their some nine dining halls this year though, so i'm not sure if the food diversity will continue.

it is positioned in a cute little town with a cool bookstore and a little deli down the street. the town is definitely centered around college, and the campus itself has many activities and such. we were there during a small spring event where they had live music and food trucks. it seemed very chill and like everyone was having a relaxed good time.

unusual tradition i found out; each class has its own color and mascot. my year would be the blue lions, but there are three other combos that seem pretty sweet. this tradition goes back almost all the way to the founding. also, they watch dirty dancing in their amphitheater each year because they say at the beginning that baby is coming to mount holyoke in the fall, which i think sounds great.

Mount Holyoke is a school that provides and excellent education to anyone willing to work hard and strive to be their best. The community is small, supportive, and excepting of everyone. There are opportunities for anyone, with any passion, to thrive and succeed during their time at Mount Holyoke and after with the help of the teachers and alumni.

I would visit the school and do an overnight. Especially if you are thinking about playing sports. Also, go talk to people, do not be scared of the big scary college students we all remember when we visited and how scared and intimidated we were. Sit in on more than one class to really get a feel for the classroom dynamics. Explore the beautiful campus, walk from the green to the botanical garden and up around the lake and even to the equestrian center.

The first semester here was the most challenging, stressful, difficult time of my life. I have never been in such a cutthroat competitive environment. Thus, I learned to use the outside resources (SAW program, tutors, and office hours) to my full advantage, and in the end it paid off. It is hard but they want you to succeed.

I loved my dorm. The rooms are huge, the views are gorgeous, and at night, it is quiet! There are many singles for juniors and senior and even sophomores if you're lucky.

Most dorms either have a kitchen where they have a continental breakfast or an actual dining hall with full meals three times a day. There is also a campus center open with food, snacks, and a coffee shop. There is a coffee shop in the library and a little shopping center across the street with a few restaurants,a frozen yogurt place, a deli, and a coffee shop. All in all, the meal plan is a necessity.

Go to the gym, take a walk around the lake, parties, go to the small near by towns, the mall to see movies, and even go to Boston or NYC for long weekends.

There are many unusual traditions but you have to go to Mount Holyoke to find them out!

ANY type of student really. There is so much diversity that there is a place for anyone. the diversity includes religion, gender, sexual orientation, political, economical, etc.

Sports and a capella are a huge part of MHC, but there is something for everyone. For example, there is a knitting club, a LGBTQ club, a movie club, languages clubs, art clubs, and MANY more. And you can always start your own!

None.

There is a great team of campus police that ensure that we are kept safe and healthy.

I once heard Mount Holyoke College described as Harvard meets Hogwarts meets the movie 'Mona Lisa's Smile'. It was not until my first week on campus that I realized the truth behind this description. Not only was I sitting in a classroom with some of the smartest women in the world, but the Gothic architecture created world of magic and opportunity both in the classroom and out.

Do not be afraid to apply to Mount Holyoke College. While it is not the school for everyone, there is a wealth of opportunity. Some students do not like the all women's environment or the academic rigor of the campus. Thus, students do occasionally transfer out but those who do stay find a rich community of support and intellectual stimulus. And, of course, students transfer into the college as well and thrive.

When I applied to this college, I wanted to be challenged academically and I was. There are classes that I have spent at least ten hours a week studying for and readings I have reread to make sure I understand the underlying meaning of the author's words. This is not a school for the faint of heart. It is academically challenging but the small class sizes, the professors who care and are willing to listen, and the resources available make it worth it.

Nearly everyone lives on campus which fosters a strong sense of community among the twenty-odd small dorms. Students love the dorms that according to 'The Princeton Review' are like palaces. I have formed friendships that will last forever over the course of living in the same dorm as many of my friends.

In any school, you will eventually miss a home-cooked meal. However, Mount Holyoke food is really good, with a large selection of food for vegetarians and vegans, as well as a kosher/halal dinning hall. Dining Services is very accommodating to people with food allergies, and as a person with food allergies, I am not only able to find food I can eat but also food with variety.

Community is a corner stone of Mount Holyoke College. We have over 150 student organizations on campus alone, everything from cultural organizations to dance troupes to academically-focused clubs. If you cannot find something on campus, jump on the PVTA--free transportation throughout the Pioneer Valley--and go explore the 5-college-consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, UMass). It's true that Mount Holyoke doesn't have a huge party scene- we're more of a small-gathering-with-friends sort of place- but it is pretty easy to get to parties at UMass and Amherst on the weekends. And honestly, we do a lot of homework.

While the college is expensive, it is worth the money. A liberal arts education is a major investment but any student who graduates from Mount Holyoke College is making an investment in their future that will pay off. In addition, the college offers superb financial aid. However, take a close look before you go and talk to the financial department, because it's easy to get mired in debt at any college you go to.

Being the first all women's college in the country, Mount Holyoke has a fondness for tradition. One of my personal favorites is M&C's--Milk & Crackers! Every night from 9:30pm to 10pm, milk and some kind of baked good are provided in the dorms. It's a great break from studying and a way to socialize with your friends. Also, the tradition does not stop at graduation, the Alumni are extremely involved and loyal to the college both financially and socially. Most large cities in the US and abroad have active alumni clubs that do all sorts of activities.

This is the prefect place for students who are looking for an academic challenge, who are passionate about life, and who have an unstoppable drive.

With more the 150 student organization, there is something for everyone. Mount Holyoke is secular, but there is a thriving faith-based community with tons of inter-faith cooperation. While Mount Holyoke is not known for its rabid sports fans, there are thriving sports teams, both club and varsity, that allow student-athletes to maintain a good balance between sports and academics.

There is no Greek life at Mount Holyoke but we could be considered the largest sorority on Earth. Saying that, sororities were banned in the early part of the 20th century to create a stronger community among all of the students. Thus far, this strategy seems to have worked.

I have never felt unsafe on campus and feel comfortable to walk across campus late at night without any worries. However, if you are ever in a sticky situation Campus Police are only a call away.

Mount Holyoke is a welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds, a place to establish life-long bonds with others who share the common history of life as a woman (but has expanded to include trans*men and trans*women). Although women have made tremendous gains in equal treatment and rights over the last century, our journey is not yet over.

Be sure to involve yourself in at least one extracurricular activity, whether it is a job, sport, or student org. You'll meet new people, network, and find so many ways to relieve tension.

Depending on the professor, classes may range from straight-forward and simple to cryptic and spending all your nights the week before a paper is due frantically typing and wishing for some kind of caffeinated IV-drip. However, as long as you plan ahead and start major projects as early as possible, and develop close bonds with professors, the academic stress is entirely manageable.

Our CAs and SCAs (formerly SAs and HPs) are there for everyone, no matter what - I've had wonderful SAs that I have developed very comfortable relations with. Dorm life at a women's college is not drastically different from dorm life at a co-ed institution... aside from the fact that our dorms are absolutely beautiful!

We have several dining hall selections on campus; we have seven all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining halls (located within dorms), and one cash-value Cafe (I am the manager at this dining hall). The dorm dining halls have hot breakfast each morning, and any dorms without dining halls have a continental breakfast Monday through Friday mornings. The food is very good, as far as college food goes; it's much better than food I've eaten at other colleges. The only downside is the dining halls get VERY crowded, particularly from 12:20 to 1 and from 6 to 7.

There are four other colleges located nearby, so there is always something to do in the area. Grab a few friends, and head over to the party you were invited to at Hampshire, Smith, Amherst, or UMASS. If you're not into the party scene, there is a small cinema in Amherst that always has amazing films playing. We even have a small cinema in South Hadley! Tower Theatres is located within the Village Commons, and plays two recently released films. If you or your friends have access to a car, a black-light mini golf joint just opened up at Holyoke Mall.

One of my favorite traditions is the bagpiper. Every year on Mary Lyon's birthday, a man in a kilt walks around campus playing bagpipes. I especially love this because he always begins in the middle of class time and all everyone can do is listen to the bagpiper.

There is no Greek life at MHC. However, I've heard some refer to Mount Holyoke as a big sorority.

(first of all, sorry about lack of capitalization, somehow it's not working every time i submit it!) mount holyoke is mohome, an intellectual, comforting, and aesthetic paradise, full of incredible people with incredible dreams, drive, and determination. this is the best atmosphere possible because unlike at my high school, you are not looked down upon for wanting to do well and work hard! it's extremely easy to be involved or go for or speak up about whatever you want here.

the instant i stepped on campus for the first time (day of orientation, i did not visit the school beforehand), i realized i'd found my home. but, if you visit, please talk to some of the students! we love prospective students and first years and always want to encourage you to apply and attend. also, be prepared to feel the most comfortable and accepted ever and to have a mind blowing amount of eye opening and thought provoking conversations with everyone and anyone. :)

you cannot be stupid here. give it up. your days of passively going through your classes are over. there are no easy classes at mount holyoke. each class will challenge you and make you work. it's the best thing ever.

i walk in through the kitchen and i grab an orange or cookie from last night's m&c's (milk and cookies are served every night!!) when i get back from classes, then plop into a homey chair in the living room and turn on the tv (we have basically every channel) or grab a book and just take a few to relax. other residents walk in and it's like a family member coming home. we're all sisters here. my dorm is actually really big, and i have a great view of a forest and field. the beds are not rock hard like i expected, and the bathrooms are very clean and nice. we even have baths! i did not expect that at all. sometimes someone will be in the living room with a big pot of tea and a bunch of cups and just invite anyone who walks by for a cup or a conversation. sometimes someone will put on a movie for everyone to watch together. there is always laughter coming from one place or another. and if anything ever needs fixing, just give a call to facilities and it'll be perfect the next day. the dorms are really pretty too, and all have something special to offer whether it's location or history or a special dining hall, or just the amazing residents. i can't stress enough how homey this place is.

go to the interfaith lunch every wednesday. you always learn something new and the food is beyond amazing there. i actually really like most of the dining hall's food, there are always a ton of choices and at least something super delicious, but there are days too where i'm just like ... i need emergency salt and a few people bring their own spices to dinner interestingly enough i just recently noticed... hahaha. but overall it's wonderful, and if it's not (like my emergency salt days), that's probably because you were forced to eat in a dining hall you didn't want to by your friends who like that dining hall because it has halal meat that night even though you're a vegetarian and this means your choices will be extremely reduced. xd

so, so, so, so, so much. i just had a mud fight the other night for example. there are dances almost every weekend it feels like, culture nights every month, movie nights basically every week, one event or another every day, and a very stephen king-esq library that's easy to get lost in (but oh so much fun to do so). there's a movie theater across the street, and almost everything on campus is open until about 2am. there are free drop in classes at the gym most days of the week, language tables at dinner time, and people. so many interesting people. oh, and the stars are actually really nice here so i like to go outside to one of the darker areas and just stargaze for an hour or so with friends (it's also very safe here). there are parties almost every night too if you know who to talk to, but of course they're easy to avoid if you don't care about that. there are something like over 100 clubs as well, and most of them hold really cool events at least twice a semester. seriously, there is so much to do on campus that i'm just way too busy to know what's going on outside. haha.

first of all, amazing financial aid. mount holyoke is super committed to focusing on academics first, and is need-blind to domestic students. in focusing on academics first too, the education is top-notch. we were even ranked higher than harvard in academic rigor last year. the professors are super happy here and they love teaching! never be afraid to talk to them as they're also super kind and will always help a struggling student in addition to being really cool individuals. also, there are so many amenities available to you! we have a nutritionist and physical therapists (even for strained shoulders!) and if you get the pre-paid health plan (very very cheap) you don't have to pay another dollar out of pocket for anything in-clinic! we also have incredible state-of-the-art basically everything. gym, art museum, library, science labs, music building... and not to mention there is a writing center where you can get help with your essays before they're due, very easily accessible math and science tutoring, and did i mention that the library is open until 2 am every night except fridays and saturdays? oh, and the clubs are also extremely well funded. and then don't even get me started on how great your career outlook is once you graduate from here and things like that... mount holyoke is worth what you take advantage of. it offers so much to you, but of course you have to be the one to actively go for it!

elfing. it's a secret. but you'll love it. there are mysterious presents involved. each class also has it's own mascot (they rotate through 4), and they're really cool. and m&c's is the best. and you have to visit the octogon room, if you can find it! ;) there's also a giant sloth skeleton somewhere on campus if you can find it. haha. and so much more, but you have to visit to find out!

lovers of thinking, in any way. :) you do not have to think one particular way to fit in here, you just have to think and speak and listen and think!

so many. so well funded. so diverse. so much fun. i don't even know where to start with these. hahaha.

none! yippee!! there are no popularity contests here. everyone is on common ground and free to be themselves without fear of judgement.

the campus police are always prowling around and there are tons of blue light emergency buttons in case you need help with something. i haven't been here too long, but i haven't heard of any problems. also, pretty much no one locks their dorm room door. the students are super honest and honorable here. if you accidentally leave your stuff in the library or lose it on the ground, if you have your name on it expect someone to contact you on facebook telling you they found it and took it to the lost and found for you. it's so wonderful here!!!