LIFE

If you've watched Wild Child on Netflix recently, you might be wondering whether most existing all-girls schools have their own arrogant and devious queen bee or enough tea to fill a regular gossip column. When I submitted my enrollment form to a historically women's college two springs ago, I wondered whether my experience would live up to the glamorous media or to the inclusive phrases on the college's glossy brochures. Now that I've been a college student for a couple of years, I've gathered some key points to give you the inside scoop on what it's like to be a student at an all-girls school.

Strong sense of community and unity—we're all in this together!

@wellesleycollege

A common expectation of all-girls schools and women's colleges is that the culture is toxic, aggressive and full of drama. However, in my personal experience, I've found that the overall vibe is quite the opposite, especially because of the never-ending community-building traditions. It's hard not to feel a sense of collective support when bunches of sleep-deprived students take a study break and troop to the common room for "M&Cs (Milk and Cookies)," a nightly tradition of having a late-night snack with friends. Beyond the bonding rituals, the friendly and down-to-earth upperclassmen always prove the stereotype of older bullies wrong. I will never forget the sophomore who enthusiastically agreed to do my makeup for a first-year dance performance despite having only talked to her once nor the juniors and seniors in my faith fellowship who often invited me to talk friendships and fashion over dinner.

No makeup? No problem!

@chapinschoolnyc

Was it just me who rolled out of bed every morning this year and went to Zoom school in my pajamas? This routine was practically second nature for me already from my time on campus at a women's college. I had gotten so comfortable sitting in lecture halls of a hundred students wearing my plainest clothes and no makeup on. Even with all my blemishes on display, I trusted that my classmates understood the experience of being a girl and my choice to sleep an extra 20 minutes instead of fiddling with foundation. The same comfort applies to students who do choose to complete their makeup routine on a daily basis. After complimenting my makeup expert bestie's pink eyeliner or glittery eyeshadow myself, I love watching absolute strangers call her an icon.

Boy troubles... and the lack thereof

@barnardcollege

A girl in my first-year seminar put it nicely when asked why she would ever want to go to college without any boys: "Why would I *want* to go to college with boys?" What she meant was that after feeling like she had to compete with boys at her high school for speaking time, she was excited to talk comfortably in a classroom where students encouraged each other to speak. She looked forward to professors' equal attention after experiencing how her high school teachers unconsciously had lower expectations for female students. As for me, after gaining confidence in using my voice in an all-girl environment, I've found that I am now more confident when speaking to all people, not just girls. And when I do want to see guy friends or meet new ones, I can just take the local bus to the nearby state school. Another intern at GL in high school resonated with this, telling me about the frequent joint dances her all-girls school holds with a brother school.

Cliques and competitive academics (yikes)

@thehockadayschool

Unfortunately, one of the most *real* parts of going to an all-girls school is that the atmosphere can be cliquey sometimes. As supportive, encouraging and full of girl power these schools may be, it's natural (in any school!) to stick with those who are familiar. My fellow GL intern says that she comes from a small community, and she remembers how most girls came into her high school with tight pre-made friend groups from junior high. In a college-prep high school especially, girls are often competing for top recognition and limited opportunities which can lead to stress and subtle rivalry. 

Watch me whip, now watch me (alum)nae nae

@danahallschool

Going to an all-girls school means being plugged in to a network of women who have been in the same position as you and have gone on to kill it in their career field. Meeting an alumna is like meeting a dear friend. The generation gap becomes less noticeable since they share the common language and inside jokes of going to an all-girls school. Alumnae are down to chat about the workplace, give advice about the future and share embarrassing moments from their time as a student. They are the true campus queens! 

"Old-fashioned?" By that do you mean "progressive and accepting?"

@mtholyoke

At a historically women's college in particular, not every student identifies as a woman. And the school community loves *everyone* for who they are! Women's colleges make sure to create safe spaces for students of all identities. From designated centers for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies to cultural clubs and labs specifically for students in STEM studies, all students are encouraged to discover more about themselves and their interests without any limits. Whether you plan to be in the workforce or stay-at-home parent, all-girls schools and women's colleges make the effort to offer the best education and best place to grow any ambition for every student.

A celebration of being a girl every day

@emmawillardschool

My fellow GL intern gushes about how her school has free pads in the bathroom, and that small act of normalizing the realistic experience of being a girl represents my personal favorite part of going to an all-girls school. When she told me how her school goes all out with decorations for National Women's Day every year, it makes me feel so thankful to be part of this special realm of education. At all-girls schools, every research project is cause to honor the researcher's intelligence and hard work, every arts showcase acknowledges the artists' talent and creativity and every day is a chance to celebrate every aspect of being a girl.

Do you go to an all-girls school? We want to hear about your experience. Tweet us @girlslifemag!

Slider image: Unsplash
Hero image: @winsorschool

by Elizabeth Huang | 8/9/2021