About

See what students say:

Academics

A women’s liberal arts college founded in 1885 (and the first to offer the PhD), Bryn Mawr College in southeastern Pennsylvania is an “institution with a heart” that fosters “a close-knit community of empowered lifelong learners” who are “committed to striving for social equality and academic excellency.” Students enjoy the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of a small college. One student describes “dinner parties in professors’ homes, small reading groups that meet once a week, film screenings and weekend outings with my classmates” and shares, “I think I’m lucky to have such open and accessible professors and mentors.” Bryn Mawr’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows students to get plenty of face time with their professors and peers in during classes, which students describe as “laid back, in that everyone is working hard but does not feel the competitive pressure found at other schools.” “It is easy to get a spot in most classes,” one student tells us, “so your schedule truly reflects your interests.” Bryn Mawr offers other ways for students to personalize their studies, even within the required coursework: “The freshman writing seminar has about 20 different classes, so students get to explore a topic that excites them.” Bryn Mawr is also part of the Seven Sister Colleges and the Tri-College Consortium “with Haverford and Swarthmore [which] allows students to explore a range of fields without compromising on the small liberal arts college experience.” Overall students are thrilled with their experience at Bryn Mawr and the support they receive, or, as one student puts it: “Bryn Mawr College represents hope and selfempowerment for every student who walks through Pem Arch.”

Student Body

“Brilliantly smart, informed and active in the community,” Bryn Mawr students show a high regard for one another and value the individual contributions each one of their peers makes. “While there are countless stereotypes about the sort of people who attend a women’s college,” one student explains, “there’s really no one Bryn Mawr type.” The college hosts “an incredibly talented and diverse group” of students who are united by “our love of Bryn Mawr and learning in general.” Students say the student body is “quite political,” and “while straight, cis women can certainly thrive at Bryn Mawr, you should come here prepared for an active and thriving LGBTQIA+ culture. It’s a very special part of Bryn Mawr that I wouldn’t trade for anything.” These “intellectual, accepting, open, kind, inclusive and bright individuals” “are a part of dance groups, singing groups and just about any other activity,” and they make sure to “attend each other’s performances.” Overall, students agree that the student body is a reflection of a BMC culture that thrives to “[help] people achieve their fullest potential without forcing them into a mold.”

Campus Life

“Bryn Mawr students are serious about classes,” but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a social life. While “most week days people do homework and study in the libraries,” students use the weekends to “go into Philadelphia or just go around the area” for “restaurants, concerts, museums, and special events.” And there is always something fun to do on campus as well. The “student activities office plans a lot of events like movie screenings, tie dye, concerts, [and] pumpkin decorating” and Bryn Mawr’s many clubs and student groups host events as well, “like crafting nights, culture shows, [and] keynote speakers.” These socially-minded students can also discuss, plan, and organize within the college’s “activist groups with causes ranging from the environment to elder care.” The college’s rich and storied history means that there are a lot of “traditions and annual parties (e.g., ‘East vs. West’)” for students to take part in, and for off-campus parties, “We hop on the blue bus and head over to Haverford, which has a better music/party scene,” students tell us.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Office of Admissions
101 North Merion
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone
610-526-5152


Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Great Hall (National Historic Landmark)
Erdman Hall (designed by famed architect)
The Cloisters (College Hall)
Taft Garden
Rhys Carpenter Library
Goodhart Theater

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Independence Hall
Barnes Foundation Museum
Longwood Gardens
Suburban Square and King of Prussia
Valley Forge National Park

Campus Tours

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: No
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mondays through Fridays 10:45am and 2:45pm
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@brynmawr.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Philadelphia International Airport is 20 miles from campus. Taxis, limousines, and trains are available. No advance arrangements are needed for a taxi. For limousine service, call Main Line Airport Service at 610-525-0513 (or 800-427-3464 in PA) for information and reservations, or use the courtesy phone at the airport (push Main Line). If you want to use the trains, take the airport shuttle from the airport (it leaves every 20 minutes) to 30th St. Station in Philadelphia. From 30th St., take the SEPTA R-5 train to Bryn Mawr (leaves approximately every half hour). Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses serve Philadelphia from all over the country. Take the Amtrak train to 30th St. Station in Philadelphia. From 30th St., take SEPTA commuter train R-5 (Paoli Local or Bryn Mawr Local, which goes from Lansdale and Doylestown to Downingtown and Paoli) to Bryn Mawr; the R-5 takes approximately 18 minutes to reach Bryn Mawr. The campus is a 5-minute walk from the station; walk straight ahead (on Morris Avenue) as you get off the train. After 2 blocks, turn left on Yarrow St.; the college stretches to your right and straight ahead. Bennett Taxi Service can be called on a direct phone line from the Bryn Mawr train station if you don't want to walk. If you want to call Bennett in advance, the number is 610-525-1770. From the Greyhound Bus terminal, walk to the Market East train station and take the SEPTA R-5 train to Bryn Mawr (see preceding directions).

Driving Instructions to Campus
From Center City Philadelphia Take I-76 west (Schuykill Expressway) to the City Avenue exit 339 (Route 1 South). Once on City Avenue, travel about 2.5 miles and turn right onto Lancaster Avenue (Route 30 West). Travel about 4 miles to reach the center of Bryn Mawr. Turn right onto Morris Avene; a gas station will be on your right and a Starbucks on your left. Follow Morris Avenue as it curves left under the train-track bridge then bears right. Cross Montgomery Avenue (at the traffic light). The Benham Gateway, which houses the Office of Admissions, is located on the corner of Morris Avenue and Yarrow Street . The driveway entrance is on Morris Avenue and ample visitor parking is available. Distance from turnpike to the College: under 7 miles. Driving time: approximately 10-15 minutes.

Admissions

Applicants: 3,594
Acceptance Rate: 31%






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