Mount Holyoke College (MHC)

Mount Holyoke College delivers “endless chances for students to get involved in both the school and the outer community, while learning from top professors who genuinely care about their students.” Students appreciate the “motivated and motivating faculty” that provide self-directed, interdisciplinary experiences. One student explains: “Classes often allow you to use your creativity with projects…I wrote a paper about Mattel’s Monster High generations and how it reflects the intersections between capitalism, children’s media, and moral panics.” One environmental science student appreciates that “the last month of the course was dedicated to our own independent research project” in the community. Students further highlight instructors that “are always open for personal connections and incredibly supportive” of individualized projects. “I have created zines, podcasts, and video interviews for final projects before,” explains one Mount Holyoke attendee. Students agree that one of Mount Holyoke’s strengths is the support given to students, whether for academics, mental health, or accommodations. Mount Holyoke is “genuinely very caring of student success.” Such accommodations may include self-scheduled exams, which are “innovative because they are also student-run and give the students taking finals freedom” to determine their study needs and the best time and setting for testing. Another student also points to Mount Holyoke’s “devotion to gender minorities, especially in STEM” as one of the school’s distinguishing characteristics. In short, “Mount Holyoke’s greatest strengths lie in its inclusive and supportive community, rigorous academics, and strong commitment to student care.”

As a gender-diverse women’s college, Mount Holyoke “welcomes applications from female, transgender, and non-binary students.” Many students feel that “this creates an empowering and inclusive environment.” This means students feel comfortable sharing “a LOT of personality. There is no ‘one’ Mount Holyoke student; there is so much acceptance and inclusivity that there is no leaning into stereotypes/norms; everyone is free to do and be (express) who they want to be.” Mount Holyoke students also value that “there are many students of differing genders, and along with that, different presentations of gender.” One student jokes, “Everybody is some form of queer, and it’s great.” Others further appreciate that diversity at Mount Holyoke features students who “come from many states, countries, economic backgrounds, home lives, and academic interests. In class, students are engaged in course content and establish strong connections with their professors. Outside of class, they are engaged in clubs and extracurricular activities.” One student sums up Mount Holyoke students best, saying: “My peers are thoughtful, open-minded, and respectful of different identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences, which creates a campus environment where students feel safe being themselves.”

Warmer months see students “spending time on the green in the sun,” while winters find students “down by the lake. It’s really pretty when it snows.” Students also love the “very welcoming and very homey” vibe they find indoors. “The amount of students who live in single rooms is astounding!” says one student. Dining options are “also phenomenal” and “very accommodating to all diets.” Students particularly enjoy that the library “on campus is absolutely beautiful,” and “there are often local vendors or college-sponsored events on the green.” Popular events include “film screenings, workshops, craft nights, guest lectures, concerts, plays, and celebrations.” There are numerous clubs to join for just about any interest you have, from knitting to Model UN, and “the sports clubs (in my case, soccer and volleyball) are a lot of fun.” Musical clubs and campus radio are other favorite pastimes. “Hosting a show and listening to others is a great way to connect with others around campus,” says one Mount Holyoke student. “The school holds events on weekends till midnight that are alcohol free that are also very popular.” Parties occur, but mostly “on the weekends and they aren’t huge. But the school for sure has a strong social atmosphere.”

The Career Development Center at Mount Holyoke College offers walk-in sessions, résumé and job search tools, and self-assessments, as well as career fairs and networking events. Ninety-four percent of students are employed, continuing school, or participating in an internship within six months of graduation. Additionally, the Lynk curriculum-to-career program includes funding for every student wishing to do a qualified internship or take part in research opportunities. The program also encourages undergraduates to seek out practical applications unique to their course of study with skills workshops and industry site tours. Mount Holyoke’s “helpful alum network” is an excellent connection for internships and job opportunities, as well as career-path inspiration. One student sums it up by sharing, “MHC produces global leaders. I see graduates moving on to really interesting jobs and careers.” Of the students surveyed on PayScale.com, 59 percent perceived their job as having a meaningful impact on society; the reported median starting salary was $62,700.