About

See what students say:

Academics

The oldest of the Seven Sisters colleges, Mount Holyoke College is a Western Massachusetts private liberal arts college for female, transgender, and nonbinary students. There is "an incredibly wide range of classes and activities at the school," and with such a diverse selection of classes "even if it's a 'traditional' class, it doesn't feel traditional." Forty percent of students are STEM majors, and more than a third of students choose an interdisciplinary major. "Office hours and professor-student relationships are generally excellent and prioritized," and students say that "working closely with faculty is highly encouraged and accessible." There are "lots of great programs, research opportunities, and connections," and "self-scheduled final exams are innovative because they are also student-run and give the students taking finals freedom to decide when they want to go home (if they are leaving campus after finals), how much time they need to study, and what time...works best for them."

Professors "are extremely passionate and respectful of students, often encouraging them to take risks and promoting opportunities." They help students to "engage in collaborative efforts" with project-heavy classes that range from "creating a board game for an anthropology of play class to creating short films for language classes." As one student puts it, "You get the sense that not only are you learning from your professors, but that your professors are also learning from you." Immersive learning is common, and "this happens through field trips to local spots, or through use of our many campus facilities, particularly the art museum, maker space, and library."

Student Body

Mount Holyoke has a "culture of smart women and people," and most here "are very studious overall. People are mostly just focused on their studies and then hang out in smallish groups for socialization." There "is a close sense of community amongst Mount Holyoke students," and "you can ask peers you don't know for help and they will do their best for you." Almost a quarter of students are international, and students agree that "college is a great time to get exposed to other parts of the world and other people's experiences." Many here are "outspoken and social justice-oriented" and "Mount Holyoke really helps students build their confidence and hone their unique voices, including their capacity for activism." As a women's college that is gender diverse, Mount Holyoke provides "a very safe queer space and also a very inclusive and welcoming community towards anyone." This open environment makes it so "people are very comfortable to express themselves the way they like, from the way they dress [to] the way they talk, the way they act, and [the way they] stay true to their own values."

Campus Life

At Mount Holyoke College almost all students live on campus in one of eighteen residence halls, and can focus their stay in a Living Learning Community with others who share their academic or extracurricular interests. This produces "a very peaceful environment" where "people like to hang out with friends in low-key settings." There "are an overwhelming number of activities to do," but in a good way; students say "it's easy to get involved AND to have a leadership position." Though you can find off-campus trips and events, students love staying on site: "People spend a lot of time outside here because the campus is just gorgeous. There's often local vendors or college-sponsored events on the green." It helps, too, that "the dining hall is delicious and there is always a variety of many foods." Those looking for a party school should note that's not the vibe here: "students find more entertainment by going thrifting, to a coffee shop, seeing movies, or picnicking" and the "walking paths on campus are very popular."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Catarina Costa
Director of U.S. Admission

Address
Office of Admission
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075

Phone
413-538-2023

Email
admission@mtholyoke.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Blanchard Community Center
Kendall Sports and Dance Complex
The Equestrian Center
Science Center
Williston Memorial Library
The entire campus is an exquisitely maintained botanic garden which includes an arboretum, numerous gardens, and the Talcott Greenhouse.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Village Commons, South Hadley, MA (shopping, dining, and movie theater)
Downtown Amherst, MA (dining and shopping)
Downtown Northampton, MA (dining, shopping, and entertainment)
Mount Skinner State Park, Hadley, MA (hiking, picnicking, and biking)
Downtown Springfield, MA (museums/dining)
The campus is linked by a free public transportation bus to Amherst College, Hampshire College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and Saturday
8:30am-5pm and 9am-3pm
413-538-2023

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Monday-Friday

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
https://athletics.mtholyoke.edu/landing/index

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Bradley International Airport near Hartford, CT is 34 miles south of campus by way of I-91. Bus service between the airport and campus (with a transfer in Springfield, MA) is offered by Peter Pan Express Service (413-781-3320 or 800-237-8747). There are several other companies that provide transportation to and from Mount Holyoke: Valley Transporter (800-872-8752), Michael's Limousine Services (800-533-8470), Seemo Shuttle (800-908-2829), Bluebird Airport Transportation (413-221-4512), Exclusive Car Service (413-534-3505), and AirportLIMO.com (877-278-5466). For those wishing to travel to Mount Holyoke by train, the Amtrak station stops in nearby Springfield, MA. From there, take a bus, limousine, or taxi to campus.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the south, take I-91 N. to Exit 16 (Holyoke-S. Hadley/Rte. 202). Proceed north on Rte. 202 through the city of Holyoke and over the Connecticut River across the Muller Bridge. Take the exit marked South Hadley Center-Amherst to Rte. 116 N. The college is approximately 2.5 miles from the exit, on the right side of the road. The admissions office is in a white building marked The Newhall Center, across the street from the college, just before the Village Commons. From the north, take I-91 S. to Exit 16 (Holyoke-South Hadley/Rte. 202). Proceed north on Rte. 202 through the city of Holyoke and follow the preceding directions from that point. From east or west on I-90 (Massachusetts Tpke.), take Exit 5 (Holyoke-Chicopee) and bear right. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left on Rte. 33 for 5 miles to Rte. 116. Turn right on Rte. 116 and proceed approximately 1.5 miles north to the college.

Local Accommodations
Willets-Hallowell Center (413-538-2217), located on campus, offers moderately priced rooms for visitors with full breakfast included. Willits-Hallowell rooms have private baths with individual heat and air conditioning controls, and flat-screen televisions. Guests of the Willits-Hallowell Center have access to the campus athletic facilities ? including an indoor pool, weight room and aerobic equipment, indoor and outdoor running tracks, and tennis and racquetball courts. Families looking for a home away from home may enjoy one of the two South Hadley based Bed & Breakfasts. Guests at the Daniel Stebbins House (413-533-2149) can overlook the Mount Holyoke campus as they enjoy a full breakfast. Also across from Mount Holyoke is Grandmary's Bed & Breakfast (413-533-7381) which features an elegant Victorian style.

Admissions

Applicants: 5,030
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Average HS GPA: 3.86







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