tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post2723021052058699613..comments2024-03-11T06:22:36.107+00:00Comments on angloyankophile: Why I Chose to Attend a Women's CollegeAngloyankophilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-90804313992173863102016-07-13T11:38:30.097+01:002016-07-13T11:38:30.097+01:00I was just at St Andrews for a wedding, Katie! I c...I was just at St Andrews for a wedding, Katie! I could totally see why you would love it there - the town is so charming and the college experience seems amazing. Our friends had graduated from there and decided to have their wedding and reception in town, which was so lovely.Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-90392122778443380262016-07-12T20:40:01.583+01:002016-07-12T20:40:01.583+01:00Mount Holyoke College sounds like somewhere I woul...Mount Holyoke College sounds like somewhere I would have loved to study! I had a somewhat similar experience to you, in that after growing up on a small island, I always imagined I'd go to a big university in a city - but after reading the St Andrews prospectus, and visiting the place in person, I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to go. It's small too, with small class sizes, and we had all sorts of odd traditions (we didn't have 'Elves', but we had 'parents' and 'children'!). It's so lovely to read about someone else's connection to their college :) Now I want to go up and visit that area!Katie MacLeodhttp://storiesmysuitcasecouldtell.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-57232799888347397722015-04-27T12:00:17.934+01:002015-04-27T12:00:17.934+01:00I love this post so much and now all the nostalgia...I love this post so much and now all the nostalgia is flooding back for the US college scene. From the moment you get that acceptance letter, its like you've become a member of a really fun club and its a great feeling. Truth be told, the last thing I wanted to do was go to an all-girls college because I went to an all-girls high school. I LOVED it. For all the reasons you have listed above. That confidence will stick with me the rest of my life and is 100% because of the fantastic education I got there. (The motto was "Not for school but for life" and it was true.) Funny thing was though that I loved it so much that I wasn't ready to go to college. All I could think of was, would I enjoy it as much as high school? How would I ever find those friends again? Would it be as encouraging an environment? In hindsight of course, after 4 years of no boys in high school, all you want are some boys in your classroom. But now? Looking back? I probably could have done without them in a school like Mount Holyoke ;) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00569048833434141152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-61656734810891178932015-04-27T11:49:58.043+01:002015-04-27T11:49:58.043+01:00I had the option of attending a women's colleg...I had the option of attending a women's college, but the one I decided against was not as diverse and full of great opportunities as Mount Holyoke. <br /><br />What's funny is that I applied to ivy leagues and the schools I thought would sound good later when I became an adult and was inevitably asked what school I'd attended, applied to a few schools I was crazy about, and a couple I didn't want to go to at all but decided to apply to b/c I could pay in-state tuition. All I'd wanted to do was get out of North Carolina because I wasn't from there and wanted to get back up North "where I belonged." But when it came time to write my personal statement, the only one I wrote that was completely, 100% honest, I sent to UNC Chapel Hill. I'd been afraid to send it to the other schools b/c I thought it would make me sound too depressed (I wrote a statement comparing myself to Adah Price from the Poisonwood Bible). <br /><br />I didn't get into the ivy leagues. But I did get into my other choices...including UNC, which I discovered had an extensive study abroad program, an excellent Japanese language program, and one of the best English departments in the country; in other words, everything I'd wanted. So I went. I still get excited whenever I see someone wearing Carolina blue.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05288533010611643097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-62893455457710842392015-04-22T11:14:09.632+01:002015-04-22T11:14:09.632+01:00Thank you, Amy, but I think it is *your* story tha...Thank you, Amy, but I think it is *your* story that's inspiring. Choosing to attend university when you're an adult and earning your degree because you want it (rather than it being the "done" thing or expected of you) takes courage and determination. And balancing your studies with life? I am not sure I could do it (well, I know I couldn't do it, because I've been supposedly "studying" for a CIMA quailfication and have only managed to sit one exam so far!). So thank you for sharing, and I applaud you for achieving and perservering. Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-28233895848469383822015-04-22T11:11:24.483+01:002015-04-22T11:11:24.483+01:00Thank you, Beautifully Lost (I would use your real...Thank you, Beautifully Lost (I would use your real name if I knew it! ;-))! Yes, the experience is very different to that of the UK college experience ... and those big campuses are VERY much like small cities! Easy to get lost, I think, and I had wanted to stand out. I'm so thankful that I found the right place for me!Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-36516786525169772562015-04-22T11:09:20.177+01:002015-04-22T11:09:20.177+01:00You need to meet my BFF, Alice ... we should meet ...You need to meet my BFF, Alice ... we should meet for drinks after work one day! She is a Classicist (and a commissioning editor at Bloomsbury) and specialized in Egyptology ... and loved Secret History. :)Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-3778842230698042772015-04-22T11:07:07.068+01:002015-04-22T11:07:07.068+01:00This is such an inspirational post. I missed out o...This is such an inspirational post. I missed out on the traditional university experience, when I quit school at 16 to get a job. By the time I was 26 I realised that I was wasting my talents and wanted to actually get a degree. At 27 I enrolled on a distance learning course that I effectively chose because it was affordable, and because the study schedule was set up in a particular way that would make it easier for me to continue working whilst I read. I've only ever made friends with one other student from my course, I never attend lectures or tutorials, I don't get involved with extra curricular stuff. It will give me my BSc , but I won't ever have the attachment that you do, and that makes me feel a little envious. Amy @ The Tide That Lefthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08563442390740639521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-17434778393052190832015-04-20T20:45:47.746+01:002015-04-20T20:45:47.746+01:00Another great read. I've always been fascinate...Another great read. I've always been fascinated by the whole college thing in the States, so thank you for giving me a glimpse of it. I was in LA a couple of years ago and ended up on the UCLA campus... It is like a small city! I was totally in shock at how big it was. Even the high school campus' I went past were just incredible, they're bigger than some university campus' here in the UK! It's immense. I'm glad you found the college for you amongst all those that were out there.<br /><br /> :)<br />BLShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01131599210703776955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-21020547636901013682015-04-20T14:30:46.046+01:002015-04-20T14:30:46.046+01:00I'm a Classics geek - I can't help but lov...I'm a Classics geek - I can't help but love it!Laura Hemmingtonhttp://www.thewholeingredient.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-23989709775914532362015-04-20T13:56:25.659+01:002015-04-20T13:56:25.659+01:00I actually didn't really care for the book (I ...I actually didn't really care for the book (I KNOW, I'M AWFUL!), but the descriptions of the campus, the classes, the environment, and the professors really spoke to me. It's surprising (but in a good way!) that you found UCL to be so welcoming - they must do something special (or at least be aware of it) to make it feel like a tiny, closed community, which I think is an important part of the undergraduate experience. Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-71204527800630625982015-04-20T13:39:36.006+01:002015-04-20T13:39:36.006+01:00I think I've just lived up to the KCl vs UCL &...I think I've just lived up to the KCl vs UCL 'rivalry' stereotype, ha ha. <br /><br />I'm so glad you've read Secret History - I am enjoying it so much! I think had I been applying for colleges in America I would have wanted to go somewhere exactly as you describe - the others sound so daunting! I think that's what is surprising about UCL - even in the middle of central London, it always felt like a tiny, closed community.<br /><br />LxLaura Hemmingtonhttp://www.thewholeingredient.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-81650156582419644982015-04-20T12:33:52.989+01:002015-04-20T12:33:52.989+01:00Thank you for reading, Laura! And thanks so much f...Thank you for reading, Laura! And thanks so much for sharing with me your experiences at King's vs. UCL. I'm glad to hear you describe UCL as feeling "like home", as I often wonder if that's just a construct of our overly-sentimental American minds! <br /><br />I *have* read Secret History ... and the college that she describes is *exactly* like Mount Holyoke, or any of the other small East Coast liberal arts colleges! It's definitely a unique experience, but one that I would choose all over again, given the opportunity to do so. Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-31820735380775155472015-04-20T12:28:57.497+01:002015-04-20T12:28:57.497+01:00Thanks for reading and for sharing your own experi...Thanks for reading and for sharing your own experiences, Charlene! The differences are really insane. We also had a lot of standardized tests to get through (which I didn't mention) in order to be considered for the admissions process, as well as Advanced Placement exam results (similar to your A-levels, I'd imagine). <br /><br />Having studied at two UK universities before, I hear what you say about the attachment aspect ... I feel as though we had (depending on which college/university you went to) a more personal aspect to our college experiences in the US: lots of traditions, smaller campuses, campus-wide activities. And I think that those who went to State universities are loyal to those schools and proud to be alumni ... to the extent that they'd plaster a bumper sticker to the back of their cars! I don't know, it's a fascinating subject ... university years are so formative and character-building. Maybe we're just more sentimental and cheesy! Ha! xAngloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-8350987792565979822015-04-20T12:24:05.513+01:002015-04-20T12:24:05.513+01:00Thanks for reading, Suze! We had so many wonderful...Thanks for reading, Suze! We had so many wonderful traditions ... from milk and cookies on weeknights (to keep us going through study sessions) to elfing to Mountain Day ... they're memories I'll always treasure.Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-67383969101064300462015-04-20T12:17:30.499+01:002015-04-20T12:17:30.499+01:00Thank you for sharing this Jaime, it really made m...Thank you for sharing this Jaime, it really made me smile - for many reasons. The differences between the US and UK systems are so different, and I'm amazed at how much it all costs. But the main similarity we share is the feeling of knowing when you've found the right place. <br /><br />I'd been to an interview at King's and was belittled and embarrassed by the interviewer, who mocked me for saying The Odyssey was my favourite book... and I left thinking university wasn't for people 'like me'. But then I went to UCL (where I had applied to THREE courses!) and I just knew. I loved it. It was exciting, friendly and welcoming. It felt like home. I was so relieved to get my offers through the post, and the experience will stay with me forever.<br /><br />Have you read Secret History by Donna Tartt? I'm only a few chapters in, but your description of finding the brochure sent a chill down my spine - if you haven't read it and want to know what I'm on about, get reading! So far it's turning out to be one of the best books I've ever read... perhaps that King's interviewer would be more impressed with that.Laura Hemmingtonhttp://www.thewholeingredient.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-62486855151335285542015-04-19T15:38:22.528+01:002015-04-19T15:38:22.528+01:00This was such an interesting post to read, Jaime. ...This was such an interesting post to read, Jaime. I knew college was more competitive in America than it is in the UK but I didn't realise to what extent. I do think to a point me and many of my friends took university for granted because it was assumed that we would go and really all we had to do to be accepted was get the required exam results. While I'm glad I didn't have to go through the stress of such a rigorous application process, I wonder if I would have more of an attachment to my university and campus if the process in the UK was tougher. I have fond memories of my university, but I don't hold it as dearly as you seem to hold Mount Holyoke (which is a shame considering I spent four years of my life there!).<br /><br />x Charlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08511134899018286108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-37180490292115847092015-04-18T21:43:44.904+01:002015-04-18T21:43:44.904+01:00Fascinating read, Jaime. Sounds like it was a very...Fascinating read, Jaime. Sounds like it was a very stressful selection process but I love the elfing tradition!<br /><br />Suze | <a href="http://luxurycolumnist.com/" rel="nofollow">LuxuryColumnist</a>LuxuryColumnisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666610068978544386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-39761921892064292052015-04-18T20:24:41.174+01:002015-04-18T20:24:41.174+01:00I know I mentioned this already on Twitter, but TH...I know I mentioned this already on Twitter, but THANK YOU for reading and for leaving such an insightful, in-depth comment, Angie! Loved hearing about your own experiences. The differences are so interesting. I've been to the Warwick campus before - it looks so beautiful! I nearly applied there to study abroad and then for my graduate studies as well (but ended up at York instead).Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-11120055627619411132015-04-18T20:23:09.924+01:002015-04-18T20:23:09.924+01:00Thank you for reading, Mark! I wish your daughter ...Thank you for reading, Mark! I wish your daughter all the best at MHC.Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-41722521993084794822015-04-18T20:22:38.592+01:002015-04-18T20:22:38.592+01:00Haha! And I'm sure you'd be a great one, A...Haha! And I'm sure you'd be a great one, Annmaree ;-) I'm really interested to know what educational systems are like across the world ... the differences are always so fascinating.Angloyankophilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798135990583648390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-901523668358220532015-04-18T12:13:09.595+01:002015-04-18T12:13:09.595+01:00Sounds amazing! New Zealand post high school study...Sounds amazing! New Zealand post high school study is soooo different to USA. All I ever wanted to do was go to a high school or college in USA and be a cheerleader! ;o)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10759463332503037389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-11290111261662110872015-04-17T16:09:39.303+01:002015-04-17T16:09:39.303+01:00Jaime, I found this so interesting. Firstly becaus...Jaime, I found this so interesting. Firstly because I didn't realise how rigorous the selection procedure was and how much emphasis is put on where you want. I'm a bit of a 'yankophile' myself and I always thought I knew a lot about American culture but I did not know how strict colleges were. Back when applied for university (in the Dark Ages when everyone did 3 or 4 A levels) we applied for 6 universities on a UCAS form (you probably know this from John) and we certainly didn't have to pay for doing so!<br /><br />Out of my six applications I only had to go to two interviews - both offered me places. And out of the six choices I was accepted to five...it was stressful at the time but now I look back, nothing like in the States. <br /><br />I went to Warwick University for my interview for a place to study English Literature. When I arrived, saw the campus and spoke to people, I knew it was where I belonged, as you did, and when I got a place I was ecstatic!!! <br /><br />Personally, I never experienced a single sex environment while in education but it really interested me to read the experience you had and the courage that it gave you. <br /><br />I also find the costs rather unbelievable, my parents basically got paid to go to university ie grants. I paid a relatively low fees for three years at uni but now the fees are extortionate! <br /><br />Fantastic post, as usual :) <br />Lots of love,<br />Angie <br /><br /><i><b><a href="http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">SilverSpoon London</a></b></i><br /><br />Angie SilverSpoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09188385390021003157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743876470050160495.post-8714837865151414272015-04-17T15:04:01.076+01:002015-04-17T15:04:01.076+01:00Thank you for sharing your MHC (women college) exp...Thank you for sharing your MHC (women college) experience! My wife and I hope our daughter will have the same nostalgia of MHC when she becomes an alum In 2018. So far, so good! New England admirerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13369362439255563901noreply@blogger.com