Women's universities offer a perfect choice for female high school students in the UAE who wish to uphold social, cultural, and religious values in an all-female environment while engaging in top-tier undergraduate studies in the United States. As high school juniors finalize their university applications this month, it is beneficial for UAE women to explore the advantages of applying to women-only institutions. Many are not aware that there are more than 45 universities in the US exclusively for women, many of which provide cross-registration options at neighboring universities like MIT and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). The most renowned women's universities include the Seven Sisters, a group of prestigious liberal arts colleges on the East Coast. Although Radcliffe and Vassar have either merged with larger universities or opted for co-education, the remaining five—Mount Holyoke, Wellesley, Smith, and Bryn Mawr—continue to be leaders in women's education. An outstanding all-women option is Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, where students earn degrees from both institutions and enjoy a close-knit community and distinctive programs.
High school juniors currently preparing their university lists in anticipation of visiting campuses this summer should consider including several women's universities as a viable option. Wellesley College, located 20 miles west of Boston, is consistently ranked as the top women's college in America, particularly known for its Political Science department. Its new Science Complex is significantly larger than similar facilities at some Ivy League colleges, and Wellesley undergraduates are admitted to medical school at nearly twice the national average. Wellesley students can also benefit from the Albright Institute, which offers a year-long academic program, internships, research opportunities, and conferences. Similarly, Smith University, one of the largest women's universities in the US, offers over 120 student organizations, ranging from Business Women of Smith to Celebrations Dance Company.
Most women's universities are part of local consortia that allow students to take classes at nearby institutions, providing a co-educational experience if desired. For instance, Wellesley students can earn a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley and a Bachelor of Science from MIT over five years. Students at Smith and Mount Holyoke can also attend classes at UMASS Amherst, Amherst, and Hampshire universities, while Bryn Mawr students can study at nearby Swarthmore and Penn. US women's universities are excellent higher learning institutions for female students in the UAE, often underappreciated. The supportive and nurturing environment at these schools aids UAE female students in their academic and personal growth, preparing them to become leaders. The application process to women's universities is identical to that of co-educational schools, and female applicants from the UAE bring valuable cultural diversity to enrich the school communities.
