What are the Seven Sister Schools?

Hi folks, I've been hearing a lot about the 'Seven Sisters Schools' but I'm not quite sure what they are. Could somebody explain what they are, their history, and why they have such a distinct reputation?

The Seven Sisters Schools is a group of historic women's colleges in the northeastern United States. They were established in the 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the establishment of the Ivy League, which at that time did not accept women. The Seven Sisters were intended to be the female equivalent, offering an academically rigorous liberal arts education for women.

Many of these schools were founded because there was a recognition that existing higher learning institutions at the time, predominantly male, were not adequately preparing women for active roles in society. The pioneering schools were formed with a mission to educate women to the same level and standards as their male counterparts.

The founding Seven Sisters schools are Bryn Mawr College, Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Vassar College, Radcliffe College, and Barnard College. These schools are traditionally associated with each other for their shared historic mission to promote and cultivate women's education.

They differ in that Radcliffe merged with Harvard University in the late 20th century, and is now known as the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Vassar College began accepting men in 1969, so it functionally ceased to be a women’s college, but it is still officially recognized as one of the Seven Sisters.

Bryn Mawr, Wellesley, Smith, and Mount Holyoke remain women's colleges today, while Barnard College is affiliated with Columbia University but remains a separate women's entity. Each of these schools offers a highly respected liberal arts education.

The Schools have a distinct reputation because they're well-known for having high academic standards, a commitment to leadership among women, significant resources, and a long historical legacy. They have produced many renowned alumni in various fields. The colleges are also known for their beautiful campuses and small class sizes that foster close relationships between students and professors.

These reasons have led many to regard the Seven Sisters Schools as outstanding environments for women's empowerment and education. With strong pedagogical models and emphasis on broader aspects of student development, they’ve been sought after by female students aspiring for academic excellence and a holistic college experience.