Understanding Sister Colleges

Hi there! I came across the term 'sister colleges' recently and was a bit confused. What are they, exactly? And what's the significance of attending a 'sister college'? Is it different from attending any other type of college?

The term "sister colleges" generally refers to a consortium of colleges that have come together to form a supportive, collaborative network. The most renowned of these is probably the Five College Consortium in Massachusetts, which includes Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and UMass-Amherst. The Seven Sisters colleges in the Northeast specifically refer to historically women's colleges, although some now accept students of all genders.

Being part of a sister college network has its perks. Students often have the opportunity to cross-register and take classes at any of the other schools in the network. This can broaden your educational experience and offer exposure to different teaching styles and subject areas. There's often shared resources like libraries, career services, and even some extracurricular activities that are open to students from all the colleges.

Additionally, the social scene can also be more varied, as you'll have access to events and activities at multiple campuses, not just your own. Some students also value the sense of community and camaraderie that can result from being part of a larger network of associated schools.

As for how this experience might differ from attending a non-sister college, it really depends on the specific college and consortium. Some students might find that they benefit from the greater diversity of course offerings and campus resources available via a sister-college network, while others might prefer to go to a standalone institution. As with most college decisions, it largely comes down to what the individual is looking for in their college experience.