Overview
Rigorous Academics and Career Opportunities Abound at Wells College
Wells College professors are dedicated to teaching, and, because of the intimate nature of the campus community (the student body is 600), they get to know their students as individuals in and outside the classroom. Because of its size, Wells' academic environment is similar to honors programs available to only a small number of students at other schools, and students often collaborate with their professors on original research and creative projects. Wells offers 17 majors and over 30 minors in a wide variety of subjects. Students also have the option of a self-designed major. The most popular majors are Psychology, English and Biological and Chemical Sciences.
In addition to dynamic classroom teaching, Wells students have a variety of other experiential opportunities such as student teaching, study abroad and internships. Students have completed over 1,500 internships, including internships with Wells Fargo Historical Services in San Francisco, CA, with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research in Houston, TX and with the Residence du Parc de Santeny, in Santeny, France. Forty percent of students also take advantage of off-campus study programs in over 17 countries, such as Spain, France, Costa Rica, Kenya, Germany, Ireland and India. The college also offers credit-bearing courses during the January term that take students to a single destination in the U.S. or abroad for intensive off-campus study with a faculty member.
Wells College Offers Student Life Activities, Athletics and Traditions that Help Define a Great Learning Institution
Wells has a full range of active student organizations, including a literary magazine and school newspaper, The Onyx, music and drama groups, environmental and political organizations, and abundant opportunities for community service. A busy calendar of cultural events, symposia, and lectures enhances the academic and social life of the college. The campus is one where students support one another and where student organizations and events are always busy and well attended.
Wells College is a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference and currently fields intercollegiate athletics teams at the NCAA Division III level in cross-country (co-ed), field hockey, golf (co-ed), men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, swimming (co-ed), men's basketball, and women's tennis. A women's club basketball team is planned for the 2009-10 academic year; the team will elevate to the intercollegiate athletics level in the 2010-11 academic year. There are also a number of intramural opportunities, including basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Athletic facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a gymnasium, a newly renovated fitness center, a nine-hole golf course, and a campus boathouse and dock used in teaching sailing, canoeing, and lifeguarding.
Wells remains close to its roots with many unique traditions. For example, tea and coffee have been served in Macmillan Hall's Art Exhibit Room since 1868. Even though long dresses and china cups have long since disappeared, tea time is a break from afternoon seminars and a great time to get together with professors and friends.
Wells Admits Students Who Have Prepared Themselves for the Academic Rigors of a Top College
Wells College admits students on the strength of their academic preparation. A student is expected to possess intellectual curiosity, motivation, enthusiasm for academic pursuit and maturity to profit from the experience. In all cases, the college seeks students who have followed a solid college-preparatory program throughout high school. Wells seeks students from varied backgrounds with diverse interests and talents in order to promote a stimulating learning community. Every admission decision is made on an individual basis, and a campus visit is highly recommended for prospective students.
The deadline for regular admission applications is March 1 of the students' senior year in high school. Applications from Early Decision and Early Action candidates must be received by December 15.
Approximately 93 percent of Wells students receive financial aid packaged in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The college works closely with students and their families to design a financial aid package that meets their needs and their budgets.
