Inclusive Admission
Come as you are
At Mount Holyoke, we’re ourselves, together.
Here we celebrate people for who they are. Our community welcomes people from around the world and of many backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and identities. Building and nurturing a diverse, equitable and inclusive community is a priority for us as a college, a community and an admission department.
As a women’s college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, transgender and nonbinary students. During the admission process, we seek students who are deeply curious – because both the pursuit of big ideas and a passion for taking bold actions that make the world a better place energize everything our students do.
We’re excited to hear your story and how we can be a part of it as you extend your knowledge and expand possibilities for yourself, your communities and the world.
A truly global community
We believe that conversation and collaboration cultivate community, and diversity enriches it. That’s why our campus looks like the world, and the world looks like our campus. And because of that, we have better ideas, deeper insights and stronger connections.
International student population
Students across the globe are drawn to Mount Holyoke because of the powerful living and learning experience the College provides. This diversity provides a uniquely powerful context for global learning in the residence halls, classes and campus life.
Domestic students of color
28% of students identify as domestic students of color (African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or multiracial).
Meet Mount Holyoke
We value the perspectives and experiences each person brings to Mount Holyoke. From students who are from rural communities or the heart of the city to those who are homeschooled, LGBTQIA+, international or first generation to those who identify with any of these experiences or proudly define their own — everyone is welcome here. These are some of our stories:
Sophia Jung
she/her
“As a transfer student, I knew exactly what kind of environment and resources I needed to grow as a student and person. Mount Holyoke College had everything I needed and more — the supportive environment, abundance of resources and funding, perfect balance between academics and social life, and commitment to excellence inside and outside of the classroom. I am so thankful to be here.”
Finley Severin
he/him, they/them
“I feel so lucky to be in an environment where I feel so comfortable being myself. In the classroom I feel listened to and unafraid to participate. Amongst my peers I feel seen and cared for. It is an incredible experience to feel so safe and held by my community.”
Kass Lawrence
she/her
“As a female athlete, I wanted to be able to prioritize both academics and athletics in college. Playing sports at a gender-diverse women’s college is super empowering because we will always be prioritized for optimal playing times, practice times, and game times — an experience I did not have in high school.”
Iyana Alleyne
she/her
“As an international student, I really appreciate the effort that dining services put into making culturally diverse meals. It’s nice to see food from my region on the menu or to get to learn a bit more about the food from another area. I also love the mini-celebrations that accompany new foods. This small move to make everyone feel included goes a long way.”
Wil Abam-DePass
she/her
“Mount Holyoke promotes a culture of innovation by ensuring each student has access to the resources they need to tap into their full potential. As a filmmaker, I’m interested in changing the existing narrative of Black struggle in film. With the support of faculty and peers and through access to the amazing equipment in our new, full film studio, I’m producing a documentary about Black love. Imagination isn’t hampered by limits here — I have the space and tools to tell exactly the story I want.”
Louise Olivier
she/her
“Coming from a big city, I was concerned that going to school in a smaller town would feel lonely or even boring. But because campus life is so vibrant and robust, and nearby towns and cities are so easily accessible, Mount Holyoke campus life has always felt exciting and full of fresh opportunities.”
Kalea Martin
she/her
“The cultural centers are more than just places to hang out — they are safe spaces that encourage expression. I can’t stress enough how invaluable it is to have designated spaces for students who share similar experiences and identities. You are automatically understood, and can unapologetically exist and express yourself without feeling like you have to justify your words or your worth. You can just be real with one another, and grow — as I have — into a better person, scholar and leader.”
Isabel DiBiasio-Hudson
they/them
“For me it was essential to be in a space that was not only safe for me as a non-binary person but where I could find peers and be affirmed in my identity in all contexts across campus. Mount Holyoke offered that to a degree that I didn’t know was possible.”
Ambar Mejia-Villagra
she/her
“As a first-generation college student, I wanted a learning environment dedicated to helping me reach my goals. I was drawn by Mount Holyoke’s legacy of cultivating change-makers and activists. With such a diverse student body, discussions here are vibrant and passionate.”