Nipping at the heels of top reviews from U.S. News and World Report and Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, CosmoGIRL!, the teenage counterpart to Cosmopolitan magazine, has given the College another honor - inclusion in its first-ever guide to the 50 best colleges for girls.
Out of the 20 public institutions included in the list in CosmoGIRL!'s Oct. 2004 issue, the College is the only school in New Jersey to receive such recognition.
"We feel that we are one of the best colleges in the country for both men and women," Matthew Golden, assistant director of Public Information at College and Community Relations, said.
Golden said that while the top reviews from U.S. News and World Report and Barron's spoke to the College's top-notch academic profile, the recognition by CosmoGIRL! catered to the student life aspect of the College. "The recognition that the College has received shows that we are not only competitive but also complete."
Six key factors were considered in CosmoGIRL!'s selection of the schools. These include small class size, prominent female faculty members, strong women's sports programs, a career center that assists in the attainment of internships, opportunities to hold leadership positions in activities and clubs, and a prominent alumni network.
Other aspects considered were survey responses, Princeton Review data, strength of the academic program, variety of on-campus activities and "fun" rating.
As an academic institution with more female students than male students, the College has not lost its step in keeping with tradition - on Oct. 1, 1855, the College's first class was held with 10 women and five men.
Freshman Sara Best agreed with CosmoGIRL!'s judgement. "There are a lot of opportunities for internships at the College," she said. "They have a number of connections available to students."
Other female students cited the safety measures taken on campus and its amicable environment as reasons why the College is worthy of the honor.
"I feel safe here," freshman Lainey King said.
