In college I went to frat parties and had a boyfriend. My friends and I threw theme parties and keg parties and could kick ass at flip cup and beer pong. I had guys spend the night. In those ways, I did have the traditional college experience.

We also have Fall Fest, a sort of homecoming/ class competition where classes were cancelled and we drink for practically 48 hours straight. I have chilled with alumnae well into their eighties and nineties. My religion professor choked up when we hugged goodbye. I could take my favorite recipes to the dining hall and they would make them. I used to take coffee breaks with the cleaning lady. And I went to school with 800 girls. So in these respects, my college experience was completely untraditional.

We already know from Abigail that enrollment in women’s colleges are dropping. And yes, they were initially started to give women the opportunity of an education. But women’s colleges, just like all colleges, have morphed into something completely different than they were 235 years ago (When Salem, America’s first educational institution for women, was founded). I highly doubt the founders of all our prestigious institutions took into account how high the school’s party ranking would be or the success of their football team. Back then, wasn’t the point to receive an education?

Let me break it down for you (since who wants to read a study during summer break anyways?). Compared to women at co-ed schools:

• We are more engaged in class
• We collaborate more with students outside of class and tutor other students
• We give support for fields where women are underrepresented
• We are more likely to be mentored
• We encourage, support and understand diversity
• We are more likely to ‘engage in integrative activities that lead to deep learning’
• We are closer to faculty
• We have more opportunities for participation and student leadership
• We are more likely to be involved in student life
• We are encouraged to realize our potential

Each of the points above was true to my college experience. AND I had a sex life. Sure, same sex schools aren’t for everyone. But they should be an option that is considered. The lack of one sex doesn’t mean your sex or social life will suffer. So really, what is there to lose?