Women who attend all-girl colleges graduate with a higher sense of self-esteem than their co-educational counter parts. This may be due in part to the ability to completely focus on the educational component of college without distraction. This gives young women the opportunity to understand who they are and what they aspire to do aside from the pressures of the traditional roles and expectations for women in society. With time to explore a variety of options, young women feel empowered and capable to enter the workforce well-prepared in their chosen field.
Young women who choose all-girl colleges have the opportunity to see other women in administrative positions lead with competence and confidence. This provides an advantage to young women entering the workforce because they have been able to see, first hand, what it takes to be successful in top-level positions. Increased leadership opportunities for young women at all-girl colleges provide the practical experience necessary to aspire to executive career positions. All-girl college graduates currently represent over 20 percent of the women in congress and 30 percent of women recognized by “Business Week” as Rising Stars in Corporate America.
Because women’s colleges are completely dedicated to the academic and personal growth of young women, girls from all walks of life see their confidence grow while attending all-girl colleges. Women’s colleges hold classes in seminar style, which encourages girls to become a part of the conversation. Over time, and with multiple opportunities to contribute, young women find their confidence increasing and their commitment to excellence in their field growing. Without their male counterparts present, young women can feel freer to voice opinions and engage in dialogue that helps them grow as experts and competitors in their chosen fields of study.
Studies indicate that young women who attend all-girl schools and colleges score higher in math and science on college and standardized testing than those who attend co-curricular institutions. Female students who attend all-girl colleges are more likely to major in engineering and the sciences and are also more involved politically on campus than peers at co-ed colleges. Women who attend all-girl colleges are also more likely to attend graduate schools than those from other learning institutions.