Ulviya Choban '29

Although there wasn't a single defining moment when Bryn Mawr became my first-choice school, everything I learned about it gradually convinced me that it was.  

My interest in Bryn Mawr began during the summer before my senior year, when I interviewed with Bryn Mawr alumna Dorothy H. Bedell ('70). She told me she had been interviewing prospective students for many years, and what I found the most inspiring was the genuine enthusiasm she still had for Bryn Mawr decades after graduating. She shared stories about the community and the quirky traditions, which made Bryn Mawr feel like a place I could belong. As an international student, finding a community where I could feel at home was one of my biggest priorities, and that interview confirmed that Bryn Mawr was a school I wanted to pursue. After that conversation, I started attending Bryn Mawr’s information sessions and, like many high school seniors, spent far too much time watching videos about college life. When I learned about the Quaker Consortium and Bryn Mawr's location, I remember thinking, "This is exactly what I want." I could be part of a small, supportive community while also expanding my academic and social horizons by taking classes at neighboring colleges, with Philadelphia just a short train ride away. By early October, Bryn Mawr had naturally risen to the top of my list.   

I knew I wanted to spend the next four years in a place where women were expected to take initiative rather than fade into the background.  

That was the kind of community I believed Bryn Mawr fostered. Once I realized that, I no longer felt the need to keep comparing it with other colleges. By the time applications opened, applying Early Decision felt natural because it was the only college where I could genuinely picture myself. I was also simply too excited to wait until the Regular Decision round to find out whether I would be joining the Bryn Mawr community.  

"Instead of spending my senior year feeling anxious and wondering where I would end up, I could focus on my classes and enjoy each moment with the people closest to me."

One thing I didn't know was how much mental space certainty would give me. The uncertainty of not knowing where you'll spend the next four years can feel daunting. Receiving my Early Decision acceptance in mid-December meant I no longer had to carry that weight. Instead of spending my senior year feeling anxious and wondering where I would end up, I could focus on my classes and enjoy each moment with the people closest to me. Perhaps the greatest gift of applying Early Decision was that it allowed me to live in both the present and the future. I could enjoy where I was while genuinely looking forward to what was ahead. I think that peace of mind is what I cherish most about the Early Decision experience.  

Looking back, several things about Bryn Mawr have exceeded my expectations, but the biggest has been just how supported I've felt throughout my first year.  

When I was adjusting to the reading and writing expectations of my Emily Balch Seminar, the Writing Center became one of my favorite resources. Whenever I needed extra support in calculus, I knew I could stop by the Q Center, and it made challenging classes feel much more manageable. Knowing I can find support for almost anything has given me a sense of security I hadn't expected before coming to college. Just as important have been the people I've met here. My professors have been incredibly approachable, and some of my favorite conversations have happened during office hours, especially with my Russian professor. It's been such a fun experience to be able to talk with professors about almost anything. Students are also genuinely involved in campus life, and that energy is something I noticed almost immediately. There's always something going on, and it makes campus feel vibrant.  

 I would tell a prospective student that if Bryn Mawr already feels like the place where they want to spend the next four years, then Early Decision is absolutely worth considering. That was how I felt. By the time I submitted my application, all I was hoping for was an acceptance letter from Bryn Mawr, without worrying about any other schools.  

If this story resonates with you, Early Decision is a wonderful option.