Three studies are described which provide evidence that women generally have a disadvantage in higher education and professional activities unless they excel in their field. To study college admission practices, bogus applications for admission were sent, ostensibly from individuals of differing ability levels, and both sexes, with appropriate photographs attached. Sex preferences disappeared only for exceptionally high ability applicants. In a second experiment, female students evaluated eight paintings the identity of which varied according to the sex of the artist and the success of the work, in all combinations. Significant differences were found in perception of the artists' technical competence and future depending on the artists' supposed sex. Bogus job interview requests by Ph.D. candidates were used in a third study which looked at the effect of sex on employers' responses. Females of less than outstanding ability were found to be at a disadvantage when compared with males of equal ability. It is concluded that women are no less responsible than men for this sex discrimination: they expect prejudicial evaluation of their work by men. (KS)