<p>We just got back from a campus visit on a beautiful spring day. We have been on many, many, campus visits. We were really impressed with Wash U, but came away with one concern: is the campus too sterile/perfect? It was almost like Disney had crafted the perfect college campus. Where was the personality and individuality? Does this same-ness affect the students? This was really our only major concern, but it indeed was a concern. Thoughts?</p>
<p>I have not actually seen WUSTL. But my husband and son (who is admitted ED for Fall 2011) came back with that same sort of suspicious reaction-like is this real?! That’s not exactly what you are describing, but it seemed so perfect to them that they weren’t sure it was genuine. Well, now several months later, I can tell you that it sure seems like the real deal to me. When my son first started talking about switching from a RD candidate to an ED candidate, I called the Alumni Association to see about setting up an alumni interview for him. I mentioned to the person on the phone that as a parent I was curious about the alumni activities and connections on the west coast where WUSTL is not as immediately recognized. We had a nice conversation. The following day I received a phone call (that I did not request) from the Dean at the Weston career center (my son will be in Olin) wanting to know if all my questions had been answered. He spent about an hour with me on the phone and was so nice and informative. Today we were finalizing housing and some other matters. I sent a long email inquiry to student health services- I was emailed with a complete response within a 1/2 hour. Housing spent time with me on the phone. Everyone is nice, everyone is responsive, and everyone is so respectful and courteous. If my son spends 4 years in an environment where everyone treats each other at this level…well there’s a reason they call Disneyland the happiest place on earth!</p>
<p>Life has enough stress. If you can find a place where your child can be happy and treated nicely while dealing with the stress of school, my feeling is go for it. But that’s where that whole fit thing comes in! Maybe it’s not for you! For me- I wish I could go!!!</p>
<p>As the parent of a current student, I can confirm that it is such a pleasure to deal with the administration and the people at WashU. I guess the stereotype about Midwestern friendliness is true! When we went to orientation at the beginning of freshman year, the dean of arts and sciences met with parents. He not only gave out his direct work line, but his personal cell phone number, to an audience of hundreds! He asked that the parents not call the cell phone unless it was a real emergency, but the fact that he gave it out speaks to a level of caring about the students that is quite unusual. Even though my daughter is thousands of miles from home, I am happy that she is in a place where, when she has an issue, she contacts someone and the person helps her solve the problem. This is in contrast to my son at one of the ivies, who has to deal with an administration that is so unhelpful when there is an issue, be it a housing question, course selection etc. </p>
<p>And while the campus is universally beautiful, you don’t need to worry about a sameness among students. My daughter has developed friendships with students from all over the country, as well as other countries, in a diversity of majors, with many varied extra-curricular interests.</p>
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<p>Just because we are friendly, generally upbeat and happy, and gushing about our school doesn’t mean we are one-dimensional or in any way robotic (generally, I won’t vouch for every single person). People simply don’t shove their talents in your face; it’s amazing how many premeds I’ve met who are incredibly artsy, and art majors who are actually dual-enrolled in business. People won’t blend so much when you get to know them.</p>
<p>The weather was exceptionally nice today.</p>
<p>Oh, I love the weather today!!!</p>
<p>But I do have to say we had a horrible winter, I’m glad Spring is coming</p>
<p>Yeah the weather was definitely picture perfect today. Anyone else see the trees blooming pink down by the engineering school? That’s my second favorite thing- second only to when the trees near the library go bright yellow during the fall.</p>
<p>Don’t count on that during the winter! (While it’s generally gross out then, I will admit it’s still gorgeous on campus when there’s a layer of snow).</p>
<p>Yeah, today was amazing. Those pink trees in front of Crow were a cool surprise, Johnson. I was walking through the arch between Sever/Lopata and when I looked up I saw all of them. And the yellow leaves near the library during Fall are great, too.</p>
<p>Each person definitely perceives winter differently. Since I’ve lived in the Chicago suburbs all my life, I have learned to deal with lots of cold and lots of snow. I felt that this winter wasn’t bad at all, even though I think it was one of the snowiest that St. Louis has ever had. The worst part for me was the total failure at clearing snow, both on campus and on the roads in the city.</p>
<p>It’s a trap! It is too good to be true!</p>
<p>No, WashU is an absolutely fabulous institution, and spring is finally here =) yay for the pink blossoms near Crow. Spring break weather was really weird though - snow on Monday, and then 82F on Wednesday.</p>
<p>I was sure hoping to receive this positive feedback! I especially like what I am hearing about the responsiveness of the administration. Our oldest is in an Ivy, and the same cannot be said. And the housing is beyond horrible. Thanks for the insight!</p>
<p>I echo Karen11’s sentiments. Older D was at a large private school here in CA and for all intents and purposes we felt totally detached from the school. And, when there was a problem, all I got was “don’t worry, all kids go through that rebellious stage” (I should have trusted my instincts as indeed, something was seriously wrong). </p>
<p>WUSTL has been absolutely fabulous - I feel like such a part of the school even this far away (and I was initially worried to have younger D go so far away given the issues we had with older D even close to home). Since sending her off, however, I have NEVER once worried that she would not have support if she needed it. Administration is responsive; there are so many academic and other resources; and as a parent I have always felt included and appreciated - I volunteer for local college fairs and am on the list for incoming parents to call with questions, etc.</p>
<p>So what if it’s like Disney? If a place had awesome people, new buildings, great food, and provided a great education…does it matter if it’s like Disney (whatever that means ((I know what you mean)) ).</p>
<p>Edit: I also like the pink trees outside SEAS…pink tree fan club anyone?</p>
<p>count me in! Pink trees outside Graham Chapel are really nice too~!</p>
<p>And yes, I guess different people perceives this past winter differently. </p>
<p>But you can’t deny there was too much snow this winter, and some weird weather like tornado in February.</p>