Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell me “make your own decision, it has to be right for you, etc”. I know that, I just want more opinions on these schools since I haven’t really had a ‘say yes to the dress’ moment about any school I’ve visited (~25).
My major is international relations/global politics, plus I’ll be taking Arabic. I’m not really a partier, but I can be outgoing and I like exploring new places or hanging out with friends. I could basically see myself at any of them, which is kind of the problem, haha.
The big debate in my head is that W&L just offered me the Johnson scholarship which is practically a full ride. That makes me BEYOND happy and excited, I just worry a little about W&L’s party atmosphere. I can afford the other two schools after the aid they’ve given me, but obviously W&L is a whole lot cheaper.
So try not to put any of the schools down, just try to sell me on the other(s)! Thanks!
There are definitely W&L fraternities and sororities that are not known for partying, so if you wind up at W&L, you might look into those. Most parties are open to all, so you can go and not drink or just hold a drink – no one really cares. There are service groups, music groups, and religious groups that provide a social niche for students who don’t want Greek life. You would have a chance to be a Mock Con 2020 leader, which for anyone interested in politics is huge. You might find this link to a Fall 2015 alumni magazine with an article on Arabic at W&L of interest:
D was a Johnson, not a partier, and had a fabulous experience (including study abroad in two countries). The Johnson opportunity grants for summer and spring term projects are another benefit; look on the website to see some examples, it’s impressive. Graduating without debt gave her lots of choices postgrad. Some of her friends with big debt majored in things they didn’t love and/or took jobs they weren’t wild about due to pressure (parental or self-imposed) about finances.
Congrats on the Johnson! Davidson and Emory are super as well, so whichever you choose, you will have a great education.
W&L is an impressively “smart” college (“The 50 Smartest Colleges in America,” Business Insider). They have also decidedly recognized your scholarship potential. Think about it.
Sometimes, the best value isn’t “free” but “affordable fit”. If you feel W&L is a poor fit and other colleges are better fits AND affordable, then go with those. However, you certainly applied to W&L for a reason, try to look at your criteria and see if you’ve changed enough that they’re no longer valid, or if they are still valid, or if your campus visit during the Johnson changed your perceptions, or if they are overcome by the “partying” aspect.
I’ll add it’s not a good idea to downplay the “party culture” at W&L. Greek life and parties are very much part of the social fabric. So, you have to look at ways to minimize this downside (to you), see how feasible these accomodations are, and determine if they’re worth compromising for the Johnson scholarship.
Parties exist at nearly every college in the country, including Davidson and Emory. But here are my thoughts:
OP simply said that they were “not a partier,” not that they hated parties or avoided them altogether.
The party culture at a small, intellectual liberal arts college such as W&L is likely to be really different from the party culture someone might expect at a huge state school.
Greek life =/= party culture/life. Plenty of non-Greek students love to party and plenty of Greek students prefer other things.
The major question is would you rather pay a lot more money to avoid some partying? And it’s not just the money - Johnson scholars get $7,000 to support summer experiences. For an international relations major, that could mean study abroad or internships internationally or funding an unpaid State Department internship. There are the opportunity grants and the lecture series.
If the only downside to W&L is the party culture I’d say W&L in a heartbeat.
@juillet: Greek Life AND party culture are two big, overwhelming specificities at W&L, along with the Brooks Brothers wardrobe for men (the latter not nearly as prevalent as the former :D). Heavy partying and smart students aren’t antithetical as you know.
(the latter not nearly as prevalent as the former :D). Heavy partying and smart students aren’t antithetical as you know. 