<p>I am considering both of these schools in my college searches. Which is the better small school for an out-of-stater in terms of costs, academics (I plan to major in a liberal art), and general on-campus atmosphere?</p>
<p>I’ve never been to Davidson, but I have visited W&L. Both schools will offer excellent academics. I think comparing them in that sense is moot. I’m planning to go to law school, and I know that W&L has a very good reputation as a pre-law school, if that’s what you intend to do (liberal arts is a very broad term). W&L, as you probably know, has a Southern feel. Our tour guide looked like what you would expect at W&L, pastels and topsiders. The speaking tradition is real, it’s not just something they put on brochures. Everyone was greeting each other. If you have any questions about W&L, you can PM me and I’ll give you my take if I know.</p>
<p>I personally prefer Davidson for the following reasons:</p>
<p>– Greek life isn’t as big. 35-40% at Davidson vs. 80% at W&L.
– More urban. Davidson is a small town, but Charlotte is a short drive away if you have a (friend with a) car.
– Bigger athletic scene.</p>
<p>Davidson is also slightly more diverse socioeconomically and ethnically than W&L, but both have a ways to go in those areas. As an LGBT and liberal-leaning applicant, I felt more at home at Davidson than W&L, and I was much more impressed by the science facilities at Davidson. YMMV.</p>
<p>Both give decent financial aid and are loan-free for all students. For merit aid, Davidson gives more scholarships, but W&L gives larger ones.</p>
<p>I like Davidson very much. The sense of campus community is extraordinary and the cam-us facilities are amazing. W&L and Lexington have a certain charm, but seem to me to be more remote and cloistered.</p>
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<p>Just know that Charlotte is kind of lame, as far as cities go (though I’m happy to PM you with specific things to do in the Davidson/Charlotte area if you’re interested). </p>
<p>Washington and Lee does have the lure of the Johnson Scholarship, if you think you’re qualified for that.</p>
<p>Another vote for Davidson unless you want a very preppie fratty southern school.</p>
<p>On campus atmosphere is better at W&L but its because of the Greek life. For academics, difference is minimal. You’ll need to apply to figure out costs based on the aid offered, but Davidson is probably better…</p>
<p>OP, why do you have to choose one or the other now? Apply to both. If only one accepts you, then your decision is made. If they both accept you, make your decision next spring. Your plans and preferences can change A LOT over the next 9 months. There’s no need to make this Coke or Pepsi choice now. Is there?</p>
<p>Davidson. I live right outside of the W & L area — Davidson is a much more inclusive, friendly campus. Also, may want to look at Denison (very pretty campus and a similar feel to Davidson). Good luck!</p>
<p>There are definitely things that people can have issues with at Washington and Lee, but being inclusive and friendly? Those are two of the things Washington and Lee are known for. </p>
<p>And I agree with DougBetsy, apply to both schools and visit both schools. You will probably know if you spend time with current students on the Washington and Lee campus whether it is right for you.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies. Just wanted to get some opinions before I visited the schools. I visited Davidson today and I have to say I was very impressed. I guess it’s all relative though. This was just the first of many college visits to come.</p>
<p>W & L for Capitol Hill connections. Davidson for just about everything else.</p>
<p>Just wanted to add that if you like Davidson and Washington & Lee - you might also want to consider Wake Forest. It has many of the attributes discussed above - but is also a little larger - in case you are at all concerned about the small size of the previous 2 schools.</p>
<p>Academic reputation seems about the same, sports and ‘urban quotient’ seems to go to Davidson while W&L appears to be more Southern and Greek. Hate to rehash, but the last post was in 2010 and we’re interested in both schools.</p>