Do not become snarled in this confusing mess.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington & Lee University
1

<p>Let me offer some clarification on a few things:</p>

<p>I have read over many posts after I went to show my brother the opinions regarding my college. To say the least, I am upset by the nonsense.</p>

<p>Many of you are very qualified students, and should have no problem with gaining admission at Washington and Lee. However, there are many illogical claims regarding the social life, and academic life at my school. If you are not a student at a particular university you cannot rightly make judgments based on any aspect of the school. It seems a bit odd for high school students that have not yet been accepted to comment to other perspectives about the academic climate being cutthroat. Also, a bit that really struck me as offensive was in regard to "democrats being pushed," as one person posted. There is no atmosphere of hostility in regard to politics what-so-ever. If anything, the poster's friend may have been drunk at a party when the "pushing" ensued--so the claims are unfounded.</p>

<p>Our academic environment is tough--very tough to be exact. The only students that do not seem to have difficulty come in three flavors: New England Prep School, Hermit, and the fine instance of a really gifted individual. Unless you fall into one of those categories, you will have to work like never before at this school. Of course, this is just a generalization and should not be taken to heart.</p>

<p>The social environment is AMAZING. I will admit that the frat/srat scene does dominate much of the social environment, but there are alternatives that exist. You should/will not be bored when you step foot on campus in the fall. I'll leave some for the imagination...</p>

<p>We are a strongly republican campus, but the number of democrats has been steadily increasing over the past few years (to my understanding). Politics does not spark brawls or major demonstrations--but is definitely a solid conversation/argument starter.</p>

<p>A majority of Washington and Lee students are not 1.) stuck up 2.) legacy 3.) rich 4.) shallow 5.) stereotypes. I am a first generation college student from a family of eight. </p>

<p>However, we do need to work on expanding our minority population.</p>

<p>Basically, I just want to let the perspectives that read my post know that Washington and Lee is an EXCELLENT school. No school is perfect (and this is a truth that people should accept), and I cannot say that we are perfect. However, I chose this school over Hopkins and Duke (to name two) because I wanted an educational experience I could call my own. I did not want to share the limelight with a grad student, med student, or law student. I feel comfortable that I made the right choice, and I am very happy to be attending Washington and Lee.</p>

<p>Enjoy your senior year, and best of luck with admissions.</p>

2

<p>First off persona, most of us here at CC don't post random rumors (or at least without saying it is just a rumor) and get our information from students, teachers and admissions officers (I've had the pleasure of being able to speak to all three).</p>

<p>But anyway, thank you very much for your input. I think the fact that pretty much all of us here on this board are applying to W&L shows that we can look past the stereotypes we hear.</p>

<p>That said, any information from a student is helpful. So thank you.</p>

3

<p>Great post, very comforting. I'm obviously guilty of what the original post was against (high schoolers speaking an opinion founded on hearsay) ands I can recognize that.</p>

<p>Like Dima said, though, the fact that we all are applying and are in love with the school do show that we have looked past all of that.</p>

<p>The only fear I really have about the school is that I might have too many great schools to choose from. What's likely to happen, however, is that Dartmouth and Swarthmore will make the decision for me, if you know what I mean.</p>

4

<p>Mr. Wonka, you may be accepted into some high-caliber schools! I know many students that chose between Washington and Lee and Dartmouth. The number that weighted Swarthmore versus the other two is much less, from my understanding. You really have to evaluate many factors in this decision, but I am sure that you will find the school that suits you best in the end. I did not mean to start any commotion on this forum--just wanted to provide some insight. Merry Christmas.</p>

5

<p>Happy Holidays to you, too.</p>

<p>I have been questioned in the past for seriously considering both Swarthmore and W&L, and it's understandable. The schools have more differences than similarities, but both felt right. I've always attributed it to being from my part of Maryland-- am I north? am I south? I've never known.</p>

<p>Anyway, this isn't the place to unload my feelings about my admissions expectations, so another thanks is in order for your kind words and perspective on W&L.</p>

6

<p>I was talking to Rakem online today, and she mentioned something that surprised me. She said that the school has put its foot down with drinking policies, and alcohol is now allowed to be served to people under 21 in frat houses. She said because of this, the parties have been moving off campus. I feel that this is not a very smart move, as it can cause people to drive drunk back to their dorms. Persona1011, what is your take on this? Do parties still happen in frat houses like the good old days? I'm not going to be 21 until the end of my Junior year; I don't wanna miss out on that much of the social scene at W&L!</p>

<p>I applied EDII and I think I have a good shot at getting in. The new enforcement of the drinking policy does seem a bit disconcerting to me, but I think I hope it doesn't adversely change the social scene at W&L too much.</p>

<p>Persona1011, could you provide your IM name to me so I can talk to you about W&L? Thanks!</p>

7

<p>"However, we do need to work on expanding our minority population."</p>

<p>Persona1011, what do you mean by this? I have been unable to find the statistics on W&L's website.</p>

8

<p>All the stats are here:</p>

<p><a href="http://ir.wlu.edu/studata/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ir.wlu.edu/studata/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

9

<p>Wow...if I was accepted to W&L, I would be the 26th Asian American male there, assuming that none of them are graduating and I am the only Asian-American enrolling; both assumptions are highly unlikely.</p>

<p>Thanks for the stats, Dima</p>