My son is looking at W & L but what I have read about the heavy drinking and the very high percentage of students in frats does concern me.
Would a smart, quirky kid would does not play sports and is more into music and theater not thrive at W & L or are their niches for that at W & L?
Are there frats that are more academically based (not just in name but in character) at the college?
There are certainly niches for kids who are into music & theatre (one of the kids currently profiled on the W&L home page is a double major in theatre and business with a minor in dance), and there are also frats that are known more for academics and leadership than for partying. Has your son visited the campus?
Hi Artie1. My son had similar concerns and almost decided against W&L for that reason. However, we revisited the school in late April and spoke with several students and professors. What our son found was that there is something for everyone at W&L and that their is no overwhelming pressure to conform. Interestingly one of the professors who we spoke with for almost an hour was the head of the theater and film department. Our son is interested in film and the professor was very helpful in explaining where W&L is headed with his department. If it is at all helpful I can tell you that they are very serious about their theater department and that it is very robust. In short, I would feel very confident in saying that your son would find his place at W&L and would find it a very supportive and encouraging environment.
As yaupon pointed out, there is currently a nice front-page profile of an individual whom some might call a “quirky” kid.
http://www.wlu.edu/transformative-education?feature=true&id=x11779
Here is an excerpt:
" Although I was plenty informed on the quality of education, I had no idea what the social scene would be like. The first thing I noticed? I was clearly not fitting in with the preppy vibes that are such a trademark of our campus. Later I learned that I was essentially all the things that the frat bro handbook tells you not to be, if you want to fit in easily. However, I would soon discover that it didn’t matter, because the Washington and Lee community was one that embraced and appreciated my individuality. Honestly, throughout my time here, I have become deeply convinced that because of the values that our honor system cultivates in us, those who are fully true to their identity can easily become leaders in the eyes of the student body."
Thanks- I just read that profile which is encouraging.
I also just read this regarding housing options:
“New for 2015-2016, the ARC (Arts, Recreation and Culture) House is designed to create an environment that fosters appreciation for the arts, nature, recreation, and culture in and beyond the Washington and Lee community. Students living in ARC House will have access to common area spaces to host events and monetary support to establish programs and/or travel to event destinations. Program and event focus will be largely dependent on residents’ interests, but the intent and purpose of the house is to provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of intellectual, cultural, and social activities on and off-campus.”
Sounds like they are working to make the arts students feel more at home.
You are describing my son, and he absolutely loves W & L. He too was concerned about the frat scene, but soon found that is it completely acceptable to be an independent. W & L Greek life is different from many other schools because you can opt not to join a frat, but still be welcome at frat gatherings and have frat friends. Additionally, there are frats which are traditionally more academic, though every student at W & L is academically talented. And though parties at frats always have alcohol and drinking there are definitely kids who do not drink, my son included. One thing my son says is that W & L is a community, and one that is respectful of everyone’s individuality.
Thanks loonmom- that’s good to hear. My son is not a partyer-he gets his fun through movies, joking around with his friends etc. Glad to hear it’s not forced on you at W & L.