<p>Again I had our son read your post and again I want to thank you for sharing your insights. Our son attended a college preparatory school through the 8th grade and out of a class of 62 there was only 1 that was able to “do it all.” Don’t know if she has applied to W&L, although the school has sent several students there. Students like her and your son are rare.</p>
<p>So now we wait.</p>
<p>Best of luck and enjoy the experience, whatever the outcome. </p>
<p>Btw, I did not mean to suggest that EVERY student at W&L “does it all” in the sense of having tons of different activities. Instead, what I meant to convey was that students who thrive (i.e, do very well both academically and extracurricularlyat W&L) are often those who did the same in h.s. in that they devoted successfully themselves to both their academics and their extracurriculars (whatever ECs they spent a significant amount of time doing, whether that is one or many activities), and they were happy with that lifestyle (i.e., they had satisfying experiences and friendships). To me, thriving simply means doing well in your chosen endeavors and being happy with that.</p>
<p>Sorority Stuff:</p>
<p>5 of the 6 NPC groups have houses. The 6th group just colonized last year and plans are underway for a house for them. All 6 groups made quota this year and a couple of groups made quota-plus. All 5 houses are gorgeous inside. The girls truly have beautiful homes when they live in the house. It is true that mostly sophomores live in the house but certain chapter officers are required to live-in and of course there are women who simply like living on campus for the convenience and much prefer mansion-living than dorm accomodations.</p>
<p>One thing that the Panhel groups do that promotes Panhellenic cameraderie is to alternate dinners at the houses. All chapters eat in their own houses for all lunches and on Mondays nights. Tue-Friday dinners alternate at different houses. Kappa hosts on one night, Pi Phi on another…</p>
<p>References for sorority recruitment are very important at W&L. Get them in early. These are written by alumnae of the groups that are on campus. The alumnae do not have to be members of the specific W&L Chapters ie I can write a letter for a rushee as a member of XYZ even though I was an XYZ at a different university.</p>
<p>Sorority recruitment is MUCH more structured than the fraternity recruitment.</p>
<p>Ditto on the sorority houses - they are absolutely fantastic. The new one is under construction, but I think it will be about a year or so before its done.</p>
<p>In looking over this thread I guess I should add that I had a D who was a Jeff at UVA and currently have one at W&L. Thus, we have some experience with both institutions. Obviously, everyone is operating under their specific set of circumstances so I would not dare try to direct anyone on the “right” decision for them. What I will say is that both my kids abosutely loved their choice and neither would be willing to trade their experiences with the other. D1 was the type, however, that would never consider W&L under any circumstances – she simply did not want that kind of experience, and in retrospect, I do think she would have been unhappy. </p>
<p>D2 is much much more adaptable and decided to apply to both. In the end she was in a similar situation deciding between UVA, UNC, Wake, W&M, Richmond, and a few others versus W&L. W&L did not top her list at the time, but she absolutely liked it very much and had some questions, but few doubts about whether or not she’d enjoy her time there (even with her plans to NOT participate in Greek life). So for her, financial considerations were definitely the tipping point. Soon after she arrived there as a student she told me that all angst in trying to make a decision seemed ridiculous in hindsight. She stills says she wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else. She also went against her initial position, and having the chance to see it firsthand, finds that she really loves greek life too. </p>
<p>As far as name recognition and prestige, etc., I do not personally see any disparity whatsoever between the available opportunities for what each is doing. Both have done/are doing amazing things IMO. Thus, I don’t think I’d give those aspects too much weight with the exception of something very specific you might be looking to do.</p>