Hi all, I’m a senior in HS and am trying to get all the perspectives that I can get for my college search. Before I begin, I want to preface that I’m an Asian female from a mid-income family. I’m certain that I want to go to a small and competitive LAC and I think that I have the stats, recommendations, and resume to be able to consider schools like W&L. However, I wanted some opinions on W&L because it has an amazing program for those who want to go into law and social work like I do. The problem is that on paper, W&L is my dream school. A small community in a small town where an honor code is enforced and where there’s a great path into law school. Additionally, when I toured it, I absolutely adored the campus and my tour guide was extremely down to earth and it was evident that he loved his school However, when reading reviews of the school online, I see a lot of people mentioning that the school isn’t very inclusive to those who aren’t big into the party scene. I’d definitely consider rushing a sorority, but it’s not something that anyone in my immediate or extended family has done, and we might have some financial issues with going Greek. I want to go to a school where my ideas (as a left leaning moderate), as well as my morals and my body are respected. Should I still be looking at W&L as one of my top choice schools, or would I be better off ED-ing a school like Davidson?
W&L is actually a very welcoming place and your views would be respected there. It is a Greek heavy social life, but there are many who do not join Greek organizations and many Greek parties are open to all students. You might try and do an overnight visit or talk to current students to help you evaluate the fit.
There are plenty of moderates and left-leaning people at W&L. Everyone is pretty respectful of each other in terms of political stripes. The Greek system is overall very inclusive; I had a good time as a Greek and was far from the stereotypical frat guy. And the non-Greek portion of the student body is still pretty substantial.
I don’t think Davidson is all that different from W&L. I’m sure you could have a fine time at either place. You could also run into some jerks at either place. With college-age people the world over, there are always a few jerks in the mix.
My daughter attends W&L. She is also interested in law and she is very liberal and feels her ideas are respected. She loves W&L. The academics are fabulous. Great professors, small classes. I’m truly astounded by the education and feel so lucky that she is so happy. You will definitely find many other left leaning moderates.
The social life does revolve around Greek. I was not a fan of Greek, but I call W&L Greek lite. Compared to what I hear from other parents with students at large Southern Universities, the demands are much lighter. My daughter says her sorority is all the girls who would not have gone Greek if they were at a different school. Sororities are less expensive than frats. Costs vary by sorority and by whether you live at the house. You can belong to a Sorority and choose not to go to parties.
W&L has a fantastic activity called Mock Convention that attracts law/politics majors. Google it and see if it interests you. It is very unique and offers excellent experiences.