<p>I'm from New York and wondering if W&L has a true southern culture (like Vanderbilt, Wake Forest), or more of a geographically diverse culture (like Duke, Emory)</p>
<p>As a fellow New Yorker, I can tell you it feels much closer to “true southern culture”. Granted, my only exposure to Vandy, Wake and Duke were through campus visits. I think something like 40% of students hail from the south–if you include Maryland as “south”. About 40% are from the Northeast/Middle Atlantic. The rest are midwest and west. Despite the relatively broad geographic distribution of students, however, it’s very southern- feeling to me–and speaking as a liberal Long Islander, that’s a mostly positive characterization. There is a respect for tradition. Students dress up a little bit (amazing that my slob son has learned to look nice several times a month–I went through 4 years of college and never put on a tie!) Students are extremely polite, and disagreements on campus are civil. The student body is more conservative than most college communities, but it’s not Liberty University. Views to the left of the political spectrum are respected and it is far from a monolithic political culture–something that I think might be intellectually healthier than the reflexive liberal bent present at most top-rated colleges. My son has learned to defend his left-of-center positions rather than having them an unquestionable part of liberal canon.
Drawbacks–very few international students for a school of its academic quality and reputation. I guess that reputation hasn’t yet traveled beyond our shores. It’s also pretty white. Not that there’s anything wrong with that 
But I do think students would be better prepared to live in the majority non-white country we are becoming if there were more people of color on campus with whom they could share experiences and opinions.
On balance, I have a very happy son there. Two thumbs up for W&L from this very appreciative, liberal, northeastern parent!</p>
<p>Alpha Kappa Order was founded there, I think that’s enough proof</p>
<p>It’s the Kappa Alpha Order, and that doesn’t mean anything.</p>