I’m currently a freshman at W&L, from the Northeast, undecided major but maybe along the lines of Econ and/or Math. I’m very into music as well and have taken advantage of some opportunities at school already.
If you’re still not sure whether or not you want to apply, feel free to ask me any questions about anything and I will respond ASAP ( and hopefully I’ll be able to sway you in the direction of applying (-: )
First of all, you’re awesome, OK? Thank you very much for taking your time to help us prospectives.
I’ve already committed to the W&L, and I’m trying to have my interview within the next few days, hopefully before January 1st. Do you think having the interview after January will annul it? I’m going ED by the way.
I do have a few questions I was hoping you could me out with, not necessarily to sway my decision as its been made already, but just some pointers, ya’ know?
This one comes up a lot, I’m sure. I consider myself smack-dab in the middle of the political spectrum, but I lean more to the left. Is conservatism as rampant as they say, have you noticed it? (For others reading, yes, I’ve researched all about this, but I enjoy reading testimonials.) are there “Make America Great Again” people there? It goes without saying that I wouldn’t mind living amongst them, but the more… Passionate ones could prove to be slightly annoying. From what I’ve seen most are well spoken and love a good debate. That’s where I’d love to be.
How about the student population? Is it as “white” as commonly portrayed? This is going to sound weird, but Im enjoying the fact that there isn’t too much diversity there, mainly because it very slightly gives me an extra push. Plus, being away from the country for over eight years, I want to be immersed in the American culture(or at least one part of it) as much as possible. I love my fellow international student, don’t get me wrong, but I’d much rather settle myself down with the natives. I have plenty of diversity back home hahah
Thanks in advance!p and congrats on your acceptance!
@Woppifier0101 I have applied RD. I would like to know more about Johnson scholarship. I have my interview 2 week back and it went very well. I am interested in Business School. Any insight will be helpful.
Good to hear you applied. The Johnson Scholarship grants full scholarships (tuition and room and board) to 10% of the incoming class. There are usually a bunch of finalists chosen and there is a “Johnson Weekend” that many of them attend. I personally did not apply for it but I wish you luck with it, and I’m glad your interview went well!
As far as business school, do you mean you are interested in W&L’s business school (Williams School or the C-School) or going to business school as a grad student? You don’t actually apply to the C-School separately but rather you are “in” it by just majoring in one of those areas.
Applied to Williams Business School.
@AGoodFloridian it sounds like you’re applying EDII? And have you committed for a sport?
W&L definitely has a more conservative student body than most liberal arts schools, but I have met plenty of democrats. You’ll meet a hardcore conservative every now and then but I’ve met some pretty big liberal students too. If anything, the lack of constant radical protesting and demonstrations keeps the focus on learning and having a well rounded college experience. There was a demonstration about the whole Mizzou situation, though, and students are encouraged to assert their views, just in a respectful and peaceful manner. I have friends as other LACs where over half the student body is constantly protesting and trying to kick their deans and presidents out. Our President is a great guy. Overall I think you’ll be fine politically.
As far as diversity, I won’t lie and say we have tons of racial diversity because it’s not true. W&L is very accepting of anyone, so that’s not why. I think it’s just the fact that since we are not a historically diverse place which might discourage some.
Geographic and economic diversity is great though! There are obviously plenty of southern kids but also tons of northerners, including myself. I have met people from everywhere, even some from Iowa and Wyoming! Sure there are a bunch of wealthy people too but the Johnson Scholarship brings in people from all sorts of backgrounds.
@Woppifier0101 Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it! I just had my interview an hour ago. It went super well 
My interviewer was really down to earth and so informative. He told me some of his stories at W&L and gave me some amazing insights. It was a great one hour 
I’m not committed on any sports, so I’m hoping to stand a chance on the basis of my grades, work experience, and general situation. My SAT scores weren’t as high as I had hoped for, but I think they’ll do the job. Can’t wait to know the decisions!
Do you by any chance know when the Johnson Scholarship Finalists are notified? Thanks
I am thinking of applying early decision or regular decision at the moment. I want to apply ED but I’m unsure. I’ve done some research and am worried about a few things. Is it hard to not be a big party guy over there? Also I’m not bothered by the low amount of diversity but I am a minority and I’m worried that it may be hard to be a minority there. Could you tell me what you know about treatment of minorities there? I plan on going for Computer Science. I’m wondering about the quality of the education since it’s a liberal arts school. Sorry for such a loaded question.
I realize the party question is redundant after reading more of the site. The minority treatment and quality of CS education are still questions I have however.
Thanks for this thread. My daughter is only a junior, but she has long wanted to attend W&L. She identified it as an 8th grader, b/c it is highly academic but also social, athletic, and outdoorsy (she is a summer camp lover). She really fits the profile of the school. The only apprehension my husband and I have is that financially, we are decidedly “middle class” in income. Let’s just say, we vacation at the beach in Florida rather Bermuda. Will our daughter feel marginalized at W&L? Do all the kids pack up for Spring Break and head to the Bahamas? I don’t want her to come home and resent the fact that we aren’t in the 1%.
@Woppifier0101 Thanks for this thread! When will notifications for Johnson scholarship be out?
@luckymama64 I graduated from W&L a few years ago-- no one would judge your daughter for what she chooses to do over a break. I recall overhearing people talking about skiing in Colorado over February Break, but that was a minority. Spring break isn’t that big a deal at W&L largely because it doesn’t coincide with most colleges’ March break. I don’t recall travelling much for Spring break; I’m sure some people road-tripped to Virginia and North Carolina beaches.
In general, yes, there are a good many upper-middle class kids, but plenty not as well. Your daughter would know people with much more expensive cars than hers, that kind of thing. But it’s not an environment that ‘marginalizes’ middle class kids.
My son is a First Year at W&L he loves it! We are from the west coast and definitely are not upper income. He feels very accepted and says that there are all income brackets. As mentioned in a previous post there are some with more money but that’s life. There will always be those with more and those with less. He especially likes dressing up for events and the inclusive attitude. PS - He will be skiing in Colorado over break because it is home!
Hello Sir,
Since you know the type of people who make it. Can you please chance me?
GPA 4.0/4.0. Have taken a really tough Alevels curriculum with subjects ranging from Math and Physics to Economics and Journalism. I have about 9 Courses in current year and have still maintained exceptional grades in my first trimester sessionals (4.0).
My ACT is a 32. (28 E, 35 M, 31R, 32S). My Maths 2 subject score is 740 and Physics is 720. Other than that I have a really strong academic profile for last 4 consecutive school years.
My commonapp essay is a pretty personal essay which according to many is a strong displayer of who I am and how i have strongly faced risen over a discrimination that i faced.
My Johnson Scholarship essay revolved around getting a toilet made in my school. It showed exceptional Leadership skills since all finances and dealings had to be done by me. No support was given through school and thus answered a Q posed by johnson scholarship well.
My Why and WandLee and activity essays were pretty good too showing my well researched nature.
My Letter of Recs, eventhough i havent seen them, were hopefully very strong. One even came from UC Bekrley PHD who saw me as an influential leader in class at Stanford.
As far as my Extra curriculars are concerned, I have attended a Stanford Pre Collegiate summer program where i did great and got a letter of REC from My professor too. I was the Headboy (President) of my school and was also the Vice President (Deputy Headboy) of my school for consecutive years. I have 600+ hours of Community service. Internship at BBC and Frontier Core Hospital. I tutor students for free as well. I am Regional level swimmer and have been winning swimming competitions. I have founded two socieities as well which have been succesful in making an impact on lives of many people. Etc.
My honors include 1st position in Kangaroo Maths competition in Reigon and same with Spelling Bee competiton. I was the Student of the year, most prestigious award of my school. Lastly I was also a high achiever at United States Educational foundation of Pakistan (among 30 from 200000).
I know you’re still a freshman so you might not be able to answer this, but do you know how career placement is like in finance/business? Do investment banks and consulting firms recruit on campus?
Sorry for the late reply. Your daughter will not feel out of place. The Johnson Scholarship brings in people from all different economic backgrounds. In general the school probably isn’t as old money/rich as it used to be.
@Woppifier0101 can you please answer my question too?
Just a rough guess or an idea?
Are you talking about Johnson or just getting admitted? I have a good feeling you’ll be able to get into this school with that profile. Sounds like you’re a good candidate for Johnson too but I don’t work for admissions obviously so I can’t really say. Even if you don’t get Johnson you should be able to get decent aid, assuming you’re accepted.
Thanks for making this thread! I’ve been invited to the johnson scholarship weekend, which I’m thrilled about, but I’m worried because W&L doesn’t have my desired major, international relations/affairs. I know it has polisci, but that’s not really what I’m into. Is there any sort of program/minor/blend that W&L has in my intended area that i’m not finding? Thanks!!