<p>You have nothing to worry about either place. This is college, fun is half the equation. Wash U isn’t that small. There is plenty going on almost all the time. Sounds like you are leaning Wash U and are just worried it is too serious or something. Forget that, if you like Wash U best every other way, go there. If you look for fun, you will easily find it.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say people just stay in the dorms because they’re so nice. That’s a BIG misconception. At multicultural weekend, while I did stay in a traditional, I can attest that the people were both smart and huge party people. While I guess it’s not necessarily the typical dorm, I will say the people on my floor generally didn’t get back until 2-3, if even then. </p>
<p>As for parties, I heard apartment parties tend to be better than the frat ones.</p>
<p>Personally, I go to house/dorm parties most often. Used to go to a party about once a weekend, but more recently, I’ve become a fan of lounges and more casual settings. Although, I still get fb invites to parties all the time, so I’m sure there are still plenty to go to if you so choose.</p>
<p>Mediabob, I might have a sense of what you’re after. I’m looking at this thread because my son is a junior in HS looking at BME and Wash U is a possibility for him. But I’m replying to your thoughts because you remind me of myself 30 years ago. I am from Minneapolis MN and as a junior was smitten with the idea of studying engineering at Purdue. So smitten, in fact, that Purdue was the only school I visited. I went for a few days, without my parents, and stayed with a girl from my high school (the valedictorian) who finished the year ahead of me. She warned me “this is not a party school,” and I, considering myself to be an intellectual powerhouse replied “I’m not coming here to party.” And indeed I wasn’t but I was totally overlooking the subtlety of the social aspects of life on campus and how important they are to a happy college experience. I went to Purdue expecting a progressive, liberal, tolerant environment, and yes, a party or two. After studying for six or eight hours for five days straight I thought a little fun might be OK. But I was completely disillusioned by the school and hated it within my first semester. I visited friends at UW Madison for spring break and made immediate plans to transfer there my sophomore year. I did so, had a great experience, worked hard and got my IE degree. While it lacked the prestige of the same degree from Purdue, I still got a good job and had no regrets. I have not spent 10 seconds wondering about where I’d be if I’d stayed at Purdue.<br>
I think that it’s very important to address the social aspects of the schools you’re looking at, and to be honest with yourself about what you’re after. While I enjoyed a few parties at UW, I also enjoyed a lot of foreign flicks, and bands playing on the Terrace, and street performances of every kind and on and on. When my son and I tour campuses, I relentlessly search for signs of social diversity. When I hear that the ventriloquist performance is the headliner for the weekend, I know we’re on thin ice. College is not just a time to prepare yourself professionally. Mediabob, you will succeed academically and professionally, there is no doubt. And you know that your opportunities will not be ill-affected by your choice of either of these schools because the field(s) you’ve chose is (are) so hot and they are both excellent institutions. Look at those two campuses again, either literally or in your mind, and read the signs. Stop pouring over the outplacement statistics. Listen to your heart. Intuit a little. Best of luck.</p>
<p>thank you so much beastman, thank you for a true unbiased opinion and post. I think it will help me with my decision that is due in the next few days</p>