Some questions about W&L, scholarships, etc...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington & Lee University
1

<p>Do I have a decent shot at getting in? Doesn't W&L have like a 20% acceptance rate?
I was wondering if I would maybe qualify for any merit scholarships at W&L.</p>

<p>Here are some of my stats:
I'm a rising junior.
Will have a 4.2 GPA by beginning of senior year (3.85 UW)
30+ ACT, shooting for a 32+
I'm an Eagle Scout, Eucharistic Minister, School Ambassador, Mock trial, Model UN, Track and Field, and some other clubs. I've had a job since 15.
Next summer(when I'll be a rising senior) I'd like to do something over the summer. I'd love to do TASP or LEAD, but I doubt I'll get into one of those programs, so I may go to a service academy program, work more and maybe take a few classes at a local CC.
For my SAT II's, I'll probably try and take them in History, since it is my strongest subject. </p>

<p>Do you think I could get some merit $ with these stats? I'm not expecting a Johnson, but do you think I can get a decent amount of money to bring down the COA?</p>

<p>And some other questions. </p>

<p>Honestly, I'm not sure if W&L is for me, a concern I have for basically all LACs I've looked at. Personally I'd prefer to go to a larger school, but W&L seems like a cool school, so I want to give it a chance. How can you tell if W&L(or any other LAC) is right for you? I plan on visiting next year, I live in Ohio, so it won't be that bad of a drive. </p>

<p>I read in another thread that frat costs are not covered in need-based aid(which I may get a decent amount, but I think our EFC will be around 30k) and that dues are like $4,000. Is that true? I'm assuming the 4k does not include the cost if you actually live in the house. So, the COA is like 56k(while W&L only accounts for 52k) if you want to be in a frat.
And isn't Greek life basically a must if you want to have any social life at all at W&L?<br>
I guess it would not be impossible to have a good social life w/o pledging, bur jeez, 80% of the school goes Greek. </p>

<p>I'm probably going to major in Economics or Political Science, both are supposed to be very good at W&L, right? Is it that hard to double major here?</p>

<p>Oh, and what is the typical weekend like? I'm guessing hanging out/partying Friday night, ???? Saturday, Partying Saturday night, and studying Sunday. Something like that?</p>

<p>Thanks, those are all of the questions I have for now.</p>

2

<p>what led you to W&L if you have not visited yet?</p>

3

<p>I’ve heard of the school before, but never thought much of it.
But then they got my information from the PLAN ACT test and the sent me a viewbook and the campus looked gorgeous, I think I would kind of like Greek life and W&L supposedly has a very good programs in Econ and PoliSci.</p>

4

<p>First off, W&L is classified as a “highly selective” school, and it’s hard to analyze if someone is going to get in for a given year- but something I was always told was important is not just to have many activities, but to be deeply involved in a select few. And of course, academics count.</p>

<p>To be honest, I wasn’t completely sure about W&L, but I was generally looking at smaller schools. What’s great about W&L, and some other smaller schools, is that you don’t have to apply separately for each school, such as the business or journalism school. Also, you get more individual attention from professors, which can translate into great recommendation letters for grad school. Alumni are also very actively seeking W&L grads for work or internships every year. </p>

<p>I definitely think that visiting the school will give you a feel for what it’s like-the campus is amazing, and I always miss the large green spaces of W&L when I’m at home in the city. </p>

<p>I know that at least for sororities, while a different system, offers certain scholarships for students based on need and achievement- and also the nationals sometimes offer certain scholarships that you’d be able to apply for. You don’t have to join a Greek organization, but you’re right that the majority of students do decide to join. You have all of fall semester to make your decision, and after Winter Break you come back for a “formal rush week.” So you have time to decide if it’s for you or not.</p>

<p>Econ and Politics are great majors here, and it would definitely be possible to double major in them if that’s what you’re thinking, since they have quite a few overlapping requirements. I’m a double major in two separate fields and still feel that I’ve had plenty of time to get things done, as long as you have an idea of what you want to do when you start out. </p>

<p>You have the chance to go out anytime you want on the weekend, to parties, or people just hang out at someone’s house. It’s also not unheard of to go out sober for a party, then come back and get work done if you have a lot of things to do. </p>

<p>Also, your first question about money, it’s very possible to get financial aid in some form, whether scholarships or government loans, which should help subsidize the cost of W&L.</p>