I am thinking about applying to WashU Early Decision this fall. But the only worry I still have is whether or not I will be able to handle the environment. Because it is such an academically prestigious school, I am worried it will be too cutthroat or competitive. Can any current students give me a little more information on the academic environment of WashU? I love absolutely everything else about it.
P.S. My intended major is Economics in A&S with a minor in Legal Studies
WashU is the exact opposite. A very collaborative environment where your friends will help you study. My D chose WashU for that reason. She hated her competitive cut throat high school so she finds WashU absolutely a breath of fresh air- absolutely wonderful. She’s never studied alone yet. 
Definitely not a cutthroat vibe.
Yep, definitely not super cut throat, but the academics here are definitely tough. The students here are honestly really friendly and people almost always study or do hw together. It’s a great environment!
Totally agree with all comments. Very supportive environment – especially as freshman. Sophomore year lacks some of the formal support structures that were present as Freshman, but definitely not competitive. Great access to both faculty and TAs. Very responsive to emails and requests for meetings – even the larger classes.
I’m not a student but my daugher went there and she absolutely loved it. She never experienced anything too competitive or cut throat, in fact students and professors would go out of the way to be supportive and helpful. She found the school academically challenging, and really enjoyed the diversity of the stuent population. Students can apply to do all sorts of projects and the university supports them. Good luck! She has life long friends from her years there.