For those unfamiliar…the Johnson guarantees full tuition, room, and board for four years, while also providing $7,000 for summer/extracurricular opportunities.
For reference, I’ve also been accepted to Brown, Dartmouth, Georgetown, the University of Pennsylvania, and Bowdoin…I still have six waitlists that I have yet to hear back about.
Thoughts? Is it worth turning down W&L to attend another of these institutions, all of which average between 63 and 72K/year? My parents are willing to contribute 35-40K/year, but no more…thus far, financial aid appeals have not been fruitful.
To add some context, the reasons I worry about W&L are as follows:
Lack of a dedicated applied math/stats department; to a lesser extent, an accredited engineering curriculum. I’m very interested in applied math and stats.
A possibly too relaxed/not ambitious enough of a student body…
The bucolic setting (albeit exceptionally beautiful) isn’t ideal…
Perhaps too small of a student body with too much of a boarding school feel.
To add, my parents would be able to continue supporting my equestrian pursuits (actually to a much greater degree) if I attend W&L. At other schools, this is unlikely, even impossible. This equestrian sport availability would definitely play a big role in keeping me “happy” at college, but it’s not a factor directly derived from the educational experience, so I don’t know if it’s worth considering in this dilemma.
Many thanks! I hope you don’t get lost in this musing of mine…
There’s over a $20,000 gap in what your parents can pay and the tuition of the other schools. You cannot take that out in loans yourself, so your parents would have to take out loans. Lots of stress all around. W&L does have a very ambitious student body and you can find your group there. The Johnson Scholarship is an amazing opportunity and you will get showered with attention. I do think the math/stats/engineering major is a valid point that you need to research. Perhaps call someone on the faculty at W&L to discuss.
My daughter is a Johnson. She was accepted to Princeton, Columbia, UVA (Jefferson finalist), and a few others. She had other options as well, but she chose W&L. The Johnson gave her the opportunities that she could not have had at other Universities because she had no debt to worry about. She traveled every summer. Spent a semester in a foreign country…all without having to take on any loans. On breaks she traveled overseas all because she did not have to take on tens of thousands of debt.
I can’t begin to explain how liberating this was for her. She never called asking for money. She was her own business. The confidence she has gained as a result is unquantifiable.
You are mistaken to think that the student population is relaxed or lacking in ambition. If you go to W&L with this attitude you will either find yourself at another school or at the bottom of the class. The professors are not known for being easy or not demanding. My daughter had friends visit her from schools like Vandy, Wash U, and the Ivies and each remarked how much harder the W&L students seemed to work. W&L students play hard but work harder.
Based on your interests I’m guessing you are looking to continue your education post college. Have you looked at the price of grad school? Do you want to take on $80k of undergraduate debt and then take on additional grad school debt? Do you want a mortgage sized payment when you leave school?
As to the equestrian aspect…check out the Virginia horse center. Amazing facility.
My final suggestion is to make your decision sooner than later, because I’m sure there are those out there who would jump on the Johnson opportunity should you decline.
My D went there and had several good Johnson scholarship friends (she was at interview week). They all did really great research/summer study that went far beyond the scope of what is offered at the school itself. Believe me, the school will help you reach your goals. The exception is if you really want undergrad engineering, then it may not be for you. It is not an easy school. Very writing intensive in every class. Small classes mean that professors know who you are. Kids at W&L may party but they better show up for class - attendance matters as does participation. The May term is great since you get to explore topics in depth or study abroad - even if you’re in a major without time to take a whole semester away.
You obviously have spent a few days there if you won a Johnson. If you really don’t like the atmosphere or like I said really want an undergrad engineering degree, then maybe look closely at other options. Otherwise I can’t imagine walking away from this opportunity to be debt free.
Not sure where you got the idea that W&L students lack ambition - most are the epitome of work hard, play hard. The academic atmosphere is more collaborative than competitive, and bragging about your grades just isn’t done. But by all means, let one of the alternates (@sc00per88, good luck to your S!) take your Johnson spot if you don’t feel W&L is the right fit for you. Your first reason why it might not be is a compelling one.
If you decide to take the Johnson, please be sure you are going to spend the 4 years at W&L. I might be mistaken, but it’s my understanding that should a Johnson leave during their 4 years the remaining scholarship is not passed to a new student. The money will become available to the next class to enroll.
As a parent of of a first year who went through the Johnson Scholarship and ended up with the Robert E Lee scholarship - I would suggest you think about the word DEBT! You will inevitably have some as an adult and will def have some from grad school. Why be in debt when you don’t have to be!
W&L is a work hard/play hard kind of school … but don’t think, for one moment, that they are relaxed or not ambitious…totally not the case!
It’s a wonderful school with fabulous professors and a safe campus! Good Luck with your decision!
How would you pay for the gap at the other universities? You can’t take out loans for that amount. W&L has offered you a tremendous opportunity and right now looks like the only option in your budget. Congratulations!
This is a more or less valid concern. The Math department at W&L is very good - but applied Math is not a focus. Engineering is not accreditated indeed. I would say, however, that seeing you got the Johnson, you could definitely use the money your parents would save and go to grad school for engineering. Many people at W&L do so and end up at elite graduate programs.
This is nonsense. The student body at W&L is very driven, perhaps even a bit excessively. Everyone is a workaholic.
You get used to it. Lexington is a small town, but you will find stuff to do at W&L - it's really a fun college to go to.
It doesn't feel as small as it is. It definitely doesn't feel like boarding school.
It seems to me you should unquestionably, undoubtedly attend W&L. Getting yourself 80k in debt to attend any of those other institutions is utter foolishness. If the choice was between something like Mississipi State and UPenn I would get it. It’s not. College choice is an incredibly personal decision, but in this case, there is a clear right answer. You know what this answer is. You only posted in here so we would assure you of it. Enjoy your time at W&L. It is a fantastic institution that will provide you with incredible opportunities, both during your time there and afterward.
@BBDark, thanks for your post. My daughter is heading to W&L this fall as a Johnson and turned down some surprisingly good financial aid offers from outstanding schools (Stanford and Dartmouth). She is excited about the stimulating, intelligent community as well as the prospect of having fun! Live is all about balance. Personally, we couldn’t think of a better place for her to be. We enjoyed reading about your family’s experience (I liked the part, “she never called asking for money.”) Has your daughter used her $7000 for summer programs yet? If so, what did she do?
She spent one summer in Argentina attending classes in Cordoba. After the classes ended she traveled to Chile and Peru. She spent the entire summer in South America.
She spent one spring term in Buenos Aires taking class with a W&L prof. About 12 kids total. Spend the rest of the summer traveling in Argentina with friends she had met the previous year then visited more friends in Santiago. Again, she spent the entire summer in South America.
She traveled to Germany last fall. Semester in Europe.
During her various breaks from school she was able to travel as well because of the money freed up as a result of the Johnson.
Congrats. Your daughter is in for a great ride. Her 4 years have gone by so fast.