Wake Forest versus Wash U

Some people may say I’m insane for even considering Wake over Wash U, but here I am. I am an incoming freshman majoring in business for the 2017-2018 school-year and have been admitted to both schools. I am just wondering about what people think about either school in terms of academics and social life. I am interested in doing greek life, going to sports games, and participating in intramural activities– more so the “typical” college experience. I understand that Wake may offer this social aspect more so than Wash U, but I know that Wash U is superior academically so I’m a bit conflicted. While I am obviously going to college to study, I don’t want my whole experience to revolve around academics. Any thoughts/opinions on either schools?

Where did you get the idea that Wash U is superior? Wake is one of the tops schools in this country.

You are to be commended for looking at the “big picture” for your four years of college. If you are happy and do well at Wake, what else could possibly matter? Conversely, if you are unhappy and struggle at a (supposedly) “superior” school, what, exactly, have you achieved?

I know someone who was deciding between the same two (both excellent) and chose Wake. They are very happy with their choice.

Oh please, Wash U isn’t even better than Wake tbh. Choose Wake, you’re making the right decision.

Gosh, isn’t WashU rated several spots higher than Wake in its rankings? When you graduate, grad schools and employers will have the USNWR rankings in-hand and will score you down accordingly on their matrix reviews.

No. Go to the school you like better or has the more appropriate academic program for your interests. Only alumni of these respective schools will care about the difference, and only then if they are pinheads.

I don’t know about Wash U’s sports teams, but you will definitely find Greek life and club sports there. The business school is also respected and there are many internship and job opportunities in the greater St. Louis area. Wash U students have a reputation for being friendly and collaborative. It’s also not all work and no play. I doubt you’d lack for “typical college experience” there.

The food is also amazing.

If you care about ranking, Wash U is 19 and Wake is 27 on USNWR. This does not seem to be enough of a difference to be decisive, if you genuinely prefer Wake.

However, I would dig deeper into the Business School curriculum and see what opportunities exist for internships, etc. before making your decision.

Good luck!

OP, what did you decide?

As someone going to WashU next year, fit is so much more important than a few rankings on USNews. There may be a few majors where one choice would be obvious over the other because of individual programs, but for the most part both are great schools that can provide a great education and outstanding atmospheres.

Fit > Rankings.