Wash U pros and cons

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

I am a rising senior interested in applying the Wash U. I am looking for more information before I finalize my decision of whether to ED there or not.

WashU
pros:
great dorms and food
strong biology departments
lots of research opportunities
helpful administration
nice campus
students seem to be happy
amazing location - forest park / st Louis
cons:
grade deflation
pre-med classes are difficult and it’s hard to maintain GPA
medical school located away from campus
not a large emphasis on sports

please add additional information or correct anything above.
Thanks

2

Why would the med school being located away from campus be a bad thing?

(I’m not pre-med or anything, I’m just curious.)

Edit: I will add, though, I’m from MO, and the Forest Park area is definitely gorgeous.

3

@whitespace I hope to take part in some medical research or shadow physicians during my undergrad experience. Do you know how accessible the med school is from the campus?

4

My student is a sophomore at Wash U and will be doing research at the Medical School – it is two stops away on the light rail (free passes to students). Takes less than 30 minutes door-to-door from dorm on South 40 to lab. There are also shuttle buses I believe. Wash U also offers two Pre-med Prep classes (1 credit each) – a) first covers the MCAT and admission process, and b) second allows for shadowing. Many considering med school take the classes their sophomore year.

Other pros – based on our student’s experience – loves St. Louis (and grew up in a mid-Atlantic city):

  • Lots to do on campus (WILD, Spring Carnival, plays and performing arts, wide range of clubs and other activities)
  • Very accessible -- can walk to anything on Danforth campus
  • St. Louis is an underappreciated city that is very accessible -- Forest Park, MLB and NHL, ethnic neighborhoods, balloon races in Forest Park, Mardi Gras
  • A lot of collaboration between students including study groups and help from upper class tutors
  • Accessible faculty and administrators -- who care about you
  • Tons of volunteer opportunities -- on campus or off
  • Interscholastic sports are there if you want to go -- and Wash U teams are very good to outstanding within Div III
  • Fellow students who are engaged and passionate
  • Winters not as bad as rumored to be
  • People are nice (all Midwesterners are!)
  • Lots of opportunities to chart your own way and do what you like
  • Good restaurants and fun places to go nearby (Loop and beyond)
  • Study abroad and research opportunities
  • Great alumni and parents organizations

Check out the 100 things to love about Wash U thread above.

If you can visit, I would encourage you to do so.

5

@Parche Great summary!

6

is there really a lot of grade deflation at wash u?

7

To confirm, from what I heard from a premed friend the Med School is very accessible and she has worked there on shifts as well on for research.

  • WashU student
8

Our student loves the research she is doing – great access to faculty and other researchers. Very pleased with her experience.