<p>I think both of those concerns are largely inaccurate, judging from my time and observations here. Of course, no matter where you go, you’ll find students who are a little <em>too</em> academically focused. However, I think that those types of students don’t exist in large volumes at Wash U, compared to similar colleges. That really sets Wash U apart… first-rate academics, coupled with an incredibly chill (yet active!!) and collaborative campus.</p>
<p>Social life does not revolve around Greek Life. There are definitely fraternities and sororities, but they are definitely not the only thing to do on campus… or even the most popular things to do. Sororities don’t even have houses, and the fraternity houses themselves are pretty small. They’re more of an “active presence” than anything else. The biggest thing they do is Thurtene, which is a massive Carnival in the spring time that like everyone goes to… but that’s not a party or anything (there’s rides, and food, and plays, and its for charity). They’re not even clique-y. You don’t get the feeling that it’s a popularity contest by doing Greek… it’s definitely not what you imagine a typical Greek system to be like. You can go an entire year without going to the fraternities, and not even realize you didn’t go. I went to one party in the fall, and it wasn’t my scene. My friends and I tend to hang out in the common room in the dorms (which are INCREDIBLE, btw), hang out in the DUC, go to Forest Park, see concerts on campus, or go to dinner on the Loop. It’s pretty low-key, but we have our own good times, and I think that’s pretty typical here. There’s events that like everyone goes to, like WILD, Thurtene, Diwali, Bauhaus, and some of the a cappella concerts, but overall it’s basically do your own thing. </p>
<p>You might want to choose to live in the sub-free dorms (aka Healthy Living Communities), and there are threads about that on the CC forums. The Pre-Orientation programs would be a good choice, too. LTS, Medicine Connections, and the one with Lasers might be good options for you to move in early and meet people who are going to be very similar to you and have fun. </p>
<p>Regarding research opportunities, they are abundant at Wash U. It’s kind of ridiculous, actually. Off the top of my head, I know 3 people on my freshman floor alone that did research at the medical school during freshman year. Most people wait until Sophomore or Junior year once you get more experience, but it’s available as soon as you think you’re ready to do something. Overall, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a student at Wash U who DIDN’T do research if they’re studying chem/bio/pre-med/PNP/etc. </p>
<p>It’s really hard to pass up going to Wash U if you want to do the sciences. I mean, the sciences are incredible here. Definitely draws upon the strengths of the Medical School, which Wesleyan won’t have. People tend to choose a school like Wesleyan for the extremely close-knit environment, a small student body size, and a small town. At Wesleyan, you’re not going to have the breadth of academic opportunities that you will at Wash U. You’ll have a solid foundation, but in terms of exploring around, interacting with lots of faculty, and having a breadth of research available… you won’t get that at Wesleyan. Wesleyan is probably #1 among the small liberal arts schools for research and stuff, but it still won’t be anywhere near to the opportunities and resources you’ll get at Wash U. Again, Wesleyan is strong for what it is, but if you want a place where you can get more deeply involved in academics and research and have more classes to choose from and things like that, Wash U would be a better fit. </p>
<p>I think of the major private schools, Wash U probably has the closest similarity to being a Small Liberal Arts School in terms of overall atmosphere (well… Wash U and Brown, probably). You definitely get to know professors, the classes are pretty small, and research is abundant. The intro classes, like Intro to Chem and Bio, are going to be pretty large, but they always break down into smaller discussion sections, and there’s PLTL help from upperclassmen, Cornerstone for additional help, professors’ office hours, and labs. </p>
<p>If you are someone who isn’t into the typical fratty party scene, you like sciences and want to do something related to medicine, and still want a liberal arts experience, then Wash U is an ideal school for you. There’s a lot going on on-campus that you can do, and St Louis has a lot going on around campus. Wesleyan is in a small town in CT, that won’t have as many things to choose from to do on-campus or off-campus. It’s definitely a great school, and most people are happy there I’m certain, but the biggest difference between Wash U and Wesleyan will be the sheer amount of things you can choose to do. Wash U has always struck me as something with limitless options, whereas a small liberal arts school will be more limited/constrained. Wash U isn’t even that big, and when you walk around campus, you never get the feeling that you are overwhelmed or there’s too many people. </p>
<p>Have you visited Wash U? Do you know anyone who goes here? Congrats on being accepted from the wait list!!</p>