<p>D has narrowed her choices down to Washington and Lee and St. Olaf. Have visited both. Love both for their academics and college community. Worried a little about the W&L social emphasis on the greek system, however the academics are a huge draw. St Olaf presents a bit of the opposite question. We love the campus environment but I'm wondering if the academics are top tier. D is interested in history/philosophy/international relations. Voracious reader and thinker. Thinks she'd like to continue with a PhD and stay in academics.</p>
<p>Would appreciate any who can help us navigate this difficult (but I suspect, no-lose) situation.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D! She has two great options. As a parent, I had similar concerns about W&L’s Greek system but have seen from my D’s experience that there truly is a place for everyone, even girls who would not have rushed at other schools. January rush means first-years have a little more time to decide if Greek life is for them and if so, which houses would be the best fit. </p>
<p>W&L History department is particularly strong. Great alumni and faculty connections in Washington for internships and Spring Term opportunities. Check out the winter 2012 alumni magazine (<a href=“http://www.magazine.wlu.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.magazine.wlu.edu</a>), which has articles that would be of interest to you on the Global Learning Initiative (more than just study abroad) and one on Mock Convention. Profs who know their students well are able to write strong grad school recs (I suspect this is also true at St. Olaf).</p>