<p>To those making humor at Lexington Virginia: </p>
<p>It is a historic and BEAUTIFUL town, nestled in the the Shenandoahs, very near several rivers, white water rafting, cave spelunking, and other historic sites. Its also the home (next door and contiguous to W & L) of Virginia Military Institute. Several all girls schools are also very nearby. And UVa is just over the mountains to Charlottesville for those who wish to "explore" Wahooville....though that is not always taken kindly since they are HUGE academic rivals. </p>
<p>But Lexington is very small and quaint. Its a bit remote and not near any large city (at least not within 2 hours drive). </p>
<p>Its not for everyone and they dont pretend to be.</p>
<p>My problem with W & L has been and always will be with their admissions office.</p>
<p>W&L is one of my favorite schools in the country. I went to boarding school not too far away (relatively) and have many friends there. It's a haven for academics, good old fashioned fun, traditional values and dress (I don't remember seeing too many XXL t shirts and sideways fitted hats there), history, and the outdoors (like Gore mentioned, you can hike, hunt, fish, fly fish (lots of good trout streams), kayak, white water raft, spelunk, go horseback riding, antique hunt, etc... without much added preparation).</p>
<p>Also, Garden & Gun Magazine is one of the best publications around, but I'd like to say SC Game and Fish gets me a little more excited.</p>
<p>Not even going to bother on The General comments. Just know that if you actively or subconsciously hold a negative light on any institution or person affiliated with Robert E. Lee, then you're far worse than any "redneck" that groups all minorities together, as Lee was not only the most honorable man in the country in his day but one of the most respected in all parts including the North.</p>
<p>Sssh - stop telling everyone how beautiful it is in Western Virginia. My daughter also went to boarding school somewhat near there. It's my secret future retirement spot....</p>
<p>How would a Jewish kid fare at W&L? Socially, that is. Any problems of not fitting in? Reform, not Orthodox.</p>
<p>Well it's no WashU or UPenn when it comes to Jewish kids. You'd have to ask current students.</p>
<p>You'd be a clear minority, but just like other traditionally Southern schools (Vanderbilt, Davidson, even Sewanee), lots of Northerners are moving down, usually meaning more Jews. You'd probably want to visit, but it's safe to say it'd be a different experience than the Northeast schools would give.</p>
<p>this brings up one of my bigger concerns in that i have heard alot about "rich, white, and southern". from what i can gather there is a lot of the old south there and alcohol, but what is the lifestyle like there and also how big are athletics at W&L</p>
<p>A yellowcan- actually the student body is about 1/3 southeast; 1/3 northeast and midwest, and 1/3 the rest of the US and foreign.</p>
<p>The lifestyle is very different from "normal" college life. All freshmen live in one of two dorms. As a sophomore you are required to live in university housing, and since about 80% join fraternities and sororities (with their houses owned by the university and leased to the fraternity or sorority) they live and eat there as sophomores. For those that remain 'independent" there is a dorm where they can live as sophomores, or they can live in university-owned apartments. As juniors and seniors many live out in "the country" or along the river in houses with names such as Windfall, Hooterville, County Seat, Downstream, Bean's Bottom, the Pole Houses, etc. While it is called the "country" and feels like it, it is really only about five-ten minutes away. The school has a free shuttle bus system that circulates among the country houses every night. For kids who have lived (and after college will live) in a city or suberb their whole life it is a great chance to really do something different.</p>
<p>Athletics are participatory-oriented and not spectator-oriented. The school has a great athletic program, with excellent facilities and much success on the field or court, but it is for "regular students" who want to do that as another extracurricular activity. For many, instead of sitting in the stands watching some "semi pros" play football on a Saturday afternnon they would rather be playing that or another sport themselves, or be out in the country tubing, target shooting, biking, hiking, etc.</p>
<p>So, W&L is not for everyone. It is very different, but for those who are attracted to and embrace the differences it will be something they love. A visit to Lexington is a must- and while there go beyond the campus tour and check out the town and surrounding area.</p>
<p>Here is a link to some pictures of W&L, including some of the scenes in the country and of country houses.</p>
<p>Image</a> hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket</p>
<p>1putt, if I didn't love Vanderbilt so much, I would have signed up after that hah. Great description.</p>
<p>Washington and Lee.The name says it all.The school is a perfect tribute to Generals Washington and Lee.A visit to the school while classes are in session is a treat.
Robert E. Lee is world history's quintessential paragon of a gentleman.As Choosing The Right College so correctly states-W&L is an American treasure.</p>
<p>Lake Effect: See you in retirement! LOL. I will split my time 6 months there and 6 months at Hilton Head, SC. Not kidding. Assuming of course I make it that far.</p>
<p>As to pizzagirl asking about Reform Jewish kids. I dont think you will be alone. Its not a religious school, though many kids are religious who go there, including some Catholics. The campus is very friendly and LOTS of kids come from New Jersey and the northeast. I dont think anyone gives a hoot what religion you are. So if you get in...then GO!</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Another vote for central Virginia and the Blue Ridge area. Can't wait to move back.</p>
<p>Palmettotree</p>
<p>Vandy is a great place as well, and has many cross-admits. The Nashville vs. Lexington distinction is a big one. Both Nashville and Lexington are great in their own ways.</p>