my son accepted from WashU, Emory and Notre Dame and we are in GA. so WashU is very new to us and we have not visited before.
Can he describe the “typical” student types at WashU? Are there more of the slightly socially awkward hyper-studious types or is there a good mix of “work hard/play hard” types as well? Is there grade deflation with many entry level “weed out” classes? What is the political climate on campus? Does campus feel safe? What is social vibe /dating culture? Any info is greatly appreciated. Does it feel the administration cares for the students as a whole?
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Does anyone know how many students applied ED and how many RD?
3754 applied in ED
A typical student at WashU is work hard/play hard. Parties are typically on the weekends and kids study hard during the week. I would not consider a typical kid socially awkward. There are all types of kids. The school has a Midwestern atmosphere and attracts kids who are more down to earth and more collaborative. There are some weed out classes but there are also a lot of resources to help the kids succeed. There are free tutors for kids in all classes and a lot of help if kids need it. The political culture leans left but there are kids on all sides of the political spectrum. WashU does a great job of promoting open mindedness and they practice what they preach. They look to accept kids of all political spectrums and different views are valued and encouraged. Feel free to PM me. I’m an alum and I also have a son attending so have a lot of knowledge.
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How premed in Wash U compare with Rice and Vandy?
I agree with most of the comments below although in Covid times everything is relative. I would say that my son feels that there’s definitely less of an ‘intellectual’ vibe and more of a pre-professional vibe than he expected - that’s neither “good” or “bad” and it may be partially due to his being in Olin where students even in freshman year are thinking ahead ot internships, etc. He has found the academics to be a lot of work but not that difficult either but I’m sure that differs by major/student. But he has felt socially welcomed, has integrated nicely into the clubs, a business fraternity, etc. The social fraternity scene definitely has some traction there and my son says it does create a slight ‘fraternity’ v ‘not in a fraternity’ social divide but that’s true at many campuses, except those that have no fraternities (your view on fraternities may vary so I wont go there in this thread!). He says that students definitely work hard and play hard. Campus itself is very safe, St. Louis is an urban city so vigilance is always recommended. Can’t speak to the administration, I will say they are incredibly friendly and warm than most of the other schools we visited.
Hi we are also from the SF Bay and my son is leaning towards WashU. I’m glad to hear your enthusiasm for WashU. We have not seen the campus but will go for a “self guided” tour in a couple of weeks. My son was accepted into the Beyond Boundaries program. Do you know anything about it? The midwest will be a whole new experience for him as well and wondering how a California boy does with that! Other possibilities are Macalester, Case Western, Colorado College, Brandeis, Lewis and Clark, UC Irvine, Cal Poly. So hard this year not being able to be on the campuses, sitting in on classes etc. Thanks for any thoughts!
Anyone know how hard it is to transfer out of a non Arts & Science school at Wash U and into Arts and Science?
Don’t know much about Beyond Boundaries. There is a good FB group for admitted students parents where others may be able to help. The Midwest has been ok for my son - he has managed the cold and snow well and is now much more appreciative of spring! Your son has great choices. The self-guided tour will help - the campus is incredibly beautiful.
Can you post the link to the fb group for admitted student parents?
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Daughter is a sophomore at WashU now. FWIW, her dream school as a HS senior was USC but it did not work out. Thank goodness, because WashU has been the best experience she could possibly have imagined. Academic focus (which she likes), great friends, excellent dorms etc, and just a great experience. Doing meaningful research in radiology too. She (and we) have nothing but a positive feedback to give.
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It is very easy to transfer to other schools or take classes in other schools. They work with their academic advisors to make the change.
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WashU is a very welcoming environment and it would not be difficult coming from CA. I would highly encourage you to step foot on campus to see it. It is absolutely beautiful! Feel free to PM me if you need anything
@hnr6139 WashU St. Louis Parents Class of 2025 | Facebook
They are allowing admitted parents to join to connect with other parents.
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Thank you for that FB link! I just requested to join. S was admitted there and will likely accept. We live in St Louis and have for over 20 years. If anyone has any questions about St Louis, the area where WashU is located, or anything else, please feel free to ask.
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Thanks for sharing. Since my D’s sophomore year, USC has been her #1 choice. She has been accepted to both schools with merit. We really love the environment that is being presented at WashU, plus she would be an Ervin Scholar, which her mother and I both feels she needs a supportive community in order to be successful. We live in VA and have visited USC but need to get to WashU to close the deal.
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Hi. My daughter was accepted and we are visiting in two weeks before making a decision. Just two nights. Getting there Friday night coming home Sunday morning. Which hotel close to campus do you recommend? And do we need a rental car? We are coming from south Florida. Thank you!
I would stay in Clayton. It’s a short 10 minute Uber from airport and Wash U is even shorter 5 minute Uber from Clayton. Ritz Carlton or Hampton Inn Clayton. Tons of restaurants in Clayton within walking distance.
Other options - Cheshire Inn near forest park. Lots of charm but very old hotel. Or either Drury Inn or Courtyard Marriott in Brentwood.
Everything I listed is 5 minute Uber or less. No need to rent car.
Feel free to email me directly with any questions at all about Wash U, Clayton or St Louis. Abilene7272@gmail.com
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So happy to hear people are planning to visit WashU! It is truly a wonderful school that can offer your student an excellent education as well as a collaborative environment. The campus is gorgeous and the surrounding areas including Forrest Park can offer your student lots of things to do. I am an alum and also have a junior. I am happy to report that my student loves WashU as much as I did. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.