<p>I have been offered admission at both, I have got free ride at W&L, but Wellesley is close to my home and also provides me with very good financial aid (Ill need to pay about $12K for the first year). </p>
<p>If I chose Economics major, which school is stronger? Your suggestion/advice is highly appreciated.</p>
<p>I know nothing about Washington and Lee, but Wellesley’s econ department is exceptional. It’s one of the largest majors on campus, based on the number of students in the program, and the array of courses is excellent. If you have any interest in I-banking, numerous reputable firms come to campus in search of students for internships and employment. About thirteen years ago, the New York Times ran an article called, [How</a> to Succeed? Go to Wellesley.](<a href=“http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E5D81F39F93AA15753C1A963958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all"]How”>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E5D81F39F93AA15753C1A963958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all) It’s obviously dated–most of the faculty mentioned in the article have retired–but the department maintains its reputation, popularity, and standards of excellence.</p>
<p>Assuming, for a moment, that all other factors are equal, do weigh the impact of financial aid. A free ride in undergrad can leave you with many more post-college options. If this isn’t as much of an issue for you (especially since Wellesley’s loan caps prevent you from acquiring a crippling amount of debt during your undergraduate years), then carefully consider factors beyond your intended major. What are your other interests? How do Wellesley and W&L each support them? Is it important for you to be close to home? </p>
<p>I wish you all the best with your decision.</p>
<p>Advice based on experience – look carefully at what W&L’s offer of “free ride” really means. Are there additional costs or fees that may be required and/or may limit your options there? Wellesley’s financial aid “travels” if you go abroad but not all schools do. Wellesley offers lots of paid internships – or stipends/grants that allow students to take unpaid internships. Read the fine print and factor that into your decision.</p>
<p>As for economics, Wellesley is very strong. I read recently somewhere that over the past 30 years more women graduates of Wellesley went on to earn PhDs in economics than women who graduated from any of the Ivies.</p>
<p>i don’t necessarily want to earn a phD in economics. i’m actually thinking about international business. </p>
<p>what’s life at wellesley like? the all-girls thing is still an issue for me, because i really have no experience/idea of what it will be like. do you even notice it?</p>
<p>do a lot of students study abroad at wellesley? what do the majority of graduates do?</p>
<p>Two years ago, someone named Coquettish was in a similar predicament, and chose W & L. She hasn’t posted since deciding to matriculate there, but it’s probably worth a PM or just reading her old posts.</p>
<p>Free college is quite a bargain, but 12 k is pretty good for finaid.</p>
<p>I don’t notice the all-girls thing very often. Slightly less than half the class studies abroad. Since you are local, do not forgo the Wellesley visit- also, be sure to visit W&L!</p>
<p>Can’t tell you about the majority of graduates, but I’m going to grad school! :-)</p>