<p>I know W&L very well. I met my husband when he was a student there, and my son is a student there now. W&L is a very special place; those who have gone to college there absolutely LOVE that school. In our house, there was no interest in the Ivies because W&L is so highly thought of.
The alumnae network is very strong and alumnae like to help out/hire W&L graduates. We are from the North with family all up and down the East Coast. My son has made all sorts of friends without discriminating against them because of their ethnicity, race, or location of home town.
The professors are known for arguing the opposite point of the student speaking in class. I have read before that when you leave W&L, you will know what you believe and why. Isn’t that what a good education should be about? People can learn from each other when discussing diverse views. Liberal schools are a dime a dozen; I want my son to hear the valid points on all sides so that he may be an enlightened thinker. I want him to vote but I don’t tell him whom to vote for.
We wanted our son to be polished up and to be in an environment where he is fairly safe, has the opportunity to lead, and can have fun as well as studying hard. The small environment causes students to go class because he or she will bump into professors in town. Professors invite students to their homes for dinner, which takes them out of their comfort zones and exposes them to new situations. W&L is really fun but no matter where you go, you have to have an open mind and a positive attitude.
As far as the clothing goes, my son couldn’t wait to wear t-shirts and gym shorts to class every day. We told him that he probably wouldn’t want to wear that and he argued with us. Now he CHOOSES to dress nicely (not all the time) and enjoys looking good. It can only help him in life if he dresses up a little and feels confident; that shows respect for others.
I think that if W&L people were so prejudiced, they would tell you not to send your son there, but it looks like people actually think that you might need to be more open-minded yourself. Best wishes that you find the right school for your son! That is the important thing!</p>
<p>Very well said BamFan. I agree 100%. </p>
<p>Although I still say Plainsman is just being a ■■■■■ I do hope some of the comments in this thread will be of value to those with serious questions.</p>