<p>Not all students of economic advantage are snotty and disrespecting of the property of others. I can only speak for my school but I have friends with a broad, very broad economic situation. While it is true that one may meet greater numbers of economic advantaged students at IVY schools please remember that they will also meet students who are grateful to be on campus and grateful to have a workstudy job and grants from generous alums.</p>
<p>I'd say the balance of prestige. Washu's well known for med and science programs but their social sciences aren't necessarily the top notch.</p>
<p>Hazmat,
I wasn't concluding that money automatically makes someone snotty and disrespecting of property. My son knows kids that are wealthy and don't take it for granted.</p>
<p>I understand. My personal assessment of WUSTL is that the aggregate student body was less mature but that was when I looked during a special invite for a campus visit. It was very suburban in feel and in type of student. Not a bad thing is just wasn't for me. The student participation in class was weak.</p>
<p>Hazmat,
Interesting and discerning observations. I'm sure my son would agree with you about student participation.</p>
<p>More of a chance for you to stand out, then.</p>
<p>Lack of *star" department (other than the med school). </p>
<p>green,
I wouldn't even say Washu is "well known" for science programs either. The bio may be pretty good but chem/phy aren't considered top notch.</p>
<p>I'm a freshman at Wustl right now. My thoughts:
-Greek life is far from predominant, only 20% or something actually pledge. However, probably a little over half of freshman go to the frats on weekends to hang out and do whatever.
-The campus and surrounding area are very nice and safe. I walk back from the library at 2am all the time with complete confidence and security. Everything is well lit and you've got blue lights every few hundred feet. Certain areas of the city are bad, but its a city and you're not gonna have the time or a car to be going downtown much.
-I've been here since August and I have yet to go downtown and see the arch. The closest I've been was the savvis center for a blues game. You seriously over estimate how much free time you will have. Besides being on the hockey team, I go further than walking distance from campus about once a month-- tops, and they've been for doctor's appointments mostly.
-The shuttle system is decent, I couldn't ask for more, but clearly a car is superior to a mass transportation system. The metrolink supposedly opens next year, so I wouldn't worry about it.
-The student body is upper middle class on average and I've actually been very impressed by the wealthy kids being modest in a polite and genuine way.</p>
<p>How is undergrad research at Washington U?</p>
<p>I just don't like WUSTL website. Need to be updated.</p>
<p>If you want info on undergrad research, check out <a href="http://ur.wustl.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://ur.wustl.edu/</a> . I found it pretty easily using search.</p>