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| Quite Bright |
Like any other school, there are positives and negatives. Washington and Lee is a good school that happens to be extremely small so that each student receives a lot of personal attention. The professors are very approachable and generally very friendly.
That said, there really aren't too many other positive things about the university. Students here are generally extremely close-minded, superficial and cannot be genuine if their life depended on it. There are also extremely big problems with the social scene. Since Lexington is a town of literally no substance, the only entertainment socially are the frat parties. Greek life is such a big part of the campus that it makes it difficult to have a social life if you are not a member of a fraternity or a sorority. This school is also all about cliques. Overall, the atmosphere is almost identical to high school. And remember all those popular people in your high school that pretended to be nice when they obviously thought they were better than you? Well they all came to Washington and Lee.
As far as academics go, this is a good school but it really isn't as great as it is hyped up to be. First of all, it's tucked away in the hills of Virginia so most people have never even heard of it. And while a lot of the students that come here are very bright, many of them are not and some are just downright stupid.
If I could do it over again, I definitely would not have come here. Even my own state school has a better reputation than W&L. So do yourself a favor and look very carefully before you come here. While a certain type of person (rich, white, southern, religious and conservative) can fit in very well here, most people will find a world where guys wear lilac polo shirts and magenta shorts a little too foreign. | Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Individual Value: F |  | | |
| | Apr 07 2005 | 1st Year Female --
Class 2008 | | Blog it!Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account:
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| Bright |
Going to W&L was the best decision I have made. As you have read, it certainly is not the right school for everyone. It is true that the social scene is dominated by Greek Life (something like 92% pledge) but that is not necessarily a negative. In high school, I did not picture myself as the "fratty" type per se. What is great about Washington and Lee is that all parties are open (except some mixers and formals) and even if you didn't think you would want to go greek, you will be able to easily find a good group of guys/girls who you really get along with.
That being said, there are other social outlets; we have singing groups, intramural sports, bands, community service groups etc which one can get involved in. The trick is to find a group of friends and get involved with them.
Academically W&L is great. It is challenging, but not to the point where you cannot have a social life and maintain decent grades. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable, and also extremely helpful. They are always willing to meet with you or give you feedback, you just have to approach them; they won't hold you hand.
My one complaint would be that the school's AP policy kind of sucks, don't expect much credit for classes unless you got 5s on your tests.
As far as the school's reputation is concerned, it is true that it is not "well known," to the generally public anyway. Anyone in academia or anyone at top corporations will have heard of it, don't let that stupid towny from wherever you live deter you because he hasn't heard of it. W&L will be able to provide you with any opportunities a big school can (minus a football stadium of 45k). There is a very strong alumni network and ample opportunities for internships, study abroad etc. Not to mention the people that you meet at school as prestigious as this one will be able to offer you additional connections to their parent's companies and whatnot.
Of course, you cannot have a review of Washington and Lee without mentioning the honor code. Many school's brag of having a great honor system, but none implement it quite the same way as W&L . Our school embraces the honor system, and the affects on the students can be seen everyday. We have un-proctored tests, we schedule our own finals, we leave our laptops everywhere, we don't lock our doors, and the list goes on.
In reality, you have to come to your own conclusions about the school. I highly recommend doing an overnight, but make sure you go out and experience the night life (so come on wednesday, friday or saturday). Most people I have talked to said it just "felt" right when they visited, so make sure you get there! | Useful Schoolwork: A+, Surrounding City: C- | | | |
| | Dec 15 2008 | 1st Year Male --
Class 2012 | | Blog it!Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account:
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| Quite Bright | W&L is beautiful, pristine in red brick and white columns with well-manicured lawns. The students are equally well-kept and look like a real Tea Partay-- some guys wear pink and madras with a touch of irony, but the campus has certainly embraced the prepstah look. Besides that, folks are generally motivated, whether it is to be an I-Banker like their daddy or to actually pursue some sort of liberal arts education. Students are intelligent, but hardly intellectual. Don't expect late night conversations over coffee about existentialism or that article you read in The Onion. Weekends are for outrageous frat parties where the beer, and often the cheap liquor too, flow freely. It's fun, really. The seasons are nice. The professors are good but not incredibly inspiring. The students are friendly and self-assured.
W&L is a nice school with nice people, but it's hardly politically correct or diverse. Don't expect rallies or protests or the drag shows popular at other little liberal arts schools. | Campus Aesthetics: A+, Surrounding City: B- | | | |
| | Jul 18 2007 | 1st Year Female --
Class 2010 | | Blog it!Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account:
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| Super Brilliant | W&L is simply amazing. The educational opportunities available, combined with the awesome social scene make W&L the perfect college for me. | Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B | | | |
| | Jun 20 2006 | 1st Year Male --
Class 2010 | | Blog it!Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account:
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