Washington State University

Date: Dec 08 2008
Major: Finance (This Major's Salary over time)
WSU has some great positives, but also some negatives.

Cramming 20,000+ students into the small town of Pullman, the student body is INCREDIBLY spirited and Cougar pride is indescribable. EVERYONE is at Football games and with the success of the Basketball program as of last year, basketball is also huge. You could probably go anywhere in Pullman and scream "GO COUGS!" and get echoed by other students or Pullman residents. I have been to several parties where out of no where, drunken party goers start chanting either "GO COUGS" or "F*** the Huskies!". Cougs are incredibly fierce in their rivalry against the Huskies.

The general student body is very friendly. The fact that just about every day I am on campus someone will hold a door open for me and wait is a clear example of the simple kindness that prevails. I would say that the side conversations you hear in class is too often about parties, drunken escapades, or some Greek stuff. WSU still remains a great, fun, party school; but sometimes people neglect there are other things in life/college. Only ~15% of the student population is either in a Fraternity or Sorority, but I've debated this with friends—Wazzu is a Greek school. It always seems like all the cute girls you meet are in so-and-so sorority, and there are more frat bros than you'd imagine. I think the Greek life is a little too big, and too revolved around itself. It makes the school a little less fun, at least if you are not yourself Greek; but then again I had a roommate who got fed up with the pranks/treatment his Frat gave him and left, so I don't know what to say.

In general, the student body does not seem very bright. I compared WSU, UW, SU, and SPU on this website, and to my surprise WSU had the highest SAT and ACT scores of the four. I could believe these statistics- I swear every Sorority girl i've met is a 4.0 GPA, spoiled chick who came to WSU to party. I have met several intelligent, interesting people in my time here at WSU, so it's not like they are non-existent. The diversity in Pullman is interesting. The school is probably 95% white/Caucasian, but what makes it diverse is the students come from 50/50 City/Suburb to Rural, West side to East side. If you went to UW, you'd have more ethnic diversity, but I am sure 95% of the students would be from the West side from Suburban areas. From experience, I would say it is more of a culture shock being from Seattle, dealing with someone from an Eastern WA school with a graduating class of 50, than being White in Seattle dealing with someone who is African American.

Huskies and outsiders like to talk smack about WSU academics and try to say a Degree from Wazzu equates nothing. The truth is, WSU is a state university, but, it does have some areas it reigns supreme. Example: it's Agricultural school and Vet school is something like top 10 in the nation. It has an amazing Communications program, a phenomenal Business Hospitality Management school which ranks in the top 5% of the nation, Management Information Systems school, it's Entrepreneurship program is ranked 16th in the nation. Look at what you want to major in and then look at how WSU's program ranks.

lists their program rankings

People complain that there is nothing to do in Pullman, but I've realized these people are dependent upon others to come up with ideas, are not actually as outgoing as they believe they are, or enjoy activities which only real big cities provide. In general, the activities college aged kids take part in would be partying, watching movies, going to shows/concerts, intramural sports, homework, work, student clubs/organizations, etc.. Maybe the shows part ain't huge, but there are several bands on campus, the Student Entertainment group gets some cool bands/artists (like Three 6 Mafia coming in January), and Spokane shows are only 1 hour away. What more do people really partake in? Museum visits?!? There are multiple museums in the Palouse, too..

Being 300 miles away from home and on my own, I feel like I have grown more responsible, independent and mature than I would have going to school back home. Housing is dirt cheap, I pay $275/mo. There is no commute or long walk to get to campus and parking permits are priced considerably. However, I wish I didn't need to worry about Pass conditions for holidays, had more opportunities and choices for part time jobs, and less pressure to "fit in" and party it up every weekend. Watch out for Pullman cops, though they are serving for your protection and safety, they are basically out every weekend as the Party Patrol and don't mind handing out DUIs, MIPs, MICs, etc.

Before falling for all the downsides of Wazzu, consider some of the positives and weigh the two. Pullman may be for some people, but it may not be for some others. After two years, I think I may be ready to transfer to UW, I miss the Seattle rain and feel like Seattle will always be my roots and my hometown. No matter what, thanks for two great, unforgettable years Wazzu. GO COUGS!