Washington and Lee: The Big Picture
I came to W&L because it was a small, prestigious private school not too close to any major cities. I enjoy the close relationships I have with my professors, who all know me by name and are incredibly friendly and approachable. Additionally, the honor system allows flexibility in exam scheduling and ensure that I feel safe and that my belongings are undisturbed on campus, which I appreciate. One unusual aspect of W&L is the spring term (currently six weeks, soon to be four weeks) during which students take 1-2 classes, study abroad or leave school early to take part in internships and summer jobs. This particular aspect of the school is a pleasant experience in that the classes, while intense and demanding as per school standards, are scheduled with a great deal of freetime to enjoy one's social life. The opportunities to study abroad during this time (an opportunity I am currently taking advantage of) are extensive. Furthermore, spring term typically lasts beyond the end date of most other schools, but with our options, we may in fact enter the area of summer jobs along side our fellow college students.
Washington and Lee Academic Life
Although I could state so above, I am also a Classics major, in addition to the Physics major. My professors in both fields of study are friendly, approachable, yet also demanding of our work, setting standards achieveable, but challenging -- as I have come to expect from all fields in which I have studied at this school. Even during classes which I did not enjoy because of the subject, I still appreciated my professors' dedication and enthusiasm for their teaching matter.
In addition to studying physics and classics, I work for the physics department, which allows me to spend time with the professors in a more relaxed environment. They are incredibly personable, and while outside the classroom far more casual, they still maintain professionalism in the classroom.
The academic requirements are wide-ranged, forcing students to study matters that might be outside their major focus. These requirements caused me to take an ancient philosophy class, which contributed towards my decision to add classics to my major declaration. The general education requirements gear the school towards learning for its own sake, but not exclusively and certainly not extremely. The career center is an influential presence on campus.
Washington and Lee's Student Body
Although diversity is in the student body and endorsed on campus, an average visitor might gain an impression of homogenity among the students. Financial backgrounds tend to be upper middle class and above, but I've never witnessed or experienced any kind of bigotry. I believe that despite the similarities, tolerance isn't just a watchword. On other campuses, those touted as liberal and all tolerant, I've observed a disdain for those who label themselves conservative. At W&L, I believe that all are tolerant and tolerated. Any remarks about political affiliations (especially conseravatives towards the liberal) are often made, and taken, in jest. The small student body allows for closeness and acceptance based on personality, not political views, sexual orientation, religious leanings or socio-economic standing.
Washington and Lee Student Activities + Social Life
The activities and social life at W&L are, in one word, vibrant. Opportunities abound for greek and non-greek, drinkers and non-drinkers, those who enjoy the parties and those who prefer movie nights. Because of the prevalence of the greek system, most consider the greek life to be the social life. However, as an independent and one who does not typically party, I have rarely found myself unoccupied on the weekends. Activities range from movie nights to game nights to camping to hiking trips. Impromptu gatherings my freshman year were common place, given the security we felt in leaving our doors open and the closeness one developed among one's hallmates. Studying demands considerable time, yet the informal motto of the student body is "Work hard. Play hard." This phrase, I believe, embodies the social life of most students. Parties are commonplace, yet rarely get out of hand given the dedication to academics. Dating is usually casual (random party hook-ups are prevalent). Traditions, especially certain themed parties, are embraced -- not surprising at a school named after two such historically important generals.
