Washington and Lee: The Big Picture
There are lots of great things about W&L. I chose it because it's a small, conservative school in the south that has an excellent academic reputation. Sometimes I feel like it's too small because everyone knows everyone else's business, but at the same time I enjoy the strong community atmosphere. When I tell people from up north where I go to school, they don't know much about it unless they are familiar with southern schools. People who do know the name, however, are very impressed and tell me what a great school it is. I spend most of my time on campus in my apartment or in the sorority house. I would say Lexington is a decent college town. There are lots of places to eat and some cute shops. I do wish it were closer to a large mall though. The residents in Lex are very nice and seem to embrace the students well. I don't have a strong opinion about W&L's administration either way - I think they do a good job. The biggest controversies on campus are usually related to off-color humor or rumors. There is definitely a lot of school pride at W&L - there is a strong "good ol' boy" mentality. People often point to our Greek system as rather particular to W&L. The majority of students here are Greek and the organizations have a strong presence on campus. The best part of W&L is the strong friendships I'm developing here. People here are friendly and outgoing. I know the people I meet here will be in my life forever.
Washington and Lee Academic Life
The student to professor ration at W&L is about 10-1, so professors almost always know your name. They care a lot about your success and are always willing to make time for you. My favorite classes have been those in my majors - politics and studio art. I have especially enjoyed my drawing classes and international politics classes. I would say students study about 20-25 hours during a none exam week. Class participation is very common at W&L. Because of the small class sizes and the emphasis on seminar-style classes, students are often expected to speak up as part of their final grade. There is certainly intellectual conversation outside of class - not an obnoxious amount, but the students here are extremely intelligent. Students are relatively competitive. I would say we are more competitive with ourselves then with our classmates. The most unique class I have taken was Islam and Politics last semester. It was a seminar elective class that focused on the resolution of politics and religion as one of the most important foreign policy issues today. As I said, my majors are politics and studio art. Most people would think that they are two very different subject, but I am finding interesting ways in which the two complement each other and interact. I am enjoying them both very much. Every professor at W&L is available for office hours or time outside of class to meet with students. I have often taken advantage of this time to talk with teachers and further discuss topics in class. I don't mind W&L general education requirements, but I do wish they were a few fewer, especially in science/math! However, the GEs do allow students to get a taste each discipline at W&L.
Washington and Lee's Student Body
W&L is a rather homogeneous campus. I don't necessarily think that this is a bad thing. I think many people are drawn to W&L because of its homogeneousness. It is part of what makes W&L unique and to a certain extent successful. For this reason, I don't think anyone who dislikes the stereotype here or is uncomfortable by it should consider W&L. The identity is too strong here for someone that would want to change it.
Washington and Lee Student Activities + Social Life
Greek organizations are the most prominent on campus. They are responsible for the majority of social and philanthropic events. I am a member of Kathekon, which is a student group that interacts with Alumni and also promotes the speaking tradition at W&L. In the fall we host a cook-out for the freshmen and during the winter we organize SPEAK day. W&L's speaking tradition is an important aspect of our community. The purpose is to promote a tight-knit community in which everyone is friendly and polite. W&L is also a very safe school. Students often leave their dorm rooms open or their computers in the commons, etc. There is a strong honor code here that allows students to trust each other. W&L has something of a reputation for being a party school, but never before have I experienced a more accurate example of "Work Hard, Play Hard."
