Washington & Lee University

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Washington & Lee at a Glance

WLU Iconic Buildings

WLU Iconic Buildings From left to right: Newcomb Hall, Payne Hall, Washington Hall (center), Robinson Hall, Tucker Hall.
Location:
Lexington, VA
Setting:
Town
Control:
Private Non-Profit
In-State Tuition:
$38,877
Out-of-State Tuition:
$38,877
Room & Board:
$9,105
Full-Time Undergrads:
1,789
Part-Time Undergrads:
1
More statistics . . .
School Website:
www.wlu.edu
Admissions Website:
admissions.wlu.edu
Financial Aid Website:
www.wlu.edu/x437.xml
Application Deadline:
January 2
Acceptance Rate:
18 %
Admission Difficulty:
Very Hard
Average SAT Scores:
1960–2210
Average ACT Scores:
29–32

Best Things

  • Generally cool alumni—good ol' boys mixed with up-and-comers
  • Academic excellence
  • Beautiful campus and surrounding area
  • The Commons
  • More best things . . .

Worst Things

  • Greek madness and prevalence of alcohol
  • Lack of a city
  • Lack of alternatives to Greek activities and partying
  • Little diversity
  • More worst things . . .

Most Popular Majors

Overall ExperienceWhat's This?

If the overall experience offered at a school can be gauged in any way by the loyalty and generosity of its former students, then Washington & Lee stands out as one of the best schools in the country. Students will quickly admit that the University has some serious issues to work on—gender relations, a Greek monoculture, and an overemphasis on alcohol at social events—but in the same breath they will declare there could be no better place to go to college. That is because Washington & Lee cultivates an environment where students can grow in every aspect of their lives, both by being in a comfortable environment as well as experiencing serious challenges. Students develop real, intense relationships that keep them coming back for years as misty-eyed alumni. Washington & Lee students love their school because it lets them be a part of a legacy of academic and moral excellence. This makes class reunions seem more like family reunions, as students are so bonded in the shared investment in a place they love so much.

On a more practical level, students appreciate their time at school, too, because it not only prepares them so well for a life of intellectual excellence but also develops their moral selves as well. Working and living within the honor system forces each community member to take responsibility of their own actions, for better or for worse. Washington & Lee students have a keener sense of the impact of their actions than most. As a result, they enter professional environments ready to face challenges with realistic visions and a commitment to both high quality as well as honesty. This commitment to moral integrity, then, is what sets the school apart and makes it truly great. The University remains dedicated to carrying on the legacy established by its namesakes, giving its students the opportunity to participate in that effort to become upright, skilled citizens.

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Washington & Lee Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Facilities at Washington & Lee University

WorkHardPartyHard

Business Administration and Management '15

4.6
A

Renovations on the Way

Most of the facilities are extremely historic and attractive from the outside, however, the insides can feel outdated in some of the halls. That being said, there are big plans to renovate most of campus and the school is already well on their way. In a few years the facilities will be significantly better, specifically the gym. From the outside, the campus and buildings are very attractive and hold a historic collegiate personality.

May 22, 2012

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Nightlife at Washington & Lee University

WorkHardPartyHard

Business Administration and Management '15

4.6
A

Every Night Can Be a Party Night

While it is true that the social scene and nightlife are dominated by the Greek presence, there is always something to do, even on Sundays if you know where to look. The fact that you can have a good time any night of the week works really well with the intensity of academics at W&L. If you have to stay in and study one night, there will always be the next night to go out. Also, the parties thrown by the Greek organizations can be vastly different and can appeal to many different crowds. Whether you enjoy jam bands, swing dancing, raves, day parties, basement ragers or small-scale house hang-outs, there is something for you. Clubs are non-existant and just upperclassmen and VMI students go to the bars seriously. It is easy to have a good time at W&L.

May 22, 2012

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Inside Scoop at Washington & Lee University

LCC0256

Biological Sciences '15

5.0
A+

W& L Very Unique

The close relationship between the professors and students is legendary. The honor code is serious and permeates every facet of campus life in a hugely positive way. The campus itself is arguably one of the most beautiful in America. The food is nearly all grown locally and is usually delicious. The food service employees are all W&L employees (most all are long time employees due to the excellent benefits of working for the University) and not some disinterested food service VENDOR. I cannot imagine spending my college years anywhere but the Valley of the Generals....

Apr 12, 2012

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User rating for Washington & Lee University is 4.6 out of 5 based on 376 user reviews.

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