Washington University in St. Louis
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Most Wash U students seem to enjoy their academic experience and have a good relationship with their teachers. There are certainly boring and exciting courses and professors in each department, so it’s recommended both to ask for advice from older students and to visit multiple classes before settling on a schedule. The professors seem particularly notable for their enthusiasm in receiving visits from students during or beyond office hours. Those who have made an effort to seek help and advice from them are usually rewarded with genuine interest, help with school work, and future recommendations.

The University’s reputation has rested principally on its achievements in the sciences, but most departments—from English to women’s studies and psychology—are now very strong. Within the different undergraduate schools there are more noticeable disparities. The Olin School of Business, for example, allegedly has a weak faculty compared to that of the college of arts and sciences. While students aren’t usually overwhelmed with their course work, academics are rigorous in all of the undergraduate schools of Wash U—although among all undergrads, pre-meds seem the most perpetually stressed. The curricula in several of the schools include distribution requirements organized into a cluster system. However, departments are flexible, and they will allow you to design more creative programs of study, including individualized majors, cross-disciplinary courses, and independent projects. Options such as these allow students to pursue their interests without being limited to traditional subject areas.

Wash U Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Washington University in St. Louis

wustl213

Pre-Medicine Studies '15

5.0

A+

Premed Overwhelms the Campus

The academics are great, particularly pre-med. That can be good and bad though - it means that premeds are consistently stressed out, and non-premeds sometimes feel looked down upon for not being premed. That said, you cannot graduate without having received an excellent education.

May 24, 2012

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Academics at Washington University in St. Louis

WUJNR

Neuroscience '14

5.0

A+

More Support Than You Can Possibly Use

The academics at Wash U are immensely challenging, although some majors are less intense than others. But no matter what your major is, the school never stops going the extra mile to ensure all possible additional assistance is ready at your fingertips. They'll pay group or private tutors for you, send tutors to your dorm some nights so you don't even need to leave your dorm building for help, they have tons of office hours (TA and professor), and so much more. Wash U has challenged me more than I ever though possible, and I'm now doing more than I ever knew I could, because while the school challenges me, it's there with me, simultaneously supporting me at every step along the way. That's truly exceptional.

May 17, 2012

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Academics at Washington University in St. Louis

AlexHodakowski

Pre-Medicine Studies '15

4.2

A-

Pre-Medicine

Not gonna lie, Pre-Med is kinda hard. The work is doable so do not stress, just you have to be able to put in the time.

Mar 05, 2012

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Photos of Washington University in St. Louis's Academics

Engineering Entrance

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Engineering Entrance The engineering school walkway serves as the entrance from off-campus housing to main campus.

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Olin Library

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Olin Library Olin Library is the center of campus. Inside, there are three floors for studying, as well as Whispers Café.

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Simon Hall

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Simon Hall Simon Hall is the main building of the Olin Business School. Students can be singularly in the business school or in both the business school and one of the other schools at Wash U.

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