Washington and Lee University Top Questions

I hate this school. I really do.

On the plus side, the Lexington and the surrounding area are strikingly beautiful and there are some fun outdoor activities such as hiking. Now for the negatives...Most people, even in Virginia, haven't heard of Washington and Lee...they often get confused and think of William and Mary or Mary Washington.

W&L has been around for a long time, and the traditions and history of this school give us a great reputation. Not everyone knows about this school, but the people who do are always impressed and are usually well off themselves. The alumni networkhttp://www.unigo.com/explorer/reviews/takethesurvey.aspx?collegeid=194#; of this school is awesome, and W&L folks look out for each other all across the US. The education students receive here is top notch, and the faculty are some of the best in their respective fields. Class sizes are small, so most professors know all their students by name and get to know them on a personal basis. Students also get to know each other well, because you're bound to run into people more than once at such a small school. Lexington isn't really a college town, but there's a bunch of great places to eat and some unique shops you won't find in a big city. There aren't any dance clubs or major bars in town so most partying is done off-campus. The big thing to remember is that a degree from this school carries a lot of weight with a lot of people. The students from this school go on to do great things in business, law, medicine, and politics.

Honestly, W&L has been perfect for me. I love the small class sizes, how accessible my professors are, all the clubs and activities, the campus, everything. I even love Lexington--it's no big city, but I'm okay with that. The three hours to DC really is reasonable, and I don't have to worry about parking!

Washington and Lee is the best place on Earth! I can't imagine being happier at any other school. The administration knows students personally and will work with us to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Being the 9th oldest school in the entire country, there is an incredible amount of history here (including Robert E. Lees tomb). Throughout its history, many traditions have made W&L unique. The speaking tradition is one of my personal favorites: started by Lee himself, each student will smile, say hello, or otherwise acknowledge anyone who walks by them. It's about being nice, friendly, and establishing a sense of community. The academics here are quite demanding, but the small classes and brilliant professors make it well worthwhile. This school cares about its students and it will show you one of the best times of your entire life. I will forever remember the wonderful experiences and people from W&L. Lastly, the honor system is a huge part of the school. There is but one rule here at W&L, that everyone will be a gentleman or a lady at all times. If you lie, cheat, or steal, you are expelled from the university; otherwise, we enjoy an incredible amount of freedom and personal responsibility. It's truly a wonderful system.

W&L is located in a picturesque, typical "college town." It is quaint and charming. Chivalry actually exists and the speaking tradition makes for a friendly atmosphere.

I think the thing I like best about Washington and Lee is the emphasis we have on tradition. Some of these quirky events include: dressing up for football games, putting pennies on the grave of Traveller (Robert E Lee's horse) for goodluck before midterms, the speaking tradition (saying hello to people you pass around campus), and other things. The Honor System, though, is without a doubt the defining aspect of W&L. The system is manifested in many ways on campus: unproctored tests; self-scheduled exams, doors and cars remain unlocked; computers, ipods, and other valuables are left unattended in the library or other places around campus. Students trust each other and treat each other with respect. Similarly, professors trust their students. W&L has an Honor System that truly works. Rather than being a set of rules, the Honor System is a way of life, by which W&L students daily abide.

1. Beautiful campus 2. Small class sizes + awesome professors 3. An Honor System that really works 4. Greek Life 5. Alumni who love W&L

The big picture of W&L is that it is a small, close-knit school. The classes are hard but the rewards are great. Professors teach small classes and bend over backwards for their students. As hard as everyone works they play harder, there is not a dull friday or saturday night.

Alcohol. Bow-ties. middle of nowhere.

At W&L, the classes are hard. There is no getting around that. However, I've learned just as much in the classroom as I have outside of it. The social scene is a big part of W&L. Greek life is the key to the social scene here. Greek life, though, is a little different here than at most schools I've visited. Since basically everyone is in a frat or sorority, each house has a very unique mindset and its pretty easy to find a good group of guys or girls that you fit in with. The school is pretty small but it really helps in the classroom. I can talk to my professors whenever I need to and they actually know my first and last name. Lexington is a great little town but most students don't venture outside of W&L because there's really no need to. The administration is amazing. They are always there to help out and actually take the time to understand your side of the story. And of course, the honor system. Its the key of all life at W&L and its amazing. I can schedule my final exams for when I want to take them, I get to take all my other tests unproctered and I can leave all my personal items like my computer, wallet, cell phone etc sitting out in the open and know that no one will take them. I've never locked my door in the dorms or in my fraternity house and I don't need to. I trust all the other students because I know they trust me.

As a senior at W&L, I am very sad to be wrapping up my undergraduate career. Washington and Lee has challenged me academically and has pushed me to achieve things that I once thought impossible. Four years ago I would have never thought that I would have been a part of a 61 page business plan! I am so proud of all the work that I have accomplished and all that I have learned. I am also extremely grateful to have gotten to know all of my professors very well and to maintain those relationships throughout my time here. I know now that, after spending such valuable and stimulating time at W&L, I am capable of anything.

If you fit the W&L stereotype, you'll have a great time. Statistically, about 60 women experience rape or attempted rape each year. The school does not publish these statistics and prospective students deserve to know. Lexington is a sucky place to live--you're about an hour away from anything to do. If you don't drink, don't come to W&L because you'll have a hard time having fun and finding things to do on campus. W&L creed: Conform or be a community outsider. There is no school pride and the Speaking Tradition is dead. I would even argue the Honor System is failing. Men dominate the social scene even though the women are smarter and more active on campus. If you don't plan on being Greek, you will have a hard time finding friends and having an active social life. Academically, it's hard to beat W&L. I have been given opportunities here that would not be possible anywhere else. Most professors care about who you are as a person and

W&L is very small, but seems exactly the right size. Professors are always available to help, you know almost everyone you pass on the Colonnade, but there is still a ton to do and new people to meet. Lexington is quaint and cute, and while there's not much to do, no one is ever bored because the campus has such an active social life and we're so close to a couple big cities. Washington and Lee has a strong reputation beyond the campus, and people are always impressed when I say I go there.

Washington and Lee is a very unique school. The campus is full of history, and students tend to follow traditions. Everyone is very proud of the two men whom our school is named after. A key component of W&L is the student-run honor system. Everyone takes this very seriously, which allows us to have freedom in taking unproctored exams and self-scheduling our finals. Students understand that if you committ an honor violation, you may be kicked out of the school

I adore it here. The town is lovely- a true college town, the students are friendly, and the professors show genuine concern for their students' welfare. There's a sense of history here that you don't find at many schools, and a committment to learning that's reflected in our small classes. Plus, we can throw a party.

W&L provides all of the resources of a larger university, but in a small, community like setting. The campus itself is beautiful, situated between mountains in Virginia. There are so many extracurriculars to choose from, a student learns to prioritize. There are endless opportunities for leadership. Most importantly, the honor code truly makes W&L a unique place. The size helps, but what makes W&L a community and not just a school is the honor code. It is here that a person learns to be an adult, to have integrity, and to stand for something.

Washington and Lee is a small University in a tiny town in rural Virginia; but the campus offers lots of activities, chances to get involved in the community, and numerous student organizations. The honor system at Washington and Lee, started by Lee in his term as President, is incredibly important to WnL life. Finals are self-scheduled and unproctored and professors are able to give students a lot of scope on projects, with take-home tests, and other assignments. Students leave bags and laptops sitting around the Commons or the Library with little thought to theft. Students living on campus rarely lock their doors, and even students off-campus often neglect to lock up. The campus is very safe and even women living off campus can feel safe walking home from the library at 2 in the morning. The social life at WnL is dominated by the Greek life, with 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body choosing to go Greek. When considering WnL as a prospective, it's definitely a good idea to keep an open mind about the Greek system. All of the fraternity and sorority houses are owned by the univeristy and rented out, the parties are all required to be open to anyone at 10, and we practice a deferred rush process. Deferred rush means that freshmen don't participate in formal rush until Winter term, after Christmas break, so that they have time to get used to the campus and college life and time to get to know the members of the Greek organizations they are considering. Between the Greek life pride and the small school atmosphere, people who come to WnL and stay end up loving the university. Our strong alumni network,demonstrates the continued interest WnL graduates have in their alma matter. While the student body can appear homogeneous, students come from all over the country, with one of the most popular student home states being New Jersey. The school still tends to be a bastion of conservative students but that too is slowly changing. WnL also has a fairly large international student base, adding to the diversity of the student body. I have loved WnL since I got here, and would strongly recommend the school to students who want both a great liberal arts institution and a school with a popular social scene.

This school prepares you for anything and everything! You can go to schools where you have to pull all-nighters every night to finish homework, and then there are party schools where it isn't even neccesary to go to class. Washington and Lee is a place where you can grow however you want. First, classes are fun; the teachers tend to be a little ecentric, and lectures can lead places you never expected. Second, yes, we are social, but those skills are important also. I came in unable to really put myself out there, but here shy is not an option. This skill proved to be very useful as I have gone through the interview process the past two years looking for internships. Lastly, organizational skills become more profound from the participation in so many organizations. All major organizations are completely student run: Greek Life, The Executive Committee (deals with honor issues+), Mock-Convention, Fancy Dress, etc. I am already in my third year, and although I have already grown into a pretty awesome person, I know that things will just continue to go uphill.

W&L is unique-there's no other way to put it. This school has distinguished itself in so many ways over the years-it has such a rich history and so many great traditions, but it also has some of the most vibrant student life I've ever seen on a college campus. Students here are very intelligent and hold themselves to high standards. And, if you ask the average student, they will be quick to share all about how much they love W&L. It is a school that people get passionate about.