Washington and Lee University Top Questions

W&L is small enough that it is entirely possible that your professor will know everyone's name the first day of class, and even more importantly, professors become invested in each of their students because there are so few of us. The city of Lexington is wonderful, there are enough stores and coffee shops to keep city-lovers happy, and ample opportunities to explore the outdoors. Tubing down the Maury River and hiking Devil's Marbleyard are few "must-dos" before graduation.

The academic benefits of a small, close-knit school like ours cannot be measured. Having a class with just two students and a Pulitzer prize winning professor is not normal, nor can it ever be replicated outside the hallowed halls of academia. The small school has not once limited my opportunities; at W&L I have access to every opportunity students at bigger schools do, but I have less competition for them and more faculty support encouraging me to go after my goals.

W&L is a school that'll make you work hard, but it's definitely worth it. I have learned more here in four years than I ever thought possible. When I first came to W&L I wasn't sure if I would like it, but now I know that I love it and I'm excited to be a proud alum next year.

W&L is a great university. It's a great, welcoming place, to any and everyone. One example of this is my favorite campus tradition, the Speaking Tradition, where everyone says, "Hi" to each other on campus regardless of whether you know the person or not. More importantly, W&L is a school that makes sure it gives each student what they need to develop academically and personally. For some, this means the freedom to pursue independent projects for degree credit, and for others, it means meeting with your professor twice a week. The great thing about W&L is that whatever you need, whatever you want to make of your college experience, it is available to students here. Though W&L is smaller than super-large schools, that attribute enables W&L to offer its students smaller classes, all classes taught by professors (No TAs!), and a real university community. Even now, in my senior year, I am still meeting new people in my class. Frankly, I think W&L is the perfect size.

The first thing that stood out to me about W&L was the Honor Code, which is entirely enforced by the elected student body. The only “rule” is no lying, cheating, or stealing, and it doesn’t happen here because of the small community, and the penalty for one of these actions is expulsion. Students pride themselves in upholding traditions, such as the Honor Code, but also equally important traditions such as the speaking tradition, which promotes unity amongst W&L students, faculty, and staff. The Honor Code lends itself to unproctored exams, take-home tests, and you don’t need to be worried if you leave your purse or i-pod outside for a few hours.

Washington and Lee is an amazing place! It's a very small school and some students' high school are actually larger. But, the gorgeous campus with the historic "Collonade" fits perfectly in the quaint little town of Lexington, Virginia, with its 4-square block downtown with its brick sidewalks and little shops lining the streets. Lexington can be considered a college town, since the population of around 7,000 practically doubles when school is in session, since Virginia Military Institute is also in Lexington. Campus is small but a perfect size. You definitely won't have to catch a bus to your classes here! In most cases your dorm will only be 100 yards from your classroom building or the Commons or Dining Hall. Washington and Lee is an esteemed school on the East Coast and for it's size is very well-known and well-thought-of. They have a large alumni base especially in the major East Coast and Southern cities and W&L is a very tight-nit community. The faculty and administration at W&L are extremely involved with the students and their activities. President Ruscio and various Deans and Professors are known for having students to their house for dinner and we have a great relationship with our faculty and administration. It's a place you have to visit and see for yourself. If you walk around campus you'll experience the friendly environment because of W&L's unique "speaking tradition." So, sit in on a class, or stay overnight and experience everything W&L has to offer, you'll fall in love with it just like me!

Located in picturesque Lexington, VA, Washington and Lee University is a place filled with a unique dynamic of rich history and contemporary fun. Watching the painstakingly well-dressed students roam the historic Colonnade on their way to class, one could easily mistake the school for a movie set. Classes at W&L are rigorous, and the students are as enthusiastic about learning as they are about socializing off campus at frat parties. Somehow the student body consistently excels at keeping the two in balance.

It's a very good school full of self-motivated people. The professors are incredible and are always available to help. Academically, it would be difficult to find a more challenging and stimulating school. However, to survive at Washington and Lee you have to have thick skin. Gossip is rampant and it is difficult to succeed socially if you are not ready for it. The small size and isolated location augment the feeling of being in a social bubble. In general, it is a wonderful place to be, but not for the weak of heart. The school pushes students both mentally and socially.

the size is just right, and its amidst beautiful natural landscape in a very small southern town. there is so much school pride and even the alumni seem to always be comming back to visit. people who like to volunteer, like a sence of community, or who kinda know what direction they are going, are happy here. i admit that a couple students hav e trouble being comfortable here because it is very different from what they are used to and far from home. but these people are few in number, and the campus still boasts a student body from all around the country and the world. you should really visit the campus, have lunch here, and asks anyone and everyone lots of questions. there is a huge emphasis on studying abroad, internships, and a great alumni network and the school expects you to utrilize all the awesome opportunities. It is a work hard/play hard kind of school that boasts community at this boarder-line ivy league secluded gem. i couln not possibly stress the lable of a pride-filled community enough.

Washington and Lee is unusual for many reasons. It's not for everyone- the smallness means that it's hard to disappear. If you have a bad experience with someone, you are bound to see him or her again. On the other hand, the small size means that walking around campus, you know everyone. You will never have a TA. Your professors will invite you over for dinner, and some will even call you if you've missed class (only to ask if you're ok, not to pry). I loved every minute of being there, I wouldn't have gone anywhere else.