Washington and Lee University Top Questions

Is the stereotype of students at Washington and Lee University accurate?

James

Yes

Kendall

Some of these stereotypes were once acurate, but as the times are a-changin', we are starting to see a lot of these stereotypes phase out and a much different face of Washington and Lee emerging.

Stuart

Some individuals choose to follow this mantra, but the school has become a lot more diverse in the past four years and now you can see individuals wearing their favorite local team jersey to class after a big win. Also, the social scene is not as preppy as everyone makes it out to be. It is a close knit community so the variety of individuals is not that extreme, but it is encouraging that the school has encouraged individuals to not fall into a sample mold and to independently seek out their own opinions and views.

Mel

The school is definitely small, and that has its pros as well as its cons. You choose to be as involved as you like, but it is almost impossible to stay out of the social bubble. Although the students tend to dress similar, by no means are they close-minded: classes are typically discussion-oriented, and no student holds back his personal opinions. The professors are just as diverse in their own opinions as the students, but they allow the class to be non-judgemental and are open for new ideas. There are just as many liberals as conservatives, and rarely will you find someone sticking to just one idea--students range all across the political spectrum.

Liz

Of course.

John

The school is diversifying more and more, which might be a bad thing.

Lexi

Only superficially, if you get to know the university and the students there is much more to our community.

Marisa

somewhat.

Dale

Yes

Jordan

To some extent. Every school with a Greek system is going to have a lot of money, drinking, and social hierarchy. But I feel like W&L is slightly worse than other schools. Some people feel that they can't even talk to another based on a srat or frat label. If you feed into this, then it will be terrible. But if you don't let it get to you, then it isn't much worse than any where else. Also, it is a very white school. But there is a decent amount of diversity of thought, which I think is more important in a college anyway. And lastly, the drinking is huge. It is not necessary to drink, but it is huge, especially during Spring Term. That term most people drink during the week as well as during the afternoons.