Washington and Lee University Top Questions

The stereotypes are somewhat accurate, but perhaps exaggerated. Except for the southern part -- That's not really accurate.

yes

We are rich and smart, mostly, but we are not really snobby. I've found that at private schools and colleges people are generally more secure with their wealth, so they don't flaunt it.

Like all steretypes, to a certain extent, but probably not the extent of our reputation.

yes.

to a certain extent

The work hard - play hard stereotype is true. With the greek system, there is always a party going on. However, everyone still gets their work done before class time. However, the lack of diversity stereotype is false. Many students are international, many are on financial aid, and there's something different about everyone.

For the most part.

To some extent. But there really is a place for almost every one, unless you are very alternative. Students who come here with a punk/west coast lean find themselves migrating to a more conservative look. Students don't compromise work for play, or play for work, they just don't sleep. If you don't get carried away by the party scene, you will graduate with a coveted agree and wicked cocktail party and networking skills.

In many ways, yes. There are plenty of exceptions. While the school is overwhelmingly preppy and rich currently there are student who fall into neither category. And the new scholarship program allows the university to bring in more students from a large variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Alcohol is readily available for anyone who wants it, but the student who chooses not to drink is highly respected and never pressured. We work hard and play hard, partying three to four nights a week. There are a lot of White Anglo-Saxon Protestants to fit the WASPY stereotype, but anyone not fitting in these categories will not feel out of place.