The quality of education I have received at Washington University has been amazing, which I assume is why most people consider Wash U. The faculty there have done real research and are experts in their fields, which has in turn allowed my understanding of different subjects to flourish. However, while the education is around the same caliber, it doesn't have the same name recognition as ivy league schools, I sometimes question the use of my tuition money (extensive lawn care, while beautiful, comes at a high price and is a bit excessive around campus), and a lack of grade inflation puts you at a disadvantage when competing against students from other schools for medical school and other fields that look at GPA.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Look carefully at what you want to do and the reasons you want to do it. If you seek a top-notch education to be able to explore your deep, personal passions and interests, Wash U is for you. If you're just looking for a degree, which there's nothing wrong with, you can get the same thing at other institutions for a much cheaper price in most fields. Wash U is hard, so be prepared to take on a heavier workload, especially if you come from a laid back, non-competitive high school like I did. However, you'll walk away feeling like you truly learned something, and the feeling of accomplishment is amazing.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Wash U is hard, but you learn a lot. The professors make sure that you truly understand a subject and don't just memorize test answers. There are also a multitude of academic resources available if you begin to struggle, including professors, who will always find time to talk to you if you need to. If it's knowledge you seek, Wash U is about the best way to provide that.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorms on campus, even the older, traditional housing, are amazing. Each room comes with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, dresser, desk, and chair. The rooms aren't huge but are bigger than most other college dorms; I never had problems with a lack of room for things. Staff clean common rooms and bathrooms and have been super friendly to me. The only real complaint is that it's about a fifteen minute walk to campus, twenty with some of the further dorms.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
You can get pretty much any kind of food you want, and it's all delicious. There's a pasta station, stir fry station, Mexican food station, burger grill, and pizza stand all in the same place. There are also kosher and vegetarian options, as well as a grocery store. I was able to go two weeks without eating the same thing for a meal, and I enjoyed everything I ate. It's all cooked to order, so freshness is also a plus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There's always something going on on campus. Greek life is definitely there but also not overbearing if you aren't interested in it. There are plenty of clubs that span a large variety of interests. Forest Park is a short trip away, there are plenty of good restaurants around, and you can find just about anything else with the free metro pass they provide you with.. Wash U has a pretty relaxed alcohol policy, but I chose to live in substance-free housing and didn't have any problems with noise or anything, so that's definitely an option if partying isn't your thing.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Although there's almost no denying that the quality of education at Wash U is top-notch, I sometimes question if a cheaper school would have been better. It all depends on what you want to do. If you have no interest in research or going really far places in your field, I would consider going to a different institution. That said, I have had an overall pleasurable experience here.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
A large variety for all different interests.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
It's there, but definitely not pervasive if that's not your thing.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus police is always available, but I have never felt threatened while on campus, even while walking back from the library late at night. Safety lights with emergency phones span the path from the main campus to the dorms at the South Forty. St. Louis is a crime-heavy city but Wash U is definitely not in the hub of that.
The quality of education I have received at Washington University has been amazing, which I assume is why most people consider Wash U. The faculty there have done real research and are experts in their fields, which has in turn allowed my understanding of different subjects to flourish. However, while the education is around the same caliber, it doesn't have the same name recognition as ivy league schools, I sometimes question the use of my tuition money (extensive lawn care, while beautiful, comes at a high price and is a bit excessive around campus), and a lack of grade inflation puts you at a disadvantage when competing against students from other schools for medical school and other fields that look at GPA.
Look carefully at what you want to do and the reasons you want to do it. If you seek a top-notch education to be able to explore your deep, personal passions and interests, Wash U is for you. If you're just looking for a degree, which there's nothing wrong with, you can get the same thing at other institutions for a much cheaper price in most fields. Wash U is hard, so be prepared to take on a heavier workload, especially if you come from a laid back, non-competitive high school like I did. However, you'll walk away feeling like you truly learned something, and the feeling of accomplishment is amazing.
Wash U is hard, but you learn a lot. The professors make sure that you truly understand a subject and don't just memorize test answers. There are also a multitude of academic resources available if you begin to struggle, including professors, who will always find time to talk to you if you need to. If it's knowledge you seek, Wash U is about the best way to provide that.
The dorms on campus, even the older, traditional housing, are amazing. Each room comes with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, dresser, desk, and chair. The rooms aren't huge but are bigger than most other college dorms; I never had problems with a lack of room for things. Staff clean common rooms and bathrooms and have been super friendly to me. The only real complaint is that it's about a fifteen minute walk to campus, twenty with some of the further dorms.
You can get pretty much any kind of food you want, and it's all delicious. There's a pasta station, stir fry station, Mexican food station, burger grill, and pizza stand all in the same place. There are also kosher and vegetarian options, as well as a grocery store. I was able to go two weeks without eating the same thing for a meal, and I enjoyed everything I ate. It's all cooked to order, so freshness is also a plus.
There's always something going on on campus. Greek life is definitely there but also not overbearing if you aren't interested in it. There are plenty of clubs that span a large variety of interests. Forest Park is a short trip away, there are plenty of good restaurants around, and you can find just about anything else with the free metro pass they provide you with.. Wash U has a pretty relaxed alcohol policy, but I chose to live in substance-free housing and didn't have any problems with noise or anything, so that's definitely an option if partying isn't your thing.
Although there's almost no denying that the quality of education at Wash U is top-notch, I sometimes question if a cheaper school would have been better. It all depends on what you want to do. If you have no interest in research or going really far places in your field, I would consider going to a different institution. That said, I have had an overall pleasurable experience here.
A large variety for all different interests.
It's there, but definitely not pervasive if that's not your thing.
Campus police is always available, but I have never felt threatened while on campus, even while walking back from the library late at night. Safety lights with emergency phones span the path from the main campus to the dorms at the South Forty. St. Louis is a crime-heavy city but Wash U is definitely not in the hub of that.