Given that this is a top private university in the States, only the best professors and educators are hired to lecture at the school. Outside of the classroom, many research based major programs allow you to attend seminars, symposiums and events to learn about research in that discipline. Inside the classroom students are able to learn from a range of very qualified professors, all highly enthusiastic about the subject that they teach. I love knowing that my economics professor uses the concepts we learn in class to explain her reasoning to her kids. My anthropology professor often showed pictures from his research in Mexico to aid with our discussions on culture and the environment. Furthermore, I enjoy knowing that my accounting professor was a former CFO and that my statistics professor likes card games and roulette. Their enthusiasm combined with a plethora of research centers in many disciplines allows me to learn as much as I choose and constantly ask questions.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Coming from Atlanta to St. Louis was a bit of a transition. Though already used to the humid summers, I wasn't sure of what to expect with having a roommate, sharing a bathroom or eating three meals a day on campus. Luckily, Bon Apetit, our source of dining services is also ranked as one of the best in the nation. I know many of the chefs by name and have many favorites. Unfortunately, no matter how good the food is, people need a change. There is a Subway on campus and a near-by Domino's. The Loop, a street filled with fun shops and restaurants, is in walking distance from the school and has a Ben & Jerry's which delivers. The housing application is somewhat chaotic during your freshman year. We have a lottery system and there are three rounds. Each applicant is assigned a random number and the average of his number and those of his chosen future roommates will be averaged. All dorms have Residential College Directors and most undergraduate dorms have Residential Advisors. Both leaders foster a sense of school spirit among residents and often get subsidized tickets for events in St. Louis such as The Nutcracker at the Fox or a St. Louis Rams game at the Edward Jones Dome. Wash U athletics are Division 3 meaning that you shouldn't expect a packed game. However, our athletes do extremely well in and we have more than enough trophies, framed jerseys and memorabilia to prove it. Over all St. Louis is an ok city. Though there are many places I would not go to at night, there are lots of restaurants and shops that I do go to. I did not give this five stars because I miss the big city feel, would prefer a less complicated housing system and would have enjoyed Division 1 Athletics.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Sometimes I wonder where my tuition money is going. Then I noticed that the housekeeping lady cleaned my bathroom already this week. We have cleaning services two times a week which is extremely beneficial given the rigor of our classes and the fact that they do a great job. There are also subsidized events and enough money to fund numerous student activities as well as our own campus radio. However, I could do without the housecleaning and faulty internet connection if that meant paying less than $10,000 a year for housing. I think the amount of tuition that we pay is fine since the caliber of professors teaching is very high. Also, though we have highly ranked dining services, $4,000 for 9 months worth of food is too much. In fact, if meal points were real money, I would not buy anything. I feel that we could get the same services for a slightly lower bill.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be original in your application. Many of the students here have quirks that make them unique. Some students backpacked through India and other parts of Asia. Others are interested in coal-reform and green energy. I have a friend who's really into swing dancing. Though you need a high, competitive high school GPA as well as good test scores, your essay and choice of extracurriculars are two avenues through which you can express both your personality and individuality. Cookie-cutter students need not apply. If you're looking for a group of accomplished, competitive students without the stress that you'll see at East Coast Schools, this is your next best alternative. Since we're in the Midwest, time seems to slow down and people tend to be more relaxed.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Only hardworking, focused and motivated students should apply. This is not any easy school and education should not be taken lightly. The pre-med and engineering have a reputation of being the most difficult tracks to follow. However, as a student in the college of Arts and Sciences and the Business School, I can assure you that there aren't many joke classes. Students interested in changing the world or entrepreneurship will also find support here. We have an entrepreneurship center that helps small businesses start and puts students in touch with professionals in the St. Louis community. We also have many advocacy, charity and community service organizations that help people in our local community as well as around the world. This is a great school for students seeking to expand their knowledge and become more open minded. With student-run political groups, a plethora of cultural associations and students from all over the world, you'll always have opportunities to learn something new as well as share your culture with others.
Given that this is a top private university in the States, only the best professors and educators are hired to lecture at the school. Outside of the classroom, many research based major programs allow you to attend seminars, symposiums and events to learn about research in that discipline. Inside the classroom students are able to learn from a range of very qualified professors, all highly enthusiastic about the subject that they teach. I love knowing that my economics professor uses the concepts we learn in class to explain her reasoning to her kids. My anthropology professor often showed pictures from his research in Mexico to aid with our discussions on culture and the environment. Furthermore, I enjoy knowing that my accounting professor was a former CFO and that my statistics professor likes card games and roulette. Their enthusiasm combined with a plethora of research centers in many disciplines allows me to learn as much as I choose and constantly ask questions.
Coming from Atlanta to St. Louis was a bit of a transition. Though already used to the humid summers, I wasn't sure of what to expect with having a roommate, sharing a bathroom or eating three meals a day on campus. Luckily, Bon Apetit, our source of dining services is also ranked as one of the best in the nation. I know many of the chefs by name and have many favorites. Unfortunately, no matter how good the food is, people need a change. There is a Subway on campus and a near-by Domino's. The Loop, a street filled with fun shops and restaurants, is in walking distance from the school and has a Ben & Jerry's which delivers. The housing application is somewhat chaotic during your freshman year. We have a lottery system and there are three rounds. Each applicant is assigned a random number and the average of his number and those of his chosen future roommates will be averaged. All dorms have Residential College Directors and most undergraduate dorms have Residential Advisors. Both leaders foster a sense of school spirit among residents and often get subsidized tickets for events in St. Louis such as The Nutcracker at the Fox or a St. Louis Rams game at the Edward Jones Dome. Wash U athletics are Division 3 meaning that you shouldn't expect a packed game. However, our athletes do extremely well in and we have more than enough trophies, framed jerseys and memorabilia to prove it. Over all St. Louis is an ok city. Though there are many places I would not go to at night, there are lots of restaurants and shops that I do go to. I did not give this five stars because I miss the big city feel, would prefer a less complicated housing system and would have enjoyed Division 1 Athletics.
Sometimes I wonder where my tuition money is going. Then I noticed that the housekeeping lady cleaned my bathroom already this week. We have cleaning services two times a week which is extremely beneficial given the rigor of our classes and the fact that they do a great job. There are also subsidized events and enough money to fund numerous student activities as well as our own campus radio. However, I could do without the housecleaning and faulty internet connection if that meant paying less than $10,000 a year for housing. I think the amount of tuition that we pay is fine since the caliber of professors teaching is very high. Also, though we have highly ranked dining services, $4,000 for 9 months worth of food is too much. In fact, if meal points were real money, I would not buy anything. I feel that we could get the same services for a slightly lower bill.
Be original in your application. Many of the students here have quirks that make them unique. Some students backpacked through India and other parts of Asia. Others are interested in coal-reform and green energy. I have a friend who's really into swing dancing. Though you need a high, competitive high school GPA as well as good test scores, your essay and choice of extracurriculars are two avenues through which you can express both your personality and individuality. Cookie-cutter students need not apply. If you're looking for a group of accomplished, competitive students without the stress that you'll see at East Coast Schools, this is your next best alternative. Since we're in the Midwest, time seems to slow down and people tend to be more relaxed.
Only hardworking, focused and motivated students should apply. This is not any easy school and education should not be taken lightly. The pre-med and engineering have a reputation of being the most difficult tracks to follow. However, as a student in the college of Arts and Sciences and the Business School, I can assure you that there aren't many joke classes. Students interested in changing the world or entrepreneurship will also find support here. We have an entrepreneurship center that helps small businesses start and puts students in touch with professionals in the St. Louis community. We also have many advocacy, charity and community service organizations that help people in our local community as well as around the world. This is a great school for students seeking to expand their knowledge and become more open minded. With student-run political groups, a plethora of cultural associations and students from all over the world, you'll always have opportunities to learn something new as well as share your culture with others.