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I wouldn't describe myself as liberal, but without getting into anything specifically, I'm closer to the middle-of-the-road. You know, like most people.

Anyway, I hear that the student body at W&L seems to be pretty conservative, but I really don't mind that on its own. I was wondering, however, to what general extent are students tolerant of differing beliefs?

It's not a huge concern, but there are colleges where people have to be afraid to speak up because of the almost militant bias there, and I was hoping that W&L isn't like that.

By Priglet (Priglet) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 06:20 pm: Edit

I'm not perfectly certain, but I believe that W&L allows plenty of freedom of speech. I would describe myself much the way you have, and I plan to attend this coming fall. I have no fears in that regard. I may be something of a minority in my political views, but since (true) civility (not muzzling of radical viewpoints) is the rule at W&L, I expect to have a good time, and probably some great discussions.

By Willywonka (Willywonka) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 07:01 pm: Edit

Thanks a lot Prig (for this and the other reply.) You've eased some of the worries this site caused about a school that is really looking appealing to me right now.

By Willywonka (Willywonka) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 02:34 am: Edit

Hate to keep asking questions, but I figure this is kind of related, but not entirely. Don't be offended by any insinuations, I just don't want to make a new thread for something that's kind of samey.

How snobby are the people at W&L? It has a good financial aid system, apparently, and it's not that expensive to begin with compared to some colleges, *and* I suppose I should just visit already and stop asking stupid questions, but if anyone has any insight on this I would be thankful.

By Bbqkixie (Bbqkixie) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 04:26 pm: Edit

About the conservative thing, I agree with Priglet that I don't think it would be a worry. I personally do consider myself rather conservative, and I think I will be a lot like the people at W&L, where I plan to attend next fall also. I know, for me, the conservative atmosphere was a quality I was looking for in schools, and W&L is in the minority there. So, I would think a lot of conservative students there would be like me, just happy to be able to be an open conservative, not one ready to pounce on liberals the way they (including so many professors) do to conservatives at most other highly selective, top notch schools.

By Priglet (Priglet) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 08:50 pm: Edit

You should visit. I am going to next week. It's hard to say how 'snobby' it is. Certainly there are going to be nasty people there; I met one at a reception, but most of that kind are social climbers who are really actually kind of insecure. At the same party (given by alumni) I met several other people who were very nice. It seemed that a lot of the girls were very nervous, and that that made them hard to talk to. I met one W&L guy the other night (on a visit to Northwestern, lol!), and he was really nice. But think about it this way: I'll probably be there next year, and I'm sure there are plenty of people like me there. You think I'm ok, right (from my two posts, lol)? You'll meet people you like and people you don't like anywhere. And at a place like W&L, where there are so many extracurriculars and groups like GCF, chances to meet a bunch of people with similar interests, that you are bound to make friends. Just don't think of the student body as a completely united front ready to exclude you. It isn't like that anywhere, as far as i know. Anyway, after I visit next week, I'll tell you my impressions. BTW, I live in MD, too.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 01:37 am: Edit

Odd thing: I heard that the students at W&L were rated in the top 10 for happiest. Probably not filled with snobby social climbers, then. When I visited the law school, I did see a lot of people running around and playing badmitton.

By Leftyleftist (Leftyleftist) on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 09:01 pm: Edit

Do you think there would still be any room for left-wing activism on campus, or is the conservatism limiting in terms of the amount of room for dissent?

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 02:43 am: Edit

>> Do you think there would still be any room for left-wing activism on campus, or is the conservatism limiting in terms of the amount of room for dissent?

Washington & Lee is definitely NOT a "leftyleftist" kind of place. It is known as the last bastion of the traditional southern gentleman. Fine school, absolutely beautiful campus, town, and surrounding area, but seriously conservative culturally, made even more so by the fact that its campus abuts Virginia Military Institute.

They probably wouldn't shoot you for left-wing activism. You would just spend four lonely years as the campus weirdo.

By Gcajrjr (Gcajrjr) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 12:50 am: Edit

Im a current junior at W&L and I'm as liberal as they come. I feel like I'm home, there are more conservatives, but I think that they are liberal where it counts, and that is their open minded ways towards different people. If anyone has question add a thread, Im in Lexington for the summer, and I can answer any questions.

By Persona1011 (Persona1011) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 01:17 pm: Edit

OOOH QUESTION QUESTION...

Hey, I'm gonna be a freshman next year...I am really thinking about a double maj in econ and politics (I heard a lot of kids double in econ and business...not for me), and was wondering something important about the phys ed classes. I know that W&L has a ridiculous requirement for p.e. and was curious as to whether that counts as one of the 4 classes you take per fall or winter trimester, or if you take 4 academics and "add" the p.e. on as an additional. I will be highly pissed and most likely transfer to Duke or a northeastern lib arts school if i have to dope down my schedule with bowling...which I am assuming is not the case.

By Skippy1205 (Skippy1205) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 04:48 pm: Edit

When I visited, W&L was to the right of Atila the Hun...but I'm a Jew from New York City, it's a great school, and one of my best friends who is really liberal is going there, so we'll see, it's actually a really interesting opportunity. I'm off to ultra liberal Kenyon though, haha. Good luck to all of you!

By Willywonka (Willywonka) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 05:52 pm: Edit

I'm not really worried about the political bent of the students anymore. It's completely likely that many people are very conservative, but there's no way that such a selective school would accept students who aren't smart enough to let others have their own opinions.

Skippy- Kenyon over W&L, tough choice. I'm going to have to make it myself by next May, I imagine, but I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. What really sent you packing your bags for Gambier, if you will?

By Guyfromva05 (Guyfromva05) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Gcarjrjr - what were you stats? and what is daily life like at W&L? when it's not time to party?

By Gcajrjr (Gcajrjr) on Sunday, July 04, 2004 - 12:54 pm: Edit

Well as for the pe questions you would take four classes, and a pe so its really like 5 classes. But its not bad, the gym staff is really nice, and there are so many options its like having recess again. We have gyms like bowling, canoeing, golf, and fun things. Dont transfer its not worth it.

By Gcajrjr (Gcajrjr) on Sunday, July 04, 2004 - 01:03 pm: Edit

I don't remeber too much of my stats but I got around a 1300 SAT, a 4.3 GPA, and great essays. Im really excited I got in becuase the incoming classes are getting smarter all the time. But I made it, and I love it here. In my spare time when Im not partying, I usually hang out with my fraternity brothers, Im a Chi Psi, and my other friends. Most people like to go tubing, or sunbathing at Goshen, and other find clubs to occupy their time. There are many things that can keep you entertained in Lexington. The scenic drives are awesome too. Whenever I felt frustrated, Id take a drive, and look at the mountains. I love this place, and I haven't been bored yet. Im even staying here for the summer and working with a few of the deans. Hopefully I helped, anymore questions just ask. And you are all invited to email me with questions, if there is something personal you'd like to ask. Just used my post name, and its at hot mail.

By Skippy1205 (Skippy1205) on Friday, July 09, 2004 - 12:20 pm: Edit

Willy Wonka, what really sent me off to Ohio wa the student body at Kenyon. I felt the students were much more laid back and weren't so much into getting good grades as they were into actually understandig and grasping the material. I also wanted to get off the East coast for a little bit, and slow down the pace with some good old-fashioned mid-west hospitality. I applied to Kenyon ED2, it's really awesome, but it really depends on the indivdual and what you want it college and where you feel comfortable. I would recommend staying overnight anywhere you apply, and most definitely before you decide on attending somewhere, I never thought I would even apply to Kenyon before visiting in November. Good luck!