A Northerner's Perspective

Introduction
If you are going to consider attending W&L, LOOK AGAIN! Now don't get me wrong: you may absolutely love it here. But you should look very carefully before deciding on this school. W&L is a very unique place. Though all schools are similar in many ways (i.e. a ton of work, partying, a diet consisting of EZ-mac and diet coke) W&L is in many senses a world in itself.

I chose to come here because it was different from the place in which I grew up. I wanted to experience the "Southern hospitality" lifestyle and live on a gorgeous campus steeped in history and tradition. I knew W&L was a special place and I wanted to be a part of it.

But to put things simply: if you despise polo shirts, are a "loner" or "punk," or do not like the idea of a Greek scene, then you should absolutely, 100% NOT here! While the administration is trying to diversify the kinds of students here, there is a reason why they are finding it difficult to do so. People that don't conform to the typical W&L student mold will likely find it difficult to socialize. They will likely feel uncomfortable in a student body that is overwhelmingly homogeneous.

Campus Life and Social Life
Oh, the social scene. W&L's piece-de-resistance. The social life of a W&L student is one to be admired by all of his or her friends. If you come to W&L, your first few weeks here will undoubtedy be the best you've ever had. On Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday nights (and often other night as well) cars are lined up in the "quad" just waiting to give freshman a ride to one of many, many parties going on that night. You can hit up a band party in a Frat house basement, dance the night away with your classmates at a sketchy DJ-party, take a long (but well-worth-it) ride out to "the country" for the wildest events, or just chill at a Frat house for "late-nite" drinking games. Theme parties are great too: TOGA, CAVEMAN, TROPICAL, and DAS KLUB are all popular themes, and the Fraternities invest lots of money in creating an "atmosphere". There are all your usual sports / clubs / events as well. You can go to see a comedian or a student theater performance, listen to a political speaker, or head over to Hull's for a drive-in-movie! Academics
There is NO grade inflation here, so be prepared to work hard. You cannot afford to slack off here and even the best High School students will find themselves doubting their academic abilities. One great thing about W&L's academics is that there are NO TA's (teaching assistants). Every class is taught by a full-fledged professor. Also, our professors are not bogged down by their own research, so teaching is their #1 priority. They all are accessible via office-hours, e-mail, and often their own home phone numbers. I think Politics, Journalism, and History are some of our best departments, but they are all pretty respectable.

Student Body
Okay, "typical" W&L-student, here goes: white, preppy (and I'm talking Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Vineyard-Vines, and desiger jeans. Not simply Abercrombie and American Eagle here, kids), Upper-Middle-Class, cocky, Type-A personality, and somewhat immature for his/her age. Either in a high-school relationship already or NOT looking for a relationship (but definitely ready and willing to randomly hook up). W&L students know how to dress well and rarely go to class in sweats. They in the "prep-school-sports" such as lacrosse, field-hockey, tennis, and horseback-riding. But the greatest identifying feature of a "typical" W&L student is FRIENDLINESS (that is a word, right?). As someone who wasn't sure she'd fit in, I've found it remarkably easy meet new people. People here are soooo friendly and welcoming it makes up for a lot.

In Closing...
This school is special. If you are the kind of person who would enjoy walking with your classmates down the well-worn cobblestone path to Lee Chapel, dressed in sundresses or navy blazers with khaki pants; this school may be for you.

If you crave wild parties and crazy antics, dressing in togas, streaking the collonade, or pledging a srat or frat; this school may be for you.

If you want to get a great education, work hard at something to be proud of, and learn from wonderful professors instead of meager TA's; this school may be for you.

My final piece of advice is to make sure you not only come visit W&L, but try to have an overnight visit with a freshman. Go to a few classes and a few parties, chat with other students and take a stroll around campus. Make sure you know what you're getting into because there is no place like W&L.