Reviews

Without sounding too trite, I’m learning more and more everyday from being here at Washington and Jefferson. The professors are willing to stop and answer questions and are there to teach you, unlike other institutions. I wanted a college that would challenge my academic standards and make me push myself to learn as much as I can (and more) about a subject or field, as well as open my interest to other fields and acting as a guide. I feel W&J has become that college.

W&J offers its students with a lot of opportunities to “get out there” and participate in on-campus and off-campus events, which I instantly fell in love with! The college in itself is also very close-knit. When I first visited the college in my senior year I enjoyed the sense of community and togetherness I saw and have seen here in the past months. This push for community is reflected in Washington and Jefferson’s motto: “Juncta Juvant: Together We Thrive”.

As for drawbacks, if you’re used to lively cities with plenty of hustle and bustle, you may be disappointed by Washington’s more rural and laid-back feel. But, while the surrounding area lacks luster, it makes up for it with friendly people.

With a $40,000 a year sticker price, I had my doubts about attending the college at first. After W&J’s financial aid, my own scholastic merit, and outside scholarships, the yearly cost was knocked down significantly! If you’re looking for a school that will offer you the best for your money (outside of an ivy league), I feel W&J is the next best thing. Not only are you given a faculty of professors with doctorates in their respective fields, dedicated to teaching you a subject, but also, each of the professors emphasize a general mastery of that particular subject and continue to push their students to pursue their major/ career goals. In a way, your professors become your mentors outside of your academic advisor. Be prepared to learn, you won’t be disappointed.

1) Start the year out strong and finish strong!
2) Save up money and get plenty of scholarships, books are a lot more than you’d think!
3) If you have a few hours in between classes, take the time to review notes or study!
4)Your Academic Adviser is basically your best friend, don’t be afraid to talk to them/ask them questions.
5) Get to know your peers and make friends! It’s a small school, so chances are you will know nearly everyone within the first few weeks anyways.
6) Go to the Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Programs. The teacher’s assistants at the programs are there to help answer questions or clear up a few things you were not able to ask the professor when class was in session.
7) Join a club. In you're interested in it, you'll meet people who are passionate about the same thing you are.
8) If you want to start a club or event, there are plenty of staff and faculty members willingly to help you start it or act stand as support.
9) Don't forget that college is more than just the grades; learn to be well-rounded and pick up an extra curricular activity or job (if you can).

Students seeking a college that will offer them academic challenge.
Students wanting a well-rounded education that includes knowledge on both their major and an area of study that they are interested in. Students interested in combining travel with their studies. Students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or law (Washington and Jefferson is know for its emphasis on tailoring Pre-Med and Pre-Law programs specific to the student’s interest).

The professors here are fantastic. Unlike many other schools where you end up with just another class with just another lecture, the professors at W&J want to get you involved and have you actively participate, making the learning environment enjoyable. Now, you're going to do a lot of work, it hasn't made the name for itself that it has by giving students easy A's, but believe or not, you will want to do the work.

W&J is one of the most enjoyable places I have been. Both inside and outside of the classroom it is a completely different environment than anything I have ever experienced. Everyone here is incredibly nice and looks out for your well being, both physical and educational.

Now, you may be thinking that I'm crazy... Paying almost $45,000 a year all said and done, how can it be THAT worth it? It is. No doubt about it, it is. This school has the best cafeteria food I have eaten, access to a nice gym, and a massive list of clubs and activities for a college of this size. Plus, if you ever have an idea, just take it to one of the student reps and they'll see what they can do for you. There are so many opportunities that they make for you that they should almost charge you more!

1) Along the lines of Bang for the buck, apply for scholarships - a lot of them - apply early - apply often.
2) When you get here, make friends with the people on your floor, it's a long year, I'm sure they're pretty cool people.
3) Along with making friends with those on your floor, talk to people. Don't seclude yourself. You start now, you say you'll change later, but you won't. From the beginning be social, you'll make more friends and have a lot more fun that way.
4) Stay focused. There is time for fun and time for work - most of the time. You are in college, not a zoo. The purpose of being here is to prepare you for life, to educate yourself, and get a degree, not to party so much that you don't study and end up failing out.
5) Talk to your professors. Most of them are some of the coolest people you will ever meet. I encourage you to get to know them, because at some point you are going to need guidance, and who better to go to than someone who has been there before, right?

Students who want a rock solid education.
Students going pre-law or pre-med.
Our German program is pretty solid.
Honestly there isn't any one program here done poorly, just some done outstandingly well.

I have taken a Theatre course, a Philosophy course, a History Course, and two Literatrue courses. I had learned many things from the life and works of the Bronte sisters to the history of 19th century Europe to the theory of Determinism to the inner workings of a theatre production to the environmental ideals of John Muir and Edward Abbey. The professors REALLY know what they're doing, and I feel my head nearly exploding with new knowledge.

The campus is alright, but not spectacular. Most people like to party a lot or play video games. There's also not a lot of fellow metal heads (a problem only for a select few). There are nice and fun people, and I enjoy SCA and the friends that I have made there. I also love my floormates, and my RA is amazing. W and J is, in my opinion, much more of a place to learn and grow in your field than to have a lot of fun. I do wish that they had more concerts and on-campus outside events to spice things up a bit.

Academics= amazing and worth the tuition. Freshman dorms, food, facilities= I feel like they could do better. I got shoved into a tiny room above the boiler, so it's always cramped and overheated. The food is decent, but stereotypical college food, aka sub-par. Freshman guys have to journey to other buildings to use the unreliable laundry facilities. It's just a moderate amount of these types of minor annoyances that make me feel like my tuition money could be better spent. There's even a Facebook group called I pay 43,000 a year to... as an ironic statement for how many students feel about the use of their tuition. However, what's really important is academics, and in this area, you DEFINITELY get a bang for the (substantial) buck.

Find friends who like to do what you do on the weekends. If you don't like partying at the frats, your weekend activities will initially drop severely. However, by making friends, you can find things to do and have an excellent time. Be open to things and, even though it can be hard at times, definitely be yourself. I find that it's important to stand out and let people know who you are.

Athletes, bookworms, fun people, socially proficient people, pretty much all types of academic fields are well represented, but pre-health, pre-law, and business are the most prominent.

washington & jefferson is a small college where you can get to know your teachers and peers. the classes are extremely interesting and engaging. the college offers many opportunities that you cannot find anywhere else.

as a prospective student, make sure to check out the create your own major aspect of the college and really consider the fact that w&j has personable and helpful professors and workers.

the academics at w&j are extremely competitive. the college is definitely challenging and expects alot out of its students. there is a reason this school is known to produce some amazing doctors and lawyers.

the dorms are a little outdated but they do have more exclusive bathrooms. by this i mean there is one bathroom to a small number of people versus one bathroom per floor.

there are two main dining areas, one a fast food type area and the other a buffet of a wide variety of food. since the food is catered by a well known food source (the same at eat & park), the food is pretty good.

w&j strongly encourages activities that do not involve alcohol or drugs. things such as concerts, plays, free food, workshops, and many other opporunities are provided.

the college is very pricey but is willing to offer plenty of financial aids. depending on how much the student gets involved and takes advantage of his/her education determines if the money is worth it or not.

during matriculation, students are taken through the main building on campus as a sign that they are officially w&j students. (tradition)

great for people looking into the medical field and the legal field.

w&j houses tons of athletes, considering most people come here for sports. as far as clubs, students can choose from over 50 clubs or even make up their own club.

greek life makes up for almost half of w&j's students. this college is dominated by greek life and is a fun way for students to get involved and become a part of something.

campus security is always willing to help and are always available. they are very humble and understanding. as long as students don't venture off too far from campus, they should feel safe.

One of the things that I was most surprised about when I attended my first class was the amount of information W&J professors can spill in such a short amount of time! For some people, certain teachers can be overwhelming at first, but once you start to learn how the professors think and what kinds of facts you should write down, etc, the classes get a lot easier to handle. On my first class on my first day here, I was completely taken aback by my intimidating history professor, but as the semester continued, I realized how much I learned. It wasn't for lack of trying, but I was able to fluently learn the material. The small class sizes also help. Compared to larger schools, W&J offers close relationships with your professors that are sometimes very hard to find. About 2-3 times a week I was in a professor's office asking for help, clarification or just getting advice about college and academia.

Since I live in a completely different state, it was culture shock coming to a small school in Pennsylvania. However, as I grew to learn the school and people there, I fit right in. There are great clubs, athletic teams and weekend activities planned for every type of person. Although the weekends can get a little bit crazy (like most college campuses) there are alternatives. The school keeps me busy, too, so that I don't have much time to get homesick. Once you meet the right group of friends, which you will, it is a great school to attend and have fun at.

Like I mentioned earlier, the class sizes is what really sold me on coming to W&J. I am close to practically all of my professors. I learn just as much outside the classroom as I do in it. My biggest class had 35 people in it, and that is considered a large class. It is easy to get that one-on-one attention that is important to higher education. There are a couple cons, though. The school seems to offer almost every student financial aid, but in the long run, those who have more of a problem coming up with the money don't necessarily get the scholarships from the school that home can't provide. It is important to look at internships and outside scholarships. And because it is a private school, the tuition is quite pricey. When you look at the overall experience of attending this school, though, it is hard to think you are making a mistake. A large amount of students travel abroad, get great internships during college and great jobs after college. It really depends on how you deep immerse yourself in the school's advantages.

Make sure you have a financial plan. That is the biggest thing, I would say. It is a great school, but at the same time, there are always great alternatives. Also, visiting the school is important. The campus is small, and I see that as a good thing (especially in PA winters). Getting to and from class is absolutely not a problem and your friends and study buddies are always close. I really like the campus and it is also nice since it is so close to Pittsburgh.

I have seen every personality at this school and I think that they make up the diverse character this school has overall. Once you find your niche and what you like to do, chances are this school offers it and won't slack on accommodating it. If you are an easygoing person, crazy person, quiet person or genius, you will find friends and activities easily.

W&J is a great school to be challenged. W&J is known for its medical, law, psychology, and other programs. The school is known to be academically rigorous, helping prepare students for graduate school, medical school, law school, and the real world. The classes and entire experience here allows you to be well prepared for anything after 4 years at W&J. Coming to W&J, I learned a lot (academically and experience wise). My metality and way of thinking changed even after only one year. You not only learn from professors, but you learn from everyone you come into contact with. The classes are amazing, and you end up finding something that you're interested in because W&J is a liberal arts school. You bascically get to test out the waters with different subjects, and you end up finding something you love to learn.

I finished my freshman year last year and loved it. The upperclassmen are so welcoming toward the Freshmen, and the faculty/administrators are amazing. I felt at home when coming to W&J, and felt like I did not need to go home too often. It is NOT a suitcase campus. Most students who go here, stay here. I love the environment and the people. The surround is intimate and you are able to build close relationships. The President of the school knows your name, and she can be found in the cafeteria eating with other students. You see Deans and administrators around campus, and chatting with students. They are at different events and participate in many student activities. I am involved many activities on campus, and hold an active role in each organization. W&J opens the door to so many opportunties to get involved and make a difference. Students' opinions matter so much on this campus, which is evident in the surveys that they send out.

W&J is expensive, but your education is an investment. I made a lot of connections with faculty, administrators, staff, and students. It is a lot of money, but I think it is well worth the investment. You get so many opportunities, and meeting the right people on campus allows you to make a name for yourself. It's all about connections and using your resources! W&J provides that and much more.

The transition from high school work to college work can be difficult. Be prepared to WORK for your grade. You're going to find that your study habits will have to change. Dive into the many opportunities that W&J has to offer! There are so many activities and clubs to join! You can get more involved and have a say in what goes on, on campus.

People who love to learn, enjoys challenges, and enjoys close relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, and students. Students who are looking for small, liberal arts schools. Those who like the intimate setting. Students who are willing to work for their grades and put time into assignments.

All my professors are incredibly intelligent and always available and willing to help students. My best advice to perspective and enrolling students would be to talk to professors whether you are in one of their courses or not. Taking the time to get to know them really makes a difference in your college experience.
The courses here are intense and rigorous, and certainly teach students to work hard and balance/organize their schedules. You are always learning, whether inside the classroom or not and whether you realize it in the moment or not!

There are many student clubs, activities and events on campus and there is always something to do. The Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership office has been working hard to cater to what students want to see available on campus and there is always something new being introduced. The only downside is that if you don't have a car you are pretty much stuck on campus. The shuttle to Pittsburgh only goes on Friday and Saturday nights so students over 21 have plenty to do, but if you're underage then there's very little you can do those nights.

The education is definitely worth the expensive tuition. I don't regret choosing to go to this college in regards to that. When it comes to housing, however, it is not the best. Many of the dorms in President's Row have major heating issues in the past winters and have also experienced water problems. The wireless internet connection in these dorms is also very poor.

My tips? Visit and talk to people! Sit in on classes and afterwards talk to the professors. I visited during the fall of my senior year of high school and sat in on an upper level Psychology course. I took the opportunity to speak with the professor and now in my Sophomore year she remembered me and let me into that Psych course which is impossible for sophomores to get into. Also, talk to students on campus when you visit. Ask them what they like and dislike, then see if you can handle the dislikes when making your decision.

If you are a hard worker, dedicated student, and like to think outside the box, then this is the college for you. There are many opportunities on campus and the President has office hours during which you can come to her with concerns or with ideas/dreams which she can help make possible. This was how I was able to propose a new major.

It is a small school and you get to have one on one time with your professors. You also get to talk with friends and stuff too.

Ask a lot of questions about the school so you can get an accurate depiction of each school that you go to. Take a tour of the school and visit a class that you would be interested in. It will help you get the gist of what an average college class would be like.

Academic here are the top priority. It is very rigorous and sometimes challenging but it is worth it.

The dorms are pretty nice. Get to live with friends and meet new friends that live on your floor. RA's are always there to help.

The food is pretty good. We have two dining options. One is the regular dining hall and one is the fast paced, made to order dining. Food is provided by the company that provides food to Eat N' Park.

We have shopping shuttles that take you in to Pittsburgh on the weekends. There is also many different activities like paintball or movie trips that the Student Activities Board plans. There is a game room with pool tables, ping pong, and fussball. Also you can just hang out with friends and watch netflix or hulu plus in the tv lounge on campus. There is intramural sports too. Like volleyball, basketball, or frogball.

W&J is a diverse campus. It is not just for one type of student.

There is a wide variety of clubs on campus. From academic clubs to cultural clubs to sports clubs.

Greek Life is a big part on campus. There are 6 fraternities and 4 sororities. They do many things on campus like volunteer events and they raise money for non profit organizations. One fraternity raised money for Make a Wish foundation recently.

You feel really safe on campus. Campus security makes sure of that. They do rounds and check building and stuff like that. There are blue light emergency buttons around campus. If you feel unsafe at night you can call security and they can come pick you up and take you to your room.

Washington and Jefferson has a nice small college atmosphere that enables you to get to know your professors and seek help when needed. This college also has an abundance of clubs, activities, and sports to participate in when you have free time. You will also meet a lot a great people in your dorm, at parties, and in frats and sororities that you will become very close with for the years to come.

Always get your work done ahead of time, do not procrastinate. If you are trying to go premed start studying for exams at least 2 weeks ahead of time; they are hard. If you have an issue with anything about life in your dorm ask Reslife, they can help with a lot of things.

The sciences are tough, you have to put a lot of time in for those. Other classes really depend on what come easy to you and what doesnt. There are certain teachers you do not want to take for certain subjects so just ask any upper classman you know for details about that.

The first semester is always really fun but do not get too carried away and let your grades slip. You will have to pay for that next semester when you have to work your butt off to make the GPA. If your roomate is crazy or you dont get a lot, do not worry, you can always find another place to study and you'll make plenty of other friends to hang out with.

The Commons and GnT's are both great. Do not eat George and Toms everyday for every meal because you will gain weight. Make sure you are smart about what your eating and try to be healthy.

If you make good friends you will always have fun no matter what. There are usually parties on the weekend or you can stay in and hang out with you friends. The school also sends out emails with all the events taking place that weekend if you really have nothing to do. Also, do not wander around certain parts of the town aimlessly at night, the townies mostly are not good people so you don't want to get in a stir up with them.

Usually all the freshman think its cool to try and get to the tower on top of the gym at least once.

Friendly and laid back, but also determined and hardworking.

I can speak for the Track and Field program and its great. It does not take up too much time and its a good way to stay in shape. Also you meet a whole new group of people to bond and hang out with.

I decided not to join a sorority becasue i thought it was not for me.

The security gaurds are very friendly and always have the students safety in mind.

The professors teach very pertinent material and are always up-to-date on things going on in the real world. Most professors try to relate real-life material to the course work.

I miss home sometimes, but my friends, classes, and various activities available on campus keep me busy and quite happy.

W&J is a private school, so it's naturally going to be more expensive than a public school, but I feel that my education and opportunities that I've been giving here certainly make the money worth while.

Come visit: take a tour, stay over night with a current student. Seeing a college first hand really helps you decide if it's right for you. Coming to W&J really solidified my choice to go here.

Go-getters: students who want awesome opportunities at college and internationally. Students who like small classes, a quaint town, and a sense of home away from home.