Reviews

The classes I have taken have been interesting and challenging. It's a good idea to do some research on the professor, but generally you can expect a good experience. Class size really varies. I've had classes with 12 students, but also classes with 100+. Typically this doesn't affect the quality of the course, or at least it hasn't in my experience.

I love it here! Although students are extremely serious about grades and spend hours studying in the library, Washington University's students are also very social. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Most students do find a group to participate in, which is a great way to meet other students and make friends. In general, students are pretty friendly and intelligent. St. Louis is also a surprisingly fun city to be in, with plenty of interesting places, like the City Museum, to investigate.

The tuition at Washington University in St. Louis is a little bit ridiculous. Sure, there are plenty of fun activities on campus that that money goes toward, but applicants should definitely look into the university's scholarships when applying. You can only apply for university scholarships as a prospective freshman, which I wasn't aware of until I tried to apply later during my first year.

Get good grades. Write a strong essay. Don't give up hope if you aren't accepted right away--I made it in off of the wait-list, so keep in touch with Washington University until you find out the final decision.

Washington University is great for students who are serious about their education, but are also laid-back and want to enjoy their college experience. Grades and classes are definitely top priority, but most students are very involved with activities outside of classes.

Wash U is a challenging school, with numerous possibilities. Since it's not a large school, class size is generally smaller, which creates a great learning environment. The handful of large lecture style classes are still very effective, often with a lab or small section to aid your learning. All the professors are knowledgeable, resourceful, and helpful. If you're looking for a great education, you will no doubt find it here.

It is great to be around other motivated students that work hard and also love helping their peers. There are countless groups, clubs and other various activities going on campus all the time. There is something here for everyone. The campus is beautiful and has many conveniences. Campus is also very safe; even late at night, there is no need to worry. It is in a nice part of town too, with a lot to do nearby. I really don't have one complaint about the environment at Wash U.

Being a private school, the expenses are higher than most schools. However, I do think the university does a decent job at handing out scholarships, loans and grants based both on merit and need. And the education you receive is top notch with a lot of great resources and activities around, which somewhat accounts for the higher price you pay.

Get involved. You will more likely be accepted if the school sees that you are passionate and active. Also, the more you work on managing your time now, the easier it will be once you get to Wash U. Good grades are also very important.

Wash U is great for the student that wants a good education and is willing to work hard for it. Someone that wants a well rounded education would be great here. If you have other passions than just pure academics, Wash U is a great environment to pursue those alongside a rewarding degree.

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.

The classes here can be quite demanding; however, in the end, the hard work is worth it. While for the majority of students, long hours of studying are probably necessary to succeed, Washington University assists with the learning process by offering a plethora of academic resources, such as free tutoring and academic mentoring for (almost) any class. In addition, many of the professors have a lot of knowledge to impart, as they are true experts in their field. Of course, some are better than others, but for the most part, the instructors are very knowledgeable about their subjects, and many of them show great enthusiasm for what they do, which I find makes it much easier and more exciting to learn. There is a large array of courses to take, and students, especially freshmen, are encouraged to explore their interests. In fact, at least for Arts and Sciences students, there is only one general education requirement—Writing I—so they have great freedom to discover what their passion is and can continue to learn more about that passion.

While the classes are certainly challenging, I love being at Washington University. The community is very close-knit; despite being located in the city of St. Louis, the main campus is a beautiful, park-like oasis, set off from the surrounding metropolis in what is commonly referred to as the “WashU Bubble.” Freshmen and some upperclassmen live together on a forty-acre plot of land known as the “South 40,” which is adjacent to the main campus and consists of residential buildings as well as a variety of places to eat, study, relax, and socialize. All facilities that I have seen, both on the South 40 and on the main campus, are very nice and are well maintained. Moreover, the people are generally accepting and friendly, and even though the academics are competitive, students usually try to help each other succeed rather than to cut each other down.

Washington University has a reputation for being quite expensive, and it is. The good news, however, is that Student Financial Services is exceptionally helpful, so do not let fiscal concerns keep you from applying. Washington University works very hard to ensure that those who are accepted can attend if they so choose—regardless of their family’s financial situation. If your family is very wealthy, chances are they will have to pay a total of over $200,000, but you will receive a high-quality education from a well-respected university. On the other hand, if you come from a lower or middle-class family, you can receive that same education for a price that is more suited to your family’s circumstances. Granted, you may need to work a part-time job as part of the Federal Work-Study Program, or you may need to look for a few outside scholarships, but overall, Washington University does a good job of making a great education a reality for just about anyone who is accepted.

The admissions process is competitive but by no means impossible. Obviously, things like a strong academic record, high standardized test scores, and an exceptional application essay are important; unfortunately, as with many selective universities, they do not necessarily guarantee acceptance. One way to stand out in a talented group of applicants is to demonstrate an ability to succeed in a college setting. With opportunities like the High School Summer Scholars Program, Washington University offers potential students the chance not only to show that they can handle Washington University coursework but also to earn college credit. While getting involved in the college scene during high school may not assure acceptance, I think it certainly gives students a competitive advantage.
Another important point is that Washington University has something of a reputation for placing many applicants on a waitlist. From what I know about it, the number of students—if any—who are accepted off the waitlist varies from year to year, so there is no way to really tell what your chances are. If you are offered the chance to be placed on the waitlist and are still interested in attending Washington University, accept the waitlist position, but make sure you have a backup plan.

Washington University is great for students who are seriously committed to academics and willing to work hard to succeed. The atmosphere is generally laidback and there are many opportunities for fun, but “good grades” will not be handed out free. A strong work ethic and a desire to learn are essential. Additionally, the university consists of a very diverse community, so potential students should be willing to have an open mind about things they may have never been exposed to before.

Washington University in St. Louis is filled with intelligent students looking to challenge themselves. The campus is gorgeous and the food is phenomenal. There are also endless clubs, teams and organizations encouraging student involvement!

Go visit! I fell in love with Washington University in St. Louis as soon as I saw the campus. It's also where I found out that WashU stresses your interest when it comes to decision time. I spent one summer in WashU's two week Architecture Discovery Program and I know that it helped me get my acceptance letter.

I found WashU to be a challenging school. While all the programs are fair and reasonable, I've never had to work so hard in academics. Not to worry, WashU also has endless help resources for anyone who is struggling or just wants to ask a question!

During my freshman year I lived in a Modern Double. In the double we shared a bathroom with our two suitemates (four people to one toilet, one shower and two sinks). Additionally, our bathroom was cleaned twice a week by a cleaning service. The rooms at WashU were much larger than other college dorms I had seen on visits. Also, all WashU students have Tempur-Pedic mattress that are supplied by WashU. To say the least, you will be spoiled in a WashU dorm!

We are ranked #2 in Best College Food, second to Culinary Institue of Technology. Since my dad is a great cook I had very high standards concerning food when entering college. When I tried WashU's food I was amazed at the endless options and high-quality meals. We even have a dessert hall (Ursa's) that serves smoothies, milkshakes, brownie sundaes and crepes!

Explore the city of St. Louis! The metrolink has a stop right on campus and the train will take you into the city. You can go up in the Arch, play golf in Forrest Park, visit SLAM (St. Louis Art Museum) or see the St. Louis Zoo (which has a free entrance fee).

I've found that Washington University in St. Louis is also very considerate when it comes to financial aid. I believe that because WashU takes an applicant's demonstration of interest into account they are eager to help you pay for your education. I know that WashU is kinder with financial than other top colleges!

During each semester there is a concert called WILD, Fall WILD and Spring WILD. WILD is free for all WashU students and you're allowed to bring one outside guest. This past spring, Fitz&The Tantrums performed along with several WashU bands and singers. It was a great time! All years attend so it's a great bonding experience for all years.

I would say WashU is great for a student who hopes to further their education while also enjoying their college years.

Habitat for Humanity
Engineers Without Borders
Society of Women Engineers
Varsity, Club and Intramural Sports
There are many more clubs and activities, the ones I listed are just the clubs that I am a part of.

WashU night life is based on Greek Life, not to say that you need to be a member of a sorority or a fraterity to be invited to these events. All registered parties are required to be open to all WashU students at no charge.

I feel extremely safe on WashU's campus. I come from a city so street smarts is common knowledge to me. I've never heard of anyone having an issue with safety on campus. However, we do have an active police service so if you ever feel uncomfortable you can call the officers and they will happily drive you back to your dorm.

Washington University offers a variety of classes for their students. The classes are challenging, but not overwhelming. Usually students take anywhere from 12-19 credits. The professors teach by examples, explanations, and assigned reading. Classes will also have guest speakers and demonstrations. Learning is definitely a large part of coming to this university.

The atmosphere is very enjoyable, and the people are super nice. The residential dorm area for freshman and sophomores has just been renovated. It now has a new gym facility, several dining areas, a grocery store, and the dorms. A dorm can be traditional or modern along with being substance free or not. The substance free floors are nice because the evening time is usually more quiet. Walking to and from school is safe and short. The overarching style of buildings if Harry Potterish and older gothic cathedral. The architecture is stunning. Many places exist for students to study. The library is open into the morning.

Washington University is one of the most expensive private schools, but it is completely worth it. They off varieties of tutoring and help for free for all students. The facilities are well kept. Student Union often subsidized extra curricular activities throughout the year for students. The professors have a desire for the students to learn and succeed. Washington University is all about the students succeeding if they are willing to search out the help, which is readily available. Many scholarships and financial aid is given to students who apply.

Come take a tour. Maybe do the OWL program to see if you like staying in the dorms. Try the food, too!! Washington University has a huge variety of food choices. Also, be prepared for different types of weather from rain, to heat, to humidity, to snow. Washington University is excited to welcome any prospective students on campus.

Washington University is great for students who want to go to a medium sized school in a larger city. Grocery stores and shopping malls are an easy access for students. This University provides a challenge for those who are willing to learn, but also if full of fun traditions and bonding experiences!

The most important part of the academic environment here is how collaborative the students are. The campus at all times is littered with students engaged in group study sessions and meetings with professors or teaching assistants. Wash U provides all kinds of resources for academic help, such as Peer Led Team Learning, where an upperclassman helps other students in math and science courses understand problem sets. Residential Peer Mentors for all the main subjects are easily accessible, sometimes even at midnight for one on one meetings in all residential colleges. Whenever I am even slightly struggling on campus, I am rarely stressed because I know how much is available to help me succeed. Overall, the classes are unlimited and overall, very engaging. Not only am I learning material, but I am learning how to be the best student I can be at Wash U.

The school's aesthetics are a mix between Disneyland, Hogwarts, and a country club. What could be bad!? There are countless clubs, a capella groups, and sports to choose from, all of which require whatever commitment you want to give to it. Most importantly, the people at Wash U are the nicest I have ever met. Not a single person is competitive, mean, or selfish; everyone wants to help you and become your friend.

I think Wash U is worth every penny. However, it is a private school and is very expensive. If the price was a little less, it would DEFINITELY receive 5 stars.

Demonstrate academic and extracurricular passions and achievement. In the end, your acceptance or rejection happened for a reason. If you are accepted, you will most definitely fit in here. Come! If you aren't, as hard as it may be to acknowledge, you will probably be happier somewhere else. I honestly believe that students get accepted to the places where they are meant to be; don't sweat the rejections because you would not have enjoyed yourselves in all aspects at whatever school(s) that may be.

Academically inclined; successful student
active member of their community (communities)
collaborative not competitive
someone who might benefit from a research and a liberal arts institution
those interested in architecture
students who have NO idea what they want to study or do in life (that's me!)
students who are passionate about learning SOMETHING or ANYTHING

Wash U, as it is called, offers students unique opportunities that, I believe, no other college can. It truly has an international, or a global, community: you get to interact with some of the best minds from across the nation, as well as outside of the U.S. (some international students on my freshman year floor were from Paraguay, China, and Japan). Lastly, Wash U is known to its students as the U.S.'s best-kept secret, for Wash U is certainly on or near the level of Ivy League Colleges and well-known universities--such as Duke, Vanderbilt, and Notre Dame--but is far less well-known, making it a hot-spot for the diverse and creative minds who are more interested in the process of learning itself than on the perks and superficial bonuses that may come with attending a more well-known university.

Make sure you don't spend your entire freshman year in the library. The people I've met at Wash U are some of the nicest, most welcoming people I've ever encountered, and it would be a shame for you not to escape the confines of your favorite study space and experience college the way it's meant to be experienced. Finally, don't be afraid to explore all of your interests: Wash U offers so many opportunities for you to do this, and after all, college is really the only time for you to try everything to figure out what you really love.

Just like any other college, of course, you can enroll in all easy classes and achieve a 4.0 without doing much work. But the kind of students that attend Wash U are not the kind that look for the easy way out. Students always load up their class schedule in order to explore all different kinds of subjects; for example, an art student took an architecture studio--one of the most demanding courses at Wash U--as an elective because she was interested in it and thought it would be fun.

You only have to visit Wash U to know why I chose to give the dorms 5 stars. Apparently, our dorms are ranked second in the country. Of course, there are some older dorms, but most of the freshman dorms are very comfortable, especially the modern style. As a big fan of modern style, I highly recommend choosing it, because a housekeeper cleans your bathroom twice a week, you get tempur-pedic mattresses, the closet is huge (for all of you clothing-lovers) and the room itself was bigger than my bedroom at home.

Wash U was recently ranked the nation's top university for food lovers by the Daily Meal. It has a wide variety of places to choose from on-campus to eat, and each of those places offers a vast assortment of types of food to choose from: Italian, American, Mexican, Greek, Asian, Indian, as well as Kosher food, sandwich and wrap stations, several coffee and pastry bakeries, and a miniature grocery store. Off campus, there are a few wonderful cafes nearby, and a 15-minute walk will get you to The Loop, which has a variety of chain restaurants (Chipotle, Noodles, Panera, Ben and Jerrys, etc.) and local ones, including a delicious Fro Yo place.

I mentioned the Loop above: students often go there on Friday or Saturday nights to enjoy a night out at a restaurant with their friends, or for a treat at Fro Yo. In addition, students often attend Cardinals games in the fall and spring at Busch Stadium. Next to campus is also Forest Park, which holds the St. Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Zoo. I've heard the Botanical Gardens are a must-see, as well as, of course, the St. Louis Arch. Lastly, a ten to fifteen minute ride on the MetroLink train will get you to the Galleria, a huge mall with all of the stores you could possibly want, as well as chain restaurants, like Maggiano's, PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, and Panera (and there's a food court inside).

While Wash U is an extremely expensive school, they are very generous with their financial aid: almost everyone I know received some sort of financial help, whether it was a partial scholarship, a two-thirds scholarship (what I received), or full tuition scholarship. More importantly, the things you get to experience at Wash U are worth the money: I learned so much about different cultures and interests by going to this institution, since I was surrounded by people who weren't all like me. Moreover, all of the things I listed above, like the dorm life and the quality of food, further support my belief that Wash U has great bang for its buck.

Students who were raised in a rather sheltered community would do well to attend here because it would greatly expand their ideas about the world. People from all backgrounds go to Wash U, and it is so beneficial to learn other people's stories in order to enhance yours for the future. Also, it is a great place for students with a wide variety of interests, because all of Wash U's fields of study are so critically acclaimed that, whichever major you choose in the end, you will find success in it.

I was a part of the women's basketball program there last year, and it was an experience I will never forget. Even though the football culture there is not big, the basketball culture certainly is: the women's and men's teams are both very successful, with the women's team winning four or five national championships in a row in the past decade. A wide variety of religious clubs and other organizations appeal to all students.

Even though Wash U is located very near to St. Louis, it remains one of the safest campuses. There is a network of campus police constantly patrolling the campus in their vehicles at night to keep an eye out for mischief. There are also emergency lights scattered everywhere on campus, which have a button you can press if you ever feel in danger, and a cop will be there within a minute. Although I've never heard of any student ever needing to use those.

I'm currently a freshman in the Olin business school and from what I've encountered, the professors here are great! Their lectures are pretty entertaining and informative at the same time. If you don't get something in class, always go to their office hours. They are very approachable WILL help you out. All I have to say is, I learned more in these few months than I did in my 5 years of high school.

There are a lot of clubs, teams, frats and sororities that you can join. People are really nice to each other here and what I like most is that people here aren't fake. People living in the same dorm get really close to each other and will help each other out. For me, I'm trying to save money so I never bought a scientific calculator. So, I borrowed one of my floormate's for my calculus exam. When it was almost time for my second calculus exam, she knocked on my door and handed it to me without me even asking. And.. we didn't know each other that well. So the bottom line is, you'll not feel pressured or depressed here, because there are always people that'll help you out. One thing I don't really like is that when Asians go to a white party, they tend to be not welcomed. But maybe it was just that few white students that are like that.

The tuition is a bit too high I think. The thing that bothers me is that even though we're paying this much, there are so many people out there who have never heard of this school.
But it is worth it. You'll learn ALOT and you'll enjoy your time here. I know people who turned down Ivy Leagues such as Cornell to come here, because WashU has such a beautiful campus and the people here are amazing. WashU students compete among themselves since grades are not curved and so people will help one another. I'm pretty sure we learn just as much here as in some Ivy Leagues. It's very hard to find such a good school, with such a good atmosphere at the same time.

Join just a few teams and clubs and get very involved in them. It's not like high school where we do a bunch of things so it looks nice on our college app *winkwink. At WashU, students do things because they're passionate about them.
Also, we have such great food here!! deserts, Chinese food, Greek food, etcetc.... ETC... and they taste wonderful. BUT if you get tired of the food here.. you can always go to the loop. There are restaurants there such as Panera, Cheese-ology. etc.

WashU is great for students who like to work hard and play hard. GREAT place to study. For students who aren't so into prestige but more into actually learning things, and having an awesome undergraduate experience

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.