Take Your Next Step: W&L Admissions Viewbook 2023-2024

THE EVOLUTION OF A UNIVERSITY

Our history traces the arc of the nation’s history. Founded as Augusta Academy in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1749, the school changed locations and names several times over the years. Those names included Liberty Hall Academy, Washington Academy and Washington College. In 1871, the name was changed to Washington and Lee University, recognizing the contributions of both George Washington, an early benefactor of Liberty Hall Academy, and Robert E. Lee, who served as president of Washington College from 1865-1870. Today, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the country and is nationally recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.

Before graduation, W&L seniors release paper lanterns at the Senior Bonfire, signaling the start of a new chapter.

DIVE IN AT W&L TO BROADEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE, ENRICH YOUR EDUCATION AND LEND DEPTH TO YOUR EXPERIENCE.

You’ll join students who share your drive and ambition and hone your ability to seek and discover meaningful connections.

You’ll build lifelong relationships with faculty mentors who will teach you to collaborate, ask difficult questions and challenge your thinking.

You’ll work closely with professors and classmates on hands-on research projects and have plenty of opportunities for in-depth learning.

You’ll be part of a vibrant, welcoming community that empowers you to live in a thoughtful, respectful way that impacts your academic experience and future career.

This is what learning looks like at W&L.

Success in the 21st century requires the intellectual flexibility our liberal arts education provides.

W&L PROVIDES AN INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPERIENCE INTEGRATING LIBERAL ARTS WITH BROADER PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS.

W&L’s motto, ”not unmindful of the future,” underlies the university’s commitment to providing an education that is vital and relevant to the 21st century. The span of opportunities we offer encourages you to do, and be, anything you want. At W&L you have the flexibility to combine interests and pursue different passions.

Our undergraduate program is composed of two divisions: The College, where you’ll study humanities, languages and sciences, as well as fine and performing arts; and The Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, where you’ll study accounting, business administration, economics, politics and entrepreneurship.

There’s no separate application for either division, and as a W&L student, you will probably take classes in both. You may even take courses from professors in W&L’s graduate School of Law through our interdisciplinary Law, Justice, and Society program.

Our interdisciplinary approach to academics supports the holistic development of our students by weaving aspects of character development and personal and community responsibility into their college experience. W&L does this in many ways, including through the Honor System, vibrant service opportunities and centers such as The Roger Mudd Center for Ethics, which fosters thoughtful conversation about ethical issues.

The best kind of challenge awaits.

“Liberal arts education cannot possibly prepare you in advance for everything you will encounter, but it makes you the kind of person who responds well to encounters for which you are not prepared. That ability, more than anything else, enhances your prospects for a lifetime of learning, achievement, leadership, service and citizenship.”

— WILLIAM DUDLEY, PRESIDENT, WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

“My mentors at W&L encouraged me to pull together all my different interests in art history, law, international relations and research. Now, I’m ready to mobilize that knowledge.”

K ALADY OSOWSKI • MAJORS: ART HISTORY, MATHEMATICS • MINOR: MIDDLE EAST/SOUTH ASIA STUDIES

The College: It all starts here.

THE COLLEGE IS AT THE CORE OF OUR LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION.

All W&L students take coursework in the College during their time in Lexington. Home to departments in the arts, humanities, languages, social sciences and STEM, the College allows students to experience subjects across the curriculum. These lessons offer context for society’s big questions and help our students develop the skills and perspective to answer those questions, regardless of their major.

Our faculty are dedicated to nurturing the intellectual capacity and curiosity of our students in an environment of collaborative inquiry. All firstyear students are members of the College, and they typically take a range of courses in the liberal arts in preparation for selecting a major course of study.

Our size, combined with extensive resources, innovative teaching and interdisciplinary learning, means students get personal attention and have opportunities for distinctive experiences. Our model encourages students to think creatively and approach issues from different views.

1,861 UNDERGRADUATES 48 U.S. states 43 countries of citizenship

9th OLDEST COLLEGE in the United States

The Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics.

THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL OFFERS COURSES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTING, ECONOMICS AND POLITICS WITHIN A LIBERAL ARTS CURRICULUM.

As a major division of the university, the Williams School draws inspiration from the liberal arts model, encouraging students to explore interests and build connections between their major and other academic disciplines.

Students benefit from this approach by developing unique perspectives and insights in their chosen areas. Most students take classes there regardless of their major.

The Williams School prepares students to hit the ground running after graduation. It provides career exploration trips, opportunities to learn and network with alumni, and innovative learning practices. For example, some classes simulate ad agencies, and student-run clubs, such as the Williams Investment Society, give students the responsibility to manage more than $17 million of the university’s endowment in the stock market.

RANKED#11

BEST COLLEGE FOR BUSINESS IN AMERICA

by Niche

“My professors taught me to think deeply about difficult issues, synthesize information quickly and efficiently, and communicate clearly. Those skills helped me in every environment I have been in, and I would encourage anyone — interested in a career on Capitol Hill or otherwise — to take advantage of the academic offerings at W&L.”

Washington Term students pose for a photo at the Lincoln Memorial.

— SARAH BARTLETT • MAJORS: POLITICS AND HISTORY

Find your beat.

W&L HAS THE ONLY ACCREDITED UNDERGRADUATE JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM AT A HIGHLY SELECTIVE LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION.

Journalism and communications students build experience in research, analysis and clear communication as a direct benefit of the liberal arts curriculum. And the Knight Program in Media Ethics ensures that students understand the ethical dimensions of the decisions they make.

Our students learn their craft in a modern broadcast environment — including a newsroom, TV studio and control room — that prepares them for working in multimedia communications. Students in several classes work together to produce The Rockbridge Report, a newscast and website that are regularly recognized for excellence by professional journalism organizations. Students have interned at:

CBS News

The Wall Street Journal

The Atlantic Bloomberg

The Miami Herald El Nuevo Herald

CNN Politico

“ W&L has the resources available for you to make the most of your college experience while also setting you up for life after college. There are a wealth of opportunities, and it’s up to the individual how to navigate them.”

— JIMMIE JOHNSON • MAJOR: JOURNALISM

A student prepares to anchor the Rockbridge Report from the on-campus broadcast studio.

Get your hands dirty — literally.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONDUCT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ARE AVAILABLE FROM DAY ONE.

At W&L, we work to ensure that students have ample access to a wide range of experiences, from conducting collaborative research with faculty to pursuing independent projects and internships.

Opportunities have taken some students to Belize, New Zealand and the Netherlands, while others have undertaken independent projects at the National Institutes of Health, Engineers Without Borders, the World Veterinarians Project and the U.S. Patent Office, to name a few. Previous research has included:

Accounting: Tracking and reporting on corporate social responsibility in business and financial systems

Politics: Analyzing Islamic State messaging and divergence

Geology: Measuring strain and paleostress in rock formations in the local Appalachian Mountains and Greece

Computer Science: Web application testing and development

Digital Culture and Information: Using interactive and three-dimensional qualitative data tools to map literature

Theater: How to conduct original research for creating plays

Biology and Neuroscience: The role of snacking in obesity

Shepherd Program and Cognitive and Behavioral Science: Community-based research supporting members with mental illness

Mathematics: Infinite classes of Sierpinski or Riesel numbers

275 STUDENTS participate in a Funded Summer Research program at W&L

James Willey, geology major, researches water ecology in Woods Creek during the Spring Term course Environmental Field Methods.

“Washington and Lee provided me with many opportunities to hone my craft outside of the classroom.”

— ELLEN KANZINGER • MAJORS: JOURNALISM AND STUDIO ART

Explore your creative side(s).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION ARE EVERYWHERE.

Our arts program goes well beyond the classroom, playing a role in campus life through its projects, performances, on-campus museums and downtown installations. Students from all backgrounds and majors find ways to participate in the arts. It’s not uncommon to find the lead in a musical coming to rehearsal straight from a lab, or an art major leaving the studio for team practice.

Lenfest Center for the Arts

The Lenfest Center for the Arts is a multi-use facility designed and equipped to accommodate a broad spectrum of performing and visual arts. It is also home to the Department of Theater, Dance and Film Studies; the Department of Music; and the Department of Art and Art History; supporting theater, musical theater, opera, chorus, orchestra, dance, performance and studio arts in one energizing complex.

Museums, Galleries and Collections

W&L’s extensive art collection includes paintings, prints and sculpture that are used as hands-on teaching tools by various academic departments. Many works of art are on display in public spaces throughout campus, as well as in our campus museums and galleries, which are rich learning environments for students pursuing a minor in cultural heritage and museum studies.

Student Groups and Ensembles

Students have a variety of opportunities to get involved in groups on campus, including a cappella groups, University Orchestra, Glee Club, Cantatrici, Bluegrass Ensemble, chamber ensembles and the Student Arts League. For classical music fans, the Concert Guild Series brings world-class musicians to W&L, while the SonoKlect Series brings equally great performers from a wide variety of musical genres.

OUR STUDENTS ARE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN A GLOBAL AND DIVERSE SOCIETY.

Students are engaged with different cultures on campus through coursework, speaker series and cultural programs, and off campus through a vibrant and extensive study abroad program.

The Kenneth P. Ruscio Center for Global Learning

The Ruscio Center is home to the Center for International Education, classrooms, labs, language departments and visiting international scholars. It features inviting spaces for students to gather and enjoy cultural programming throughout the year. W&L offers instruction in 12 world languages as well as interdisciplinary programs that encourage students to explore world cultures through history, politics, literature and the arts.

The Center for International Education

The majority of W&L students participate in some form of experience abroad for a full term, Spring Term, summer programs, internships, research opportunities or service opportunities. Advisers at the Center for International Education work with students to choose programs tailored to their academic interests and find funding for international experiences during the summer.

Spring Term Abroad

Many students choose to spend Spring Term studying abroad for an intensive and transformational international experience.

Senshin’an Japanese Tea Room

W&L is home to an authentic Japanese Tea Room, a rare resource among colleges. This architectural treasure serves as a classroom for the study of Chanoyu, the Way of Tea, and a center for cultural activities relating to the arts of Japan.

60% of students STUDY ABROAD by the time they graduate 35+on average COUNTRIES VISITED for study, internships, research or travel

INTERNATIONAL AREAS OF STUDY

Africana Studies

Arabic Language & Literature

Chinese

East Asian Languages & Literatures

East Asian Studies

French

German

Greek

Hebrew

Italian

Japanese

Latin

Latin American & Caribbean Studies

Middle East & South Asia Studies

Portuguese

Romance Languages

Russian Area Studies

Russian Language & Culture

Sanskrit

Spanish

It’s a big world. Be part of it.

“For students to be truly well-rounded, which is the purpose of a liberal arts education, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the history of and problems faced by people from cultures other than their own.”

— RILEY RIES • MAJORS: POLITICS, RUSSIAN AREA STUDIES

Students practice calligraphy in Morocco.

SPRING IS A GREAT TIME TO STEP OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM OR LECTURE HALL AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A TOPIC THAT BRINGS LEARNING TO LIFE.

W&L’s academic year is divided into two 12-week terms in fall and winter followed by a four-week Spring Term that allows students to focus intently on a single course chosen from more than 100 captivating options.

This special term may take you into labs, rivers or streams; onto archaeology sites, floors of the U.S. House of Representatives or the New York Stock Exchange; into schools, theaters, hospitals and newsrooms. You’ll get the chance to travel around the world — or at least outside of your comfort zone.

Course: Community Muralism: The Art of Public Engagement and The Pursuit of Happiness

Course: Geology of Hawaii

Spring Term: Because two semesters just aren't enough.

Course: Drawing in Nature

Course: Caste at the Intersection of Economy, Religion and Law in Nepal

Course: Physics and Perception of Music

Past Spring Term Courses

Black Writers & Allure of Paris – France

Urban Ecology – Washington, D.C.

Business of Entertainment – Los Angeles

Social Innovation in Scandanavia – Sweden and Denmark

The Psychology of Humor

The Roman Emperor – New York

Cool Japan: Anime, Manga, Culture

Lakota Land Culture – North and South Dakota

Creative Writing for Children

Music, Folklore and Literature of Ireland – Ireland

The Pursuit of Happiness

Modern-Day Slavery in Ghana – Ghana

Music in Stanley Kubrick Films

Geology of Hawaii – Hawaii

Disorder and Chaos

17th Century Dutch Painting – The Netherlands

9/11 and Modern Terrorism

Black Mirror

Portuguese Camino De Santiago – Spain

Justice and Mercy

History of Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan

Shakespeare in Great Britain – Great Britain

The Science of Cooking – Italy

Management Accounting in China – Shanghai

Latin America Through Film – Argentina

Swedish Theater – Sweden

Majors

Yellow indicates areas of emphasis

Accounting

Art (Studio)

Drawing

Painting

Photography

Printmaking

Sculpture

Art History

Biochemistry

Biology

Business Administration

Chemistry

Classics

Cognitive and Behavioral Science

Computer Science

East Asian Languages and Literatures

Chinese

Japanese

Economics

Engineering

Engineering, Integrated

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Geology

English

Environmental Studies

Conservation Biology

Climate Change

Environmental Economics

Environmental Humanities

Water Resources

Student-Designed

French Geology

German History

American History

European and Russian History

Global History

Journalism

Business Journalism

Journalism

General Mathematics

Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Music

General Performance or Composition

Music – Instrumental

Music – Vocal

Neuroscience

Philosophy

Physics

Politics

American Government

International/Global Politics

Political Philosophy

General

Religion

Romance Languages

French

Spanish

Russian Area Studies

Sociology and Anthropology

Anthropology

Sociology

Spanish

Strategic Communication

Student Designed Major

Theater

Historic Campus

Our campus is known for its beauty, charm and historical significance. In 1972, the front campus was designated a National Historic Landmark. W&L was only the third college campus in the country to earn this distinction.

Minors

Africana Studies

Archaeology

Art History

Art (Studio)

Biology

Animal Biology

Ecology

Molecular/Cell Biology

Physiology

Quantitative Biology

Chinese

Classics

Computer Science

Creative Writing

Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies

Dance

Data Science

may be completed with business analytics emphasis

Digital Culture and Information

East Asian Studies

China

Japan

Education

Teacher Certification

Education Policy

Entrepreneurship

Environmental Studies

Film and Visual Culture

French

German

Japanese

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Law, Justice, and Society

Mass Communications

Mathematics

Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Middle East and South Asia Studies

may be completed with or without language emphasis

Music

Philosophy

Poverty and Human Capability Studies

Religion

Russian Language and Culture

Theater

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

“

W&L professors have a knack for making students realize their true potential.”

— ALEX RETZLOFF • MAJOR: HISTORY (AMERICAN EMPHASIS)

Teachers, mentors, scholars.

OUR FACULTY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT GUIDING BRIGHT MINDS.

W&L professors take pride in their roles, recognizing potential, directing ambition and inspiring selfconfidence in their students.

Your interaction with them won’t be limited to a lecture hall. You’ll learn with them and from them in small classes and seminars, hands-on research experiences, academic conferences and trips around the world. They’ll be your mentors, colleagues and champions, pushing you to raise the bar for yourself and your work.

100% CLASSES TAUGHT BY FACULTY and not teaching assistants. 94% of faculty hold doctorate or terminal degrees

8:1

STUDENTS TO FACULTY

“

The invaluable lessons I have learned from Mock Con, both in political analysis and leadership, will carry with me into my future endeavors, whatever they may be.”

— JOHN HARASHINSKI • 2020 MOCK CON POLITICAL CHAIR

MAJOR: AMERICAN POLITICS • MINOR: EDUCATION POLICY

Practical applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GO HAND IN HAND.

At W&L, we built experiential learning into our curriculum so when you graduate, you will hit the ground running.

Community-Based Learning

Community-based learning integrates critical reflection and mentorship with community engagement through partnerships in the local Lexington/Rockbridge County area. With our close ties to the community, our commitment to education and our mission to prepare students to be engaged, responsible leaders, we provide a unique environment for service and civic engagement in an academic setting.

Mock Convention

Every four years since 1908, W&L students have conducted one of the most ambitious, non-partisan student political research projects in the country: the W&L Mock Convention. Mock Con simulates a national presidential convention to predict the presidential nominee for the party out of power.

Engineering Community Development

Engineering Community Development brings together students of all majors and interests to enhance the living conditions of developing communities locally and worldwide through health, water, sanitation or energy projects.

Washington Term

For politically minded students, W&L offers the Washington Term Program, which allows students to spend six weeks living and learning in the nation’s capital, and prepares many W&L students for careers in Washington, D.C.

The Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship

The Connolly Center helps students turn ideas into successful business ventures. The center provides tools to develop successful business plans with supportive faculty and an alumni community that shepherds students’ ventures.

GO.WLU.EDU/EXPERIENTIAL

Mock Convention 2020 Photo: Nolan Zunk ’21

HISTORICALLY, ABOUT 98% OF W&L STUDENTS participate in Mock Con

RESEARCH ON THE RIVER

Chantal Iosso studied the ecological effects of the Jordan’s Point Dam removal on the Maury River in Lexington, Virginia.

TUTORING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Taylor Thiessen worked with a high school enrichment program called Ikamva Youth in Cape Town, South Africa.

PROMOTING THE ARTS IN BOSTON

Sarah Wagner interned at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, learning how to manage the social media presence of a large institution.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN PAKISTAN

Midha Ahmad and Sawera Khan were one of several pairs of students awarded Endeavor Foundation Grants, which allow students to pair up and pursue summer research projects overseas.

ADVANCING GIRLS’ EDUCATION

Zainab Abiza was awarded a Davis Projects for Peace grant to increase educational attainment for girls in her home country of Morocco.

HEALTH EDUCATION IN NEPAL

James Ricks partnered with health professionals to teach Nepalese youth about the complexity of health as a physical, mental, emotional and social state.

No lazy summers.

EVERY SUMMER, W&L STUDENTS PURSUE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS AND EXPLORE POTENTIAL CAREERS.

Many students conduct summer studies with the help and advice of a professor, while others find placements through university-sponsored opportunities such as Endeavor Foundation Grants. Endeavor Grants support pairs of U.S. and international students in developing and realizing a summer project in the home country of the international student.

ADVANCING CANCER RESEARCH

Funding may be available to support students with travel and living costs and ensure that opportunities are accessible regardless of financial need.

Vincent Buckman conducted research at George Washington University on a specific gene type that could potentially help with tumor repression in cases of lung cancer. GO.WLU.EDU/RESEARCH

LEXINGTON IS FREQUENTLY LISTED AMONG THE MID-ATLANTIC’S BEST SMALL TOWNS.

Located on the western side of the state and a short drive from Roanoke, Charlottesville and Richmond, Lexington and its idyllic setting are two things students come to love best about W&L.

From upscale eateries to casual burger joints, hand-crafted ice cream to Italian coffee, art galleries to boutiques, Lexington has plenty of amenities and entertainment options for everyone, including the nation’s only community-owned drive-in movie theater.

W&L NAMED ”ONE OF THE 10 BEST COLLEGES FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE OUTDOORS” BY MONEY MAGAZINE. Our campus is as picturesque as they come. The Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains provide a scenic playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Students lead hikes, caving expeditions, whitewater rafting tours and other trips during the year. In fact, the Outing Club is the most popular club on campus. Students often choose to hike the Appalachian Trail during a pre-orientation trip, which is, for many, the introduction to four years of adventure.

“

ABOUT 50% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE in the Outing Club each year, making it one of the most popular clubs at W&L.

A place to be inspired.

W&L manages to be a catalyst for adventure while still offering that ‘welcome home’ feeling.”

First-year students get the lay of the land on nearby Horse Mountain.

Our community.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS HERE.

Your peers will come from different places and perspectives, and together you’ll make W&L your own. As a residential university, W&L allows students to live on campus for at least their first three years and build lasting friendships from their first days.

Our Speaking Tradition encourages students, faculty and staff to greet each other on campus. It’s an honest display of the warmth and friendliness that is a hallmark of the university.

Central to the W&L community is the studentrun Honor System . The nature of the Honor System and the way it is embraced by the entire campus builds a powerful culture of citizenship and responsibility.

W&L’s Office of Inclusion and Engagement builds on the sense of community by fostering a culture for everyone to feel welcome and fully engage in W&L’s opportunities. The office develops programs that explore, promote and celebrate the increasingly diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty and staff.

The Student Activities Office sponsors a variety of campus-wide events that create a fun and dynamic atmosphere. The Campus Unity Initiative, which is organized by students, includes everything from karaoke to speakers, movie nights to free food. Friday Underground encourages friendships through meaningful conversations over coffee and live music.

“It is the strength of community and society that really makes W&L more than simply another great university.”

— AUSTIN PIERCE • MAJORS: PHILOSOPHY, EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES (CHINESE)

Honor. A way of life.

THE STUDENT-RUN HONOR SYSTEM HAS THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL AND ENDURING IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY.

The Honor System at W&L is based on the fundamental principle that students will not lie, cheat, steal or otherwise violate the community’s trust. The system is entirely student-run, instills a profound sense of freedom and responsibility within the community, and enriches every aspect of student life.

It’s a value that endures. Just as W&L students are shaped by the Honor System during their time on campus, graduates are guided by a continuing commitment to honor in their personal and professional lives. Our alumni value their dedication to integrity, which creates lasting connections within the W&L community.

“ The Honor System at W&L is the real thing. It pervades the entire campus. There is a sense that each individual on this campus matters, and so we treat each other with respect. The Honor System is at the very heart of the community.”

— SONIA BROZAK • MAJORS: ART HISTORY AND MEDIEVAL & RENAISSANCE STUDIES

A Modern Value Rooted in History

The Honor System’s roots can be traced to at least the mid-19th century. In the early 1900s, control of the Honor System was transferred to the Executive Committee of the Student Body, a group of elected student representatives that continues to administer the Honor System today.

“ You can be an athlete, active in the Greek system, involved in student government, clubs, etc. It is not hard to see how incredibly unique W&L truly is, as it allows students to explore so many different avenues and find success in so many ways.”

What will you do on study breaks?

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS STUDENTS LEARN AT W&L IS THAT THERE IS PLENTY TO DO WHEN THEY’RE NOT IN CLASS.

The range of activities at W&L is limited only by our students’ imaginations. As a result, the weekly calendar of events is full of performances and lectures, athletic contests and organizational meetings, exhibits and intramural sports. With more clubs and organizations than can be listed here, students can expand their existing interests or explore something brand new. You can even start your own club with others who share your interests. We could go on and on about all the different opportunities and activities available to students, but why not find out for yourself? Come to campus and start something — or lead something!

— MARY VIRGINIA LONG • MAJOR: SOCIOLOGY • MINOR: LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN STUDIES

From choir to camping.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE FROM MORE THAN 150 CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS.

Leadership and Service

At Washington and Lee, we aim to help our students realize their potential — not just as students, but as leaders. Students find their passion and take charge of it by working as organization presidents, founding clubs, serving on university committees and volunteering in the local community.

Recreation and Fitness

Wellness programming encourages students to maintain healthy living while club and intramural sports provide opportunities for friendly competition year-round. Students benefit from indoor and outdoor facilities, including fitness centers, an indoor pool and group exercise programs. The Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains provide a scenic playground for hikers, cyclists, climbers, paddlers and fly fishers.

Spiritual and Religious Life

On campus, you will find a variety of faith-based clubs and organizations. These groups offer fellowship, study, religious holiday celebrations and community service opportunities, inviting students to gather in fellowship. W&L’s Hillel is the center for Jewish life on campus and in the community and offers Shabbat service regularly and on Jewish holidays.

As primary points of worship in Lexington, there are over a dozen churches of different denominations that are regularly attended by faculty, staff and students.

Arts and Culture

There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the arts. W&L hosts more than 100 performances each year and is home to several museums and galleries. In town, Lexington supports a thriving artists’ community while Lime Kiln Theater attracts performers from across the country in a fun outdoor setting.

“I made amazing friends I know will be there for years. Some were on my hall my first year; others I met through classes, social events, clubs, organizations and much more.”

— ETHIOPIA GETACHEW • MAJOR: BIOLOGY

Welcome home!

First-Year Residence Halls

First-year students live in one of two recently renovated residence halls. Floors are divided into sections of 12 to 20 students, each supervised by a student resident adviser. You will share new experiences, backgrounds and ideas with your hallmates, and they will be your first friends in college.

Upper-Division Housing Options

As a sophomore and junior, you will have a wide variety of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, fraternity and sorority housing, and theme houses. Seniors typically live off campus but may remain on campus if they choose.

In theme houses, such as Casa Hispanica, Outing Club, Sankofa and Global Service House, students bond around a common organizational, cultural or personal interest and share their enthusiasm with the campus community. Each house offers a distinctive focus and amenities.

TYPICALLY ABOUT 73% OF UNDERGRADUATES LIVE ON CAMPUS

Hungry for More

W&L is committed to offering food that is fresh, skillfully prepared and hand-crafted from the highest quality ingredients. A significant portion of our food is sourced from local farmers, growers and artisans, including produce grown in W&L’s own Campus Garden. Menus emphasize fresh, local and healthy options and can accommodate specialty diets (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) and food allergies.

Dining venues include an all-you-care-to-eat option, a kosher-style deli, a tea house, a pub, sorority and fraternity dining, and places with on-the-go options such as sandwiches, burgers, sushi and falafel.

TYPICALLY 75% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE in service-learning experiences domestically and abroad

“College is more than earning a degree. Service in your new community builds connections that cannot be replicated on campus and is another learning environment.”

— SASHA EDWARDS • BONNER SCHOLAR • MAJOR: BIOLOGY • MINOR: EDUCATION

Learning from each other.

COLLEGE

IS ABOUT MORE THAN EARNING A DEGREE.

W&L students are actively engaged in Lexington and Rockbridge County communities through volunteer service with local organizations or through a variety of school-sponsored community-based learning programs in which they earn academic credit.

Some of the most popular opportunities for serviceminded students at W&L include:

Volunteer Venture Pre-Orientation introduces students to contributing factors of poverty through service-learning.

Campus Kitchen combats hunger by providing balanced meals for low-income members of the local community.

Bonner Scholars Program provides students with a framework to be engaged in community service and receive financial support.

Nabors Service League connects students with local agencies through community-wide service days and alternative break trips.

Environmental Studies Service Learning Program offers students the chance to engage with sustainability measures in the local community while earning class credit.

Global Service and Sustainability Theme Houses offer opportunities for service-minded students to create outreach programs and serve the community.

The Shepherd Program for Poverty and Human Capability Studies allows students to weave together coursework, service and internship experiences across the country and around the world to supplement their major areas of study. Those pursuing a minor in poverty studies undertake capstone research projects connecting concerns about poverty and inequality with their future civic and professional lives.

Go Generals!

W&L ATHLETES EXCEL ON AND OFF THE FIELD. Our athletes are serious students whose academic interests range widely. Student-athletes have won NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, and individual teams are annually recognized for the academic records of their members. Our athletics program not only supports our students in their academic pursuits, but also encourages them to participate fully in the life of the university.

On the court or the field, W&L athletes learn leadership, sportsmanship, integrity and responsibility. Off the field, they can be found on stage, in the lab, volunteering in town or studying abroad.

NCAA Division III

W&L athletes compete in the NCAA Division III, which means our student-athletes pursue athletic excellence without sacrificing their educational experience. Division III rules permit financial aid based only on financial need and academic merit.

26 YEARS OUT OF 28

W&L has won the ODAC Commissioner’s Cup for overall athletic excellence

28% OF THE STUDENT BODY compete in varsity athletics

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VARSITY TEAMS

Baseball (Men)

Basketball

Cross-Country Field Hockey (Women)

Football (Men)

Golf

Lacrosse

Riding (Women)

Soccer

Swimming

Tennis

Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)

Volleyball (Women)

Wrestling (Men)

“Washington and Lee had the perfect combination of rigorous academics and a nationally ranked athletics program.”

— DANNY TRAN • MEN’S SOCCER • MAJOR: ECONOMICS

Caring for ourselves and each other.

WE ENSURE THAT STUDENTS HAVE THE GUIDANCE, RESOURCES AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO SUCCEED.

Each class is assigned a class dean who provides advice as students develop intellectually, socially and emotionally throughout their college careers. Class deans provide programming and support tailored to the unique opportunities and challenges that students face during each step of their W&L education.

Resident Advisers assist first-year students with the academic and social transition to college while RAs in upper-division residence halls assist their peers with issues related to campus life.

Peer Counselors are trained student volunteers dedicated to helping students navigate their college experience by answering questions, providing advice, offering support and connecting students with university resources.

The Student Health Center provides primary medical care, both in an outpatient office setting and an infirmary for round-the-clock care.

University Counseling employs highly trained and experienced counseling staff to help with a variety of issues that might impact students’ lives.

The Office of Health Promotion encourages students to make safe choices by providing guidance on topics such as alcohol and other drugs, sexuality, nutrition, stress management and mental health issues.

STUDENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY

There are many ways students are engaged in sustainability practices during their time at W&L: sustainability pre-orientation, internships, the student-run Compost Crew, and a wide array of co-curricular and classroom opportunities, from environmental service–learning courses to the Student Environmental Action League, and even theme housing.

OUR COMMITMENT TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

W&L is committed to developing a community whose members are mindful of their responsibility to future generations, sensitive to the stewardship of natural resources, and equitable in their social and economic relationships. We do this through investing in solar power, a flourishing campus garden, a thriving on-site compost program and more. Our half-acre garden produces local, sustainably grown produce for use in campus dining venues and provides space for coursework, service and research.

“At W&L we are encouraged to care about the things we do, love the people we interact with and value our own time and life.”

— HANNAH PALMATARY • MAJORS: NEUROSCIENCE AND RELIGION

A year of firsts.

NEW FRIENDS. NEW CLASSES. NEW CLUBS. NEW VIEW. Your first year at W&L will be an exciting experience. There are many ways to get involved in academics and activities, and plenty of resources available should you need academic help, counseling services or other support. Throughout the year, students connect with resident advisers, peer counselors, class deans, faculty advisers, peer tutors and others to ensure success inside and outside the classroom. Class deans provide programming and support tailored to the unique needs and interests of students at W&L.

The Leading Edge Pre-Orientation

First-year students begin making friends and building community by participating in a Leading Edge pre-orientation program. Students may choose from several meaningful experiences such as an outdoor adventure or community service project before returning to campus invigorated and prepared for an incredible first year.

FYE100: General Success Course

The First-Year Experience 100 (FYE100) course is offered to all first-year students to ease the transition from high school to W&L. The course fosters a sense of belonging, articulates the expectations of the university, familiarizes students with resources and opportunities, and helps them clarify their purpose and direction in college.

A group of first-years and trip leaders take a triumphant photo after returning from theAppalachian Adventure pre-orientation camping trip.

GO.WLU.EDU/FYE

“First-Year Orientation Committee is a group of students who work year-round to plan and prepare for incoming students. With over 100 members, FYOC organizes everything from the First-Year Olympics to carnival night, and everything in between.”

— L AURA BETH LAVETTE • GENERAL CO-CHAIR OF FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION COMMITTEE

MAJOR: BIOCHEMISTRY • MINOR: POVERTY STUDIES

Rewarding ambition.

WE ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT STUDENTS WHO DECIDE TO PURSUE NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE FELLOWSHIPS.

We have an office on campus dedicated to helping our students select and apply for opportunities they believe will most benefit them, both during and after their time at W&L. Many students win prestigious scholarships and fellowships to fund their education and fuel their passions, either as an undergraduate or in graduate school.

The Rhodes Scholarship

Three Washington and Lee students in the past eight years have received a prestigious Rhodes Scholarshiip for post-graduate research. W&L is the only liberal arts college with more than one winner in the past decade.

Davis Projects for Peace

As a partner school of the Davis United World College Scholars Program, W&L is eligible to receive Davis Projects for Peace grants. At least one Washington and Lee student has won a Davis grant each year since the award’s inception.

18 RHODES SCHOLARS

171

FULBRIGHT GRANTEES

45 NCAA POSTGRADUATE FELLOWS

FOUNDATION FELLOWS

7 LUCE SCHOLARS

“ Tahri is an extraordinary student-leader and an exceptional talent. The graduate study she plans to undertake at Oxford and the partnerships she will cultivate have the potential to shape conversations about educational equity for years to come.”

24 CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARS

9 BOREN SCHOLARS

8 BEINECKE SCHOLARS

Tahri Phillips ’23 is W&L’s 18th Rhodes Scholar.

— UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT WILLIAM C. DUDLEY

Leading lives of consequence.

ASK A W&L STUDENT WHAT THEY CAN DO WITH THEIR MAJOR AND THE ANSWER YOU’LL GET IS ”JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.”

Washington and Lee University integrates the rigorous inquiry that is a hallmark of a liberal arts education with in-demand pre-professional programs, giving you an unmatched opportunity to succeed — and an undeniable ability to make an impact.

Personalized Career Support

Staff in the Office of Career and Professional Development work individually with students to explore interests, abilities and passions while discovering and navigating career and professional goals. From orientation to graduation and beyond, W&L supports students along their personal and professional journeys, helping them bridge the gap between W&L and life after college.

Engaged Alumni

Our dedicated alumni network is one of the best sources of knowledge, experience, advice, inspiration and opportunities for students. They are active advisers, returning to campus for career panels and alumni-in-residence programs and hosting students for career exploration trips in New York, Washington, D.C., Charlotte and other metropolitan areas.

Forbes,

Social Impact Summit

Personal Finance, Niche, Time/ Money Magazine and U.S. News & World Report all consider W&L among the best college values in the nation.

“College is a place where you will grow no matter how you go through it. The only thing you control is who you grow up to be.”

— JOK ASIYO • MAJOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE • MINOR: CREATIVE WRITING

96% OF STUDENTS ARE EMPLOYED OR IN GRADUATE SCHOOL six months after receiving their diploma

Mock interview conducted by alumnus

Matt Strickler ’03, then Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, visited with students in Professor Jim Casey’s Development Economics course to discuss the role of public policy in sustainable development.

WHY WASHINGTON AND LEE?

“When I toured W&L, I met so many kind professors and students who perfectly demonstrated the tightknit and supportive community that I’d heard so much about, and I immediately fell in love with the school! It’s this intimate community that has made my time at W&L so special, and I’m beyond grateful for the endless love and support my friends and professors have shown me over the years.

If I had not received the Johnson Scholarship, none of it would have happened because I simply would not have been able to come to the university. I would have had a completely different experience.”

“I’ve learned that I can’t just study or write about issues in our world anymore — I want to be able to do something about them. I realize that is a lofty aspiration, but what better one could there be?”

— L ANE JOHANSEN • JOHNSON SCHOLAR • MAJORS: GLOBAL POLITICS AND RUSSIAN AREA STUDIES

The Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity

THOSE WITH THE INTELLECT TO EXCEL AND THE SELFLESSNESS TO CARE SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD.

The Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity is one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to elevate access to and engagement within higher education. Elements of the program include the Johnson Scholarship awarded to incoming first-year students, Johnson Opportunity Grants available to rising juniors and seniors, and an ongoing lecture and symposia series.

Johnson Scholarship

Awards cover at least full tuition, housing and food merit scholarships to approximately 10% of the incoming class each year. Scholars also receive up to $7,000 to support internships, community service projects, faculty-supervised research, international experiences and leadership projects during the summer.

UP TO 44 JOHNSON

SCHOLARSHIPS

are awarded to exceptional students annually

Johnson Opportunity Grants

Johnson Opportunity Grants are funds that all students may pursue to support their independent projects in the U.S. and around the world. It might be an internship on Capitol Hill or involve participation in a national or international student conference, or it could include research travel that will help you become a leader in your chosen field of study. The possibilities are as unique and diverse as W&L students.

Lecture and Symposia Series

Every year, the Johnson Program supports lectures and programming that bring serious scholars in leadership and integrity to campus. Students have opportunities to learn from and engage with these scholars in multiple ways during their visit to campus.

Dollars and sense.

WE WORK TO ELIMINATE FINANCIAL BARRIERS THAT HINDER STUDENTS FROM EXPERIENCING THE OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANTAGES W&L OFFERS.

We are committed to making the W&L college experience affordable to everyone. We meet 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships and guaranteed campus work, without the need for loans.

W&L offers both merit scholarships and need-based aid. Merit scholarships are awarded by the university for superior academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, proven leadership and community engagement. Need-based aid is awarded to each student based on the submission of a completed W&L financial aid application.

Merit Scholarships

W&L offers merit-based awards to high-achieving students. The prestigious Johnson Scholarship covers at least tuition, room and board for all four years and is awarded to about 44 entering first-year students.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based grants are awarded based on the demonstrated financial need assessed through a financial aid application. A complete financial aid application consists of the CSS Profile, FAFSA and previous tax returns. Eligibility is determined by the family’s income and assets.

The W&L Promise ensures that any admitted student from a family with income below $125,000 and assets typical of their income will receive an aid award of at least full tuition.

One of 50 QuestBridge Partner Colleges

W&L partners with QuestBridge , a national nonprofit organization, to assist low-income, high-achieving students with college applications. QuestBridge connects students with admission and scholarships to W&L and 49 other partner colleges and universities. Almost 10% of each entering class at W&L is made up of QuestBridge students.

100% OF NEED MET through scholarships and grants without loans so students can graduate debt-free

$82,990 2021-22 COST OF ATTENDANCE (tuition, room, board, fees and estimated costs for books and transportation)

$57,464 AVERAGE NEED-BASED AID AWARD for first-year students

“Attending W&L is like being dropped into a pool of opportunities.”

— GARRETT CLINTON • MAJOR: POLITICAL SCIENCE

Visit us on campus or online.

DECIDE IF W&L IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

On Campus

Monday through Saturday throughout the fall and spring and weekdays throughout the winter and summer, the Admissions staff is eager to meet you. Visits may include:

• Student-Led Tours

• Group Information Sessions

• Class Visits

Virtual

There are plenty of ways to interact and learn about W&L without visiting Lexington. You can take an online tour, watch a virtual Group Information Session, talk with our admissions officers, interview or connect with us through social media.

In Your Local Area

W&L travels around the nation hosting evening informational gatherings for prospective students and their families. These events provide high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to learn more about Washington and Lee and speak with local alumni.

Off-Campus Alumni Interviews

W&L has a network of alumni who help with student recruitment activities, including interviews in over 100 cities in the U.S. and around the world.

“ The school will naturally embrace you, and the students will inspire you. Come experience W&L. Once you do, you won’t want to leave.”

— WILL SHANNON • MAJORS: EUROPEAN HISTORY AND GLOBAL POLITICS

Apply to W&L.

OUR ADMISSION PROCESS IS HOLISTIC.

We consider students’ personal and academic backgrounds and accomplishments. Successful candidates typically have performed well in their high schools’ most rigorous curricula and engaged substantively in their communities. Completed applications for first-year students include:

1 Common App or QuestBridge Application

1 Official copy of high school transcript

1 Official or self-reported SAT or ACT scores Tests are optional for applicants in 2023-24

2 Teacher recommendations

1 Secondary school report form

1 Recommendation letter from guidance or college counselor

Admission Application Deadlines

Early Decision I — Nov. 1

Early Decision II — Jan. 1

Regular Decision — Jan. 1

Financial Aid Deadlines

Early Decision I — Dec. 1

Early Decision II — Jan. 15

Regular Decision — Feb. 15

Scholarship Application Deadline

The Johnson Scholarship — Dec. 1

The Johnson application serves as a single application for all merit-based scholarships.

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY PROVIDES A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION THAT DEVELOPS STUDENTS’ CAPACITY TO THINK FREELY, CRITICALLY AND HUMANELY AND TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES WITH HONOR, INTEGRITY AND CIVILITY. GRADUATES WILL BE PREPARED FOR LIFELONG LEARNING, PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, SERVICE TO OTHERS AND ENGAGED CITIZENSHIP IN A GLOBAL AND DIVERSE SOCIETY.

Washington and Lee University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information in its educational programs and activities, admissions, and with regard to employment. See complete statement at go.wlu.edu/eeo.