A Liberal Arts
University
Flexible, expansive and interdisciplinary, a liberal arts education is the best preparation for an increasingly global and complex world. At W&L we augment the liberal arts and sciences with offerings not commonly found in a small college setting. W&L is the only institution among the nation’s top-tier liberal arts colleges with programs in engineering and education, a nationally accredited business school, and a highly regarded journalism program. Our core curriculum, combined with the breadth of our course catalog, encourages students to make connections across disciplines. And the W&L faculty leading you are active researchers, but teachers first. Students benefit from close relationships with faculty in intimate classrooms, alongside one another, conducting research and even co-authoring scholarly articles. The relationships between professors and students is at the heart of the W&L experience — and well beyond.
Facts & Figures
8:1
student-to-faculty ratio
96% 22% CLASSES under
CLASSES under
STUDENTS
STUDENTS
25
4:4:1
10
CALENDAR with immersive onecourse Spring Term
1,850 UNDERGRADUATES
from
48
U.S. STATES (85% from outside VA)
222 FULL-TIME
undergraduate faculty members
96%
OF FACULTY
hold doctorates or terminal degrees
52
countries of student citizenship
9th
OLDEST SCHOOL in the U.S.
History
is a great teacher.
When an institution is older than the country itself, it learns how to adapt to meet the challenges of the times. Since W&L’s founding in 1749, our curriculum has evolved and expanded to address those challenges. But our longstanding emphasis on character has endured. We cultivate a community of trust and place a premium on personal integrity and student self-goverance. We believe in the education of the whole person, and we value students who are intellectually curious, eager to engage with their communities, inclined to critical thinking and prepared to lead lives of consequence.
0
CLASSES
taught by teaching assistants COURSE
DESCRIPTION
1,250
COURSES OFFERED
69
MAJORS AND MINORS
One Golden Rule The Honor System at W&L is entirely student-run. It is based on the fundamental principle that students will not lie, cheat, steal or otherwise violate the community’s trust. The result is an environment that is collaborative, not cutthroat, and where rational discourse is the norm rather than the exception. This type of honor stays with you long after graduation, fostering a sense of personal integrity that will continue to guide your actions and distinguish you as a graduate of W&L.
Unparalleled Opportunity W&L’s size, combined with our extensive resources and commitment to innovative teaching and interdisciplinary learning, means that our students experience remarkable academic and co-curricular opportunities from day one: n
n
n
n
S tudents in all departments have access to high-tech facilities and equipment, including the I.Q. Center, home to sophisticated imaging and computational instruments rarely available in undergraduate settings, such as confocal and scanning electron microscopes and a powerful 3-D imaging lab. T he Roger Mudd Center for Ethics hosts a yearly ethics series, and promotes student work in ethics through an annual undergraduate conference and a peer-reviewed academic journal. S tudents in the Shepherd Poverty Program learn, through coursework and service opportunities, to address the societal issues associated with poverty. They also have the opportunity to participate in summer internships in the U.S. and abroad, working with agencies to benefit impoverished members of society. E nterprising students in the Connelly Center for Entrepreneurship hone their start-up skills in the Venture
Where in the World? Anywhere. You’ll find W&L students engaged in formal study abroad programs, internships, research and service learning around the globe. Our approach to international education is as individual as our students, and we work closely to match students’ interests and academic pursuits with destinations. Many students begin with a four-week supervised Spring Term Abroad course — we offer around 15 destinations each year.
Club, and benefit from the expertise of alumni who return to campus each year for the annual Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship Summits. n
n
n
n
L ast year, 118 students engaged in funded summer research with a professor on campus, while over 100 students pursued independent projects around the country and the world with the support of Johnson Opportunity Grants throughout the year. T he student-run Williams Investment Society manages over $10 million of the university’s endowment. T he Washington Term provides students the chance to spend six weeks as interns on Capitol Hill. S tudents in a variety of journalism classes combine forces to report, write and produce The Rockbridge Report, a weekly multimedia website and newscast that covers government, business and community issues in and around Lexington.
60%
28
STUDIED ABROAD
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
in 2017-2018
in 2017-2018
of students
Students have the opportunity to apply for a Certificate of International Immersion, awarded to honor students who demonstrate significant commitment to and understanding of global interaction.
go.wlu.edu/studyabroad
Residence Life at W&L First-year students live on campus in one of two newly renovated residence halls: Graham-Lees and Gaines. Floors are divided into sections of 12 to 20 students, each supervised by a student resident adviser and two peer counselors. Whether you choose a single-sex or co-ed hall, a single or a double
Find Your Home on Campus Our students are active in all aspects of campus life. What’s your passion? Chances are you’ll find someone who shares it.
OVER
100 OVER
150
Performances each year
62%
OF STEM MAJORS
Student conduct research with Organizations a faculty member
The Place You’ll Live, The Place You’ll Love First-Year Programming n
n
room, your hallmates will become your first community at W&L, and often, your friends for life.
75%
n
n
GREEK LIFE
n
90% 87%
n
VARSITY ATHLETES
of students belong to the
OUTING CLUB
20 26
OUT OF
of the Class of 2016 participated in
COMMUNITY SERVICE
correct presidential nominee predictions at
MOCK CONVENTION
A cademic Advising: Each first-year student is matched with a faculty adviser to assist with course scheduling and degree requirements. After declaring a major, students may select a major adviser for more specialized academic, career and graduate school advice. Students can
Get in the Game!
of students choose to participate in
of students are
O rientation Week: Before classes start, orientation introduces new students to W&L traditions, the undergraduate curriculum, student organizations, educational and social events. And it’s a great way to meet new friends.
Student Support
Sophomores and juniors can choose from a variety of group settings including apartments, townhouses, Greek and themed housing. Seniors typically secure living arrangements off campus.
28%
P re-Orientation: From rock climbing to building a Habitat for Humanity home, students who participate in The Leading Edge program often say this week was one of their best college memories. Choose one of four program tracks: Appalachian Adventure, Volunteer Venture, Archaeology, or Sustainability Leadership.
n
n
N CAA Div. III Athletics Member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) W&L has won the ODAC Commissioner’s Cup for overall athletic excellence in 22 of the past 24 years. All students enjoy access to all indoor and outdoor facilities, including two fitness centers and a brand-new natatorium. Students compete in dozens of club and intramural sports year round.
go.wlu.edu/athletics
also take advantage of peer tutors and academic help centers to get extra help when needed. n
n
C lass Deans: Each class is assigned a class dean to provide advice and counsel as they develop intellectually, socially and emotionally throughout their college careers. T he Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers programming and student support for multicultural, religious, LGBTQ and international life.
Men’s varsity sports
Women’s varsity sports
Baseball Basketball Cross-country Football Golf Lacrosse Soccer Swimming Tennis Track and field (indoor and outdoor) Wrestling
Basketball Cross-country Field hockey Golf Lacrosse Riding Soccer Swimming Tennis Track and field (indoor and outdoor) Volleyball
Life after W&L
W&L graduates
At Washington and Lee, we have a long tradition of educating smart, ambitious students who have the ability and the desire to make a difference in the world. Whether a student arrives undecided or with a clear plan, the beauty of a liberal arts education is that it opens doors and encourages exploration. And when it comes time to explore graduate and career pathways, our faculty, Career Development staff, and alumni actively support students’ pursuits.
Graduate Fellowship Highlights
16
RHODES SCHOLARS
33
NSF FELLOWS
126
FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS
42
NCAA POSTGRADUATE FELLOWS
are Ph.D.s and M.D.s. Rhodes Scholars and Fulbright winners. Entrepreneurs and innovators. Community activists and corporate executives. Politicians and programmers. Artists and scientists. Teachers and researchers.
93%
of graduates employed full time or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Typically more than
90%
of applicants to law, medical, dental, veterinary and other professional programs
are accepted.
Our faculty serve as
mentors and valuable counselors when it comes to choosing a career path.
Our Office of Career and Professional Development provides innovative and customized programming and advising.
Students participate in annual career trips
to major cities to network with alumni and explore careers in marketing, finance, health professions, the humanities, public policy, communications, government and more.
Our
30,000+ alumni are engaged, loyal and eager to help you get your start in whatever city, country or career you choose.
go.wlu.edu/outcomes
Admissions & Financial Aid We are committed to making a W&L education affordable to all deserving students, regardless of financial background.
100% of need met ... ALL admitted firstyear students with demonstrated need will receive full financial assistance.
... Without loans Our generous financial aid meets need, without loans, so that
you can graduate
DEBT FREE.
$43,650 the average need-based aid award in the first-year class
The W&L Promise Students from households with income of less than $100,000 will pay
$0
FOR TUITION
based on demonstrated need and may be eligible for additional aid to cover room, board & additional expenses.
MyinTuition is an accurate, efficient and secure tool to estimate your family’s expected costs for you to attend W&L.
55%
of first-year students receive grants and/or scholarships.
2017-18 COST OF ATTENDANCE
$70,500 (tuition, room, board, fees and estimated costs for books and transportation)
W&L is proud to be a QuestBridge partner college
go.wlu.edu/financialaid
Johnson Scholarship Program The Johnson Scholarship Program annually awards full merit scholarships to up to 44 talented first-year student leaders, providing the full cost of tuition, room and board and ensuring they graduate free of debt. In addition, Summer Enhancement funds of up to $7,000 for Johnson Scholarship recipients fund internships, community service projects, faculty-supervised research, international experiences, leadership projects, or other proposals that will augment their W&L experience. To apply, submit the Johnson Scholarship application in the W&L Writing Supplement of the Common Application by December 1. For more information about Johnson Scholarships, visit
go.wlu.edu/johnson
Application Check List A completed application for admission as a first-year student includes: A completed Common Application or QuestBridge Application
DEADLINES
APPLICATION DEADLINE
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE
DECISION
Early Decision Round 1
Nov. 1
Dec. 1
Dec. 22
Johnson Scholarship
Dec. 1
Varies*
Late March
Early Decision Round 2
Jan. 1
Jan. 15
Feb. 1
Regular Decision
Jan. 1
Feb. 15
April 1
APPLICATION TYPE
An official high school transcript
*Financial aid application deadlines are based on your application decision choice (Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2 or Regular Decision).
go.wlu.edu/apply
Official score reports from the SAT or ACT (the writing section is not required on either exam) Two teacher recommendations One recommendation letter from a guidance or college counselor
Visit W&L go.wlu.edu/visit
During your visit you can:
69
Majors & Minors n
Indicates available areas of emphasis within a major or minor
MAJORS (36) Accounting n
Tour campus with a student Attend an admissions and financial aid information session I nterview with a member of the Admissions staff (as a high school senior) Can’t make it to Lexington? Interview with an Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) volunteer in your area: go.wlu.edu/aap
n
Art (Studio) n n n n n
n
W&L is located in Lexington, Va., in the heart of the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Affectionately dubbed “Lex Vegas” by students and locals, Lexington is frequently named one of the region’s best small towns, and Money magazine named W&L one of the 10 best colleges for people who love the great outdoors.
Drawing Painting Photography Printmaking Sculpture
Art History Biochemistry Biology Business Administration Chemistry Classics Computer Science East Asian Languages and Literatures n
Our Location
Accounting, General Accounting, Public
Chinese Japanese
Economics Engineering Engineering, Integrated n n n n
Biology Chemistry Computer Science Geology
English Environmental Studies French Geology German History American History European and Russian History n Global History n n
Washington, D.C.
HOURS FROM LEXINGTON
3
Independent Work Journalism n n
1
Charlottesville
LEXINGTON
1
Roanoke
VA
Richmond 2
Business Journalism Journalism, General
Mathematics Medieval and Renaissance Studies Music n n n
Music, General Music History Music Performance
Music Theory & Composition n Instrumental Music n Vocal Music n
Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Politics American Government n International/ Global Politics n Political Philosophy n Politics, General n
Psychology Religion Romance Languages n n
French Spanish
Russian Area Studies Sociology and Anthropology n n
Anthropology Sociology
Spanish Strategic Communication Theater MINORS (33) Africana Studies Animal Biology Archaeology Art (Studio) n n
Studio Design
Art History Classics Computer Science Creative Writing Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies Dance Digital Information and Culture East Asian Studies n n
China Japan
Ecology Education n
Teacher Certification
Office of Admissions 204 W. Washington Street Lexington, VA 24450-2116 admissions@wlu.edu www.wlu.edu (540) 458-8710 Washington and Lee University is an equal opportunity institution. Complete statement at go.wlu.edu/eeo. W&L 2018-19
Education Policy Environmental Studies Film and Visual Culture French German Latin American and Caribbean Studies Mass Communications Mathematics Medieval and Renaissance Studies Middle East and South Asia Studies Molecular/Cell Biology Music Philosophy Physiology Poverty and Human Capability Studies Quantitative Biology Russian Language and Culture Theater Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK Arabic Greek Hebrew Italian Latin Legal Studies Literature in Translation Music Conducting Physical Education Portuguese Russian Sanskrit