Washington University in St. Louis Visit Report by dadd

Visit Activities:

Admissions Interview: No - Daughter attended a High School Scholars Program. She was not too excited to have homework in the summer.

Information Session: Yes - Basic as related to living and learning on the campus for 5 weeks. This is a 7 credit hour summer experience but students interact and attend class and use facilities just like regular students.

Campus Tour: No - Daughter of course provided tour by the end of the session. Very nice campus with tons of great architecture and pretty walkable though can be a hike across campus and over a few hills / stairs.

Classroom Visit: Yes - Many classes available in summer but she took MicroEcon, Psychology, and a unit of voice private lessons. Enjoyed the classes but not a cupcake watered down version. REAL classes compressed into 5 wks

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Campus:

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All the kids we met were nice but most were the High School kids and the college kids assigned to be RA's with those kids. All types I am sure but overall seems that most everyone are friendly.

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Always nice to parents and the kids said they were respectful even when we were not around.

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Very clean and attractive. Always some construction going on though so it never feels DONE but it is a reality of a rapidly growing institution with a good reputation.

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Some buildings are older but lots of maintenance going on. Most places have updated electronics and boards etc. Whatever the class needs to function seems in good repair.

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Though the rooms were not normal for Freshmen they were OUTSTANDING. I hear the Freshmen dorms are spacious and clean as well but the suite style room offered the perfect mix of social and privacy.

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Multiple time and card lock systems on all doors to dorms, floors, rooms etc. Campus security is quick and in general campus feels very self contained and safe.

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Clean and well planned. Big enough so many opportunities in almost any discipline but small enough not to just get lost in the crowd. Nicely maintained grounds and the university is always updating.

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Off-Campus:

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The loop is a few blocks away and an easy walk. Lots of sidewalk eateries and businesses for college kids to enjoy. Metro is free to students and is steps away to reach ALL of St. Louis attractions.

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Overall with Six Flags, float trips, Cardinals, Rams, Zoo, Museums and tons of shopping and eating nearby, Wash U is in the middle of it all.

Campus Visit Notes for Washington University in St. Louis

Visit Description:

The High School Summer Scholars is for rising Juniors who want to get a taste of the school. They have to apply and get recommendations just like normal applications but overall less stringent acceptance I believe. They have similar programs for incoming Freshmen but for less money and less class credits. Overall we thought it was a good opportunity to get some fairly pricey general college credits for almost half price during summer. In addition our daughter could get used to college life early and see if it was for her. She loved it and adapted very quickly. I think similar programs around the country are a very good confidence builder for interested students. Our daughter had a fantastic experience and met kids from all over the country who she still continues to maintain friendships nearly a year later.

Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:

Giant City surrounds campus so many hotels and motels of all costs. For the least expensive, you will have to get away from city center.

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

Numerous fun restaurants and sidewalk cafes on the loop within walking distance. Normal chain places and specialty quality restaurants available by car or metro train in all directions.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Zoo is within walking distance AND FREE. Forest park is enormous and second in size only to Central Park in NY for an urban park. Bring a bike or ride metro to many attractions and historic venues.