CProspect2008

Ignoring the new US News rankings, where do WashU students put themselves in comparison to other schools, such as the Ivies or Emory, Tufts, NU? What's, I guess, the reputation that WashU has?

I'm trying to get a feel for WashU since I probably won't be able to visit before I apply. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

missmolly

I'm not a student, but I consider Wash U top-notch, especially compared to some of the schools you mentioned.

amazon

I've heard that they really like you to visit. Is Wash U visiting your town?

CProspect2008

Yes, I'm going to an information session that they're hosting.

mtldad

My S is a freshman at WU. He narrowed it down to there and NU....he's only there a couple of weeks now, but, so far, he has not looked back for a minute on that decision. You really should try and visit because once you've seen the place, it's hard not to love it. As for comps, my impression is that wustl students look at the ivies, Duke, NU.....my impression is that Tufts doesn't hit their radar screen.

essie06

I think Tufts could be on the "radar screen" depending what your intended major is/if you want a smaller school etc. However, I would agree and say that Wash U 's reputation is a little more top-notch than Tufts. Just depends what your looking for, obviously....

Silver12065

WashU is more into the sciences, but Tufts is great for fields like International Relations and Politics.

And just to advise you, definitely visit a school before you decide to attend. The only way to really tell if a school is for you is at the very least a tour and info session, if you can't do an overnight.

CProspect2008

Great, thanks! I've decided I'm visiting in a few weeks.

eje201

Tufts' reputation is definitely top-notch. I would say that some even consider it more elite than WashU, even though some of WashU's rankings are higher. WashU just isn't that well known is the problem.

letsgorachel

Regarding PoliSci, WashU has an excellent department. I haven't heard of anyone who did not have a brilliant professor for Politics. One of our profs, Jeff Smith, is a State Senator and is amazing. If you're interested in PoliSci, definitely check WashU out.

MovieBuff

Only a student with a very wild imagination ( or delusional ) would think of comparing WashU with any of the ivies. It lacks the prestige and the cachet. Lets be real...the premise of the question is to ignore the US News rankings which WashU has manipulated well through the years..

jazzymom

^^^Why do some students at lower-ranked Ivies seem so insecure that they constantly have to bray about prestige and cache at any of the Ivies, as as though all eight had the same Olympian glow as HYP. Sorry, they don't.

mtldad

Have to agree with jazzymom.....Here's the deal....try and do the best that you can at the academic institution that you attend. At the same time, enjoy the years as much as possible (whether through ec's or outside of school) because, as much as you may think that you can, you don't get the years and experience back. Then, go to the college that you think that you feel the best "fit" at. All this silliness about rankings, prestige, reputation is exactly that. Schools fit into "tiers".....if you're at a certain tier, whether one school is one "notch" above or below will make absolutely no difference in your career and life success as the years go by. Go for the school where you can get the best education while, at the same time, enjoy your college experience as much as possible.

HartinGA

I wonder of these young kids ever notice that it is the HS juniors and seniors obsessed with rankings and prestige, while the Moms and Dads are the ones saying things like, go to a place you feel comfortable, and do the best you can where ever you attend, and enjoy your college years.

CHILL OUT KIDS. It's just school. It isn't your whole life.

dulce de leche

Wash U called me in mid-May to accept me off the wait list. But, I had to turn them down because I accepted Cornell's offer of admission.
CORNELL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!