<p>I have read this string and thought I would post some thoughts on what makes W&L different from other schools and provide a better definition of “interest” in the school. The Honor Code and culture are very important at W&L. The folks in admissions at W&L understand that it is different from most other campuses in the US. As such, they want to make sure applicants truly understand what they are signing up for.</p>
<p>Goblue, the optional essay question was not “Why did you apply to W&L?” It was “What have you done to learn more/familiarize yourself about W&L?” My daughter was accepted ED and she could barely fit all she did in the 250 words allowed in the essay. She visited the campus (and three others while on the east coast) travelling from Oregon. She e-mailed an alum of the university to learn about their experience. She asked for an interview, like the girl accepted by Northwestern, but she asked three times before she got one scheduled with the Oregon chair. She did extensive research online prior to her arrival on campus and was able to fill in some of the blanks in the admisssions counselor’s presentation for her mother when they met with him at W&L. She did research on Alumni Factor and took the survey that indicated three military schools topped her list of what she wanted in a college followed in fourth by W&L.</p>
<p>While this may be overboard, this is the demonstrated interest W&L is looking for. My daughter knew in her heart that this was the right place for her. She demonstrated that to the school. She also had the stats to go with it. Her estimated financial aid package was above the average mentioned in an earlier post. Our family is not rich. She is Caucasian, but goes to a diverse IB school in Oregon and has a deep commitment to a couple ECs. </p>
<p>So to be clear, W&L is not looking for a casual interest in the school. They do not want students leaving the school, so they are selective in who they accept.</p>
<p>That is my understanding of one of the key elements they look at in the process.</p>