<p>After taking a tour of the campus last week, I can say without hesitation that WashU really is an Ivy in the Midwest. Most non-ivy schools tout their ivy like grandeur but it’s mostly posturing in my opinion. I’ve taken tours at Rice, Duke, Vandy and Emory but WashU really has them beat. Rice is probably just a little behind Wash U but all in all Wash U had the feeling that it was really underrated hidden gem. I think it’s only major rival in the Midwest is U of Chicago. </p>
<p>I am a current WashU student, and I can honestly say my favorite thing about WashU is all of the people. I don’t know how admissions manages this, but I feel like I’ve never been around so many overall nice people in my life. The students are nearly always willing to help you out if you need anything-- directions, tutoring, advice, etc. And its not just the students… the faculty and administrators, and even the chancellor, are primarily dedicated, helpful, and accessible.</p>
<p>I totally agree! I was just there and I felt really at home (more than I have at other schools). Everyone just seemed so down-to-earth and laidback</p>
<p>I can verify that as a current parent. Every time I ask one of the kids (generally at a track meet), ‘Do you like the school?’ The response I never fail to get is, "Love it.'</p>