@wustlEngineer I have a question of you. How important is it to go the one of the SOAR(Summer Orientation Advising Registration) programs? It doesn’t seem like there is that much programming but I’m concerned that if he doesn’t go he won’t get his first choice classes.
They waive registration and housing deposits? Won’t that make some register to hold their spots just in case? I’m not going to lie, I’m considering it…
@thshadow I’m actually a dual degree comp sci and computer engineering student minoring in design, therefore my experience should be somewhat relevant.
I’ve attached two links below containing statistics published by Wustl regarding various topics, I will be frequently referring to them!
Over the past few years, computer science has become a significantly more popular minor (unfortunately couldn’t find any statistics that reference the distribution of minors at the university, so this is an anecdote!) Compsci also became a slightly more popular (primary) major (reference pages 27 in both links below) showing a 1% increase in its university wide prevalence. This statistic doesn’t take into account secondary majors (which is actually very popular with comp sci too). Essentially what I’m trying to get at, is that comp sci has experienced a fairly significant increase in interest. While this is definitely a good thing for the program in the long run, it also means that the introductory classes can be very large as the department hasn’t received the resources to deal with increase.
For context, CSE131 (intro to compsci) was one of the most taken classes with a total enrollment of roughly 600 students. Instead of having massive lectures, the department decided to post the lectures as videos, and change the class time to recitations led mostly by TAs with professors circulating the various recitation sub-sections. I personally like this system as it enables you to watch the lectures at your own pace, skipping topics you understand, and spending as much time as needed on topics you don’t understand. You can then go to the recitation and talk with TAs if you need further clarification, and if you still don’t understand, the professors are more than willing to help explain the material (they also have easily accessible office hours).
This is the system used for most of the more popular classes that are essential for the major. However, there are numerous specialty classes (such as video game development, CSE450) where the department brings in experts in their field to teach, and the class sizes are small. For reference, CSE450 is currently being taught by two founders of a fairly major indie game studio and the class size is roughly 25. I’m currently enrolled in 450 and it is genuinely amazing.
At a university wide level, statistics for class size are available and included in the links below. I’ve taken the following from the first link. In the Fall of 2015, class size distribution was as follows:
416 classes had 2-9 students. 638 classes had 10-19 students. 225 classes had 20-29 students. 94 classes had 30-39 students. 117 classes had 40-49 students. 123 classes had 50-99 students. 53 classes had 100+ students. This is a total of 1,666 different classes.
Beyond this, I’ve found all professors are easily accessible and more than willing to discuss material or help students with whatever questions they may have.
Regarding your question about workload, you are going to work. A lot. However, it is by no means unmanageable, and there are countless resources available. For example, all students in the college of engineering (which compsci is a part of) have access to free 1 on 1 tutors.
I hope I help and please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have!
https://wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/wustl-cds-2015-2016.pdf
https://wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/wustl-cds-2010-2011.pdf
@jjmama You’re right in saying that there isn’t that much programming (its only a two day program after all). However, the information they give referencing the class signup process is very helpful; going through the course selection process for the first time can be pretty confusing, and SOAR does a good job explaining it. You also get access to registration at a certain point during your SOAR experience (ie if you’re signed up for soar [some slot here], your webstac account will gain the ability to register for classes at some point during your slot. They budget the total number of people that can enroll in each SOAR slot so that the early ones don’t fill more desirable classes/class times. All this information is given during SOAR, and can help you land your ideal schedule. However, if going to SOAR isn’t practical for you it is by no means necessary, you are still likely to get in the classes you want, just maybe not at the times you want. Regardless, when classes start, everyone switches in and out of classes constantly, so if you somehow don’t get a spot in a class you want during the summer you are likely to get it during the add/drop period. Please let me know if this wasn’t clear enough!
@wustlengineer Thanks for the response. But talk a little more about lack of programming…is it fun, boring? What else do you do? Do you meet people? It seems so inefficient/expensive to have everyone fly in for that if there is not much else going on. I will encourage my son if it’s a really fun time and he’ll meet lots of people:)
I received multiple emails of campus visit invitation (Multicultural Celebration Days). It says “Please respond by 5 p.m. Central Time, Wednesday, March 22.”
Does it mean I have to respond if I am unable to attend? I am a boarder and I am basically stuck on campus…
For what it’s worth: DS got in ED. He has good but not awesome stats – 33 ACT, 1490 SAT, National Merit Finalist, 4.3 GPA. He goes to very good urban public school in neighboring state – we know of at least 5 kids from his school (just under 300 seniors) who got in, one (another NMF) who did not get in. Not sure if any of them besides my son will attend…they are all looking at elite schools, but WashU was my son’s top choice. I will be honest, I think one of main reasons my son got in was football – he attended a football camp there this summer and did very well, had several visits with coaching staff, and will be playing football. We will be getting significant need-based aid as well – couldn’t have afforded it otherwise, although we are considered middle class. I do think his essay was really good – about being the only white football player on his team – and I think he had strong recommendations and a good advocate in his counselor.
While he has nice stats, the football was probably a huge factor. Any hook helps at these schools.
Generally speaking, at most schools it is slightly easier for boys to get in also. Not sure if this is true or not for Wash U. A few years ago I thought I saw during one of the admissions rounds that at Brown they admitted 11% of boys and 7% of girls…not sure how true that is, but I saw that somewhere.
There are just more “strong” girl applicants.
@collegemomjam Perhaps more girls just apply, not just necessarily qualified girls. WashU’s 2021 class is 53% female. Most likely they tried to get it as close to 50% as possible. I don’t know the stats on how many girls applied vs boys, but it would be interesting. One place girls have an advantage over boys is in STEM, especially engineering.
Yes, I agree girls typically have an advantage with STEM, and maybe some business schools. Overall as a nation, there are just more girls with higher stats…I think it’s just a function of the fact that girls tend to mature earlier. Of course this is just a generalization and every school is different. Like I think Notre Dame attracts more male applicants.
I do some college advising and I have a boy that has gotten into a lot of schools that I thought he had no shot at and I think being a boy has helped him. Some even gave him money. These schools that accepted him are close to 60% female, some even more, so I really think his gender was a factor. I don’t have a problem with it and I understand they need to balance their classes. The schools I am talking about are more mid-range, not super competitive (but good schools nonetheless!).
When are waitlist decisions usually released? Also, when have they been released in the past?
Hi guys! Accepted to School of Engineering as a biomecial engineer. Any other engineers here?
Stats for those who are wondering are: 35 act, 4.7 GPA, 800's on subject tests
@z12332 I’m in BME, as well.
Awesome!! @JemmaSimmons Are you considering washU?
@z12332 Yeah, it’s my number one. You?
@JemmaSimmons Yeah I am! I’m also waiting to hear back from some schools on the 30th tho
I’m a bit late for posting this (apologies)
Accepted!!
ACT: 32
GPA: 3.98 UW (school only does unweighted)
solid essays
strong ECs and leadership
National Hispanic Scholar, Presidential Scholar Nominee, AP Scholar, multiple local awards
Hooks: Hispanic female
accepted: Stanford, Wellesley, Amherst, University of Kansas
rejected: Yale-NUS
waiting on: Yale, Brown, Georgetown
Congratulations to everyone who was admitted! If you weren’t admitted, I BELIEVE IN YOU! You will have a great academic experience, no matter where you attend college/university. Admissions are not the definition of your abilities. Just by applying to selective schools you have shown that you are committed to your success and that you have the drive and aspiration to achieve your dreams. Good luck to everyone in the remainder of college-decisions month!
@wustlEngineer I have 2 questions. One, I have heard that Wash U has one of the least socioeconomic diverse student body. Does this generally translate into a level of “snobbiness” or are the people for the most part friendly/down to earth?
Two, as far as the city of St. Louis goes, what is your opinion on it? Are there lots of college-town like shops that students frequent? How is the weather (would it be hard for someone from AZ to adjust)?
Thanks!
Ariz0na – Wash U is expending considerable effort to broaden its economic diversity. The measure that is cited for you is the number of Pell Grant recipients. The school recognizes that it needs to address this and has been rather aggressively doing so. I can assure you that our experience has been that students are very friendly and down to earth. In fact, WUSTL is known for its Midwestern “friendly vibe.” During our visit, our Student (now a Sophomore) talked to several High School alums who had matriculated to WUSTL – all were overwhelmed by the “friendly” environment of the school – including staff and the extended WUSTL community.
As far as St. Louis goes – our Student loves the city. Coming from a major East Coast urban area, being near an urban location – with museums, Major League sports, etc. was high on their list. There are many great neighborhoods that students frequent. The closest is the Delmar Loop – a 10 minute walk along a lighted, monitored and patrolled path – that has a wide variety of venues, restaurants, shops, etc. Chuck Berry (RIP) used to play at Blueberry Hill there. Similar to Georgetown in DC (before Georgetown went corporate and lost much of its uniqueness). The Loop is a St. Louis asset so it is much more than a “college” destination. Other areas are the Central West End (on the other side of Forest Park – adjacent to the Medical School and Saint Louis University). Our Student’s favorite - in fact, they were there this evening for dinner. We love that area – shopping, great restaurants, etc. The Hill has the Botanical Gardens and great Italian food. There are a number of other neighborhoods that are great to go to. Forest Park – right across the street from WUSTL – fantastic art and history museum, zoo, 1400 acres filled with running paths, ponds, recreation – larger than Central Park in NYC. Cardinals and Blues games, etc. Students get free Metro passes for the light rail (two stops on campus, connects to downtown, Medical School, Central West End, airport, etc.).
Our Student has a Summer Intern position in St. Louis starting in May and is really looking forward to it!
As far as weather goes – the last two years have been rather low on snow and not too cold. Summers are warm and can be humid (you will notice that coming from AZ) but very similar to mid East. Students come from all over – and manage to survive. Falls and Spring are very nice – you will definitely see a change in seasons!.
Our Student is very happy at WUSTL and loves St. Louis. We have been ecstatic with both!
Best of luck!