<p>I found WUSTL to have a warm feeling about it. On my visit the people were friendly and welcoming. The only other school I visited on that list was Swarthmore, and I went in with high hopes (after visiting another quirky school like Chicago) only to be let down. Almost no one was even roaming the grounds when I went around November while the weather was still fairly nice. The entire experience left me a bit uncomfortable especially during my interview which only exacerbated its seeming pompousness. Just my opinion. Having said that it’s one of the best academic schools on your list - just left me with a bad taste is all. </p>
<p>And I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw out another school not on that list - my own school Northwestern. I didn’t visit until acceptance week (Wildcat Days) and while the initial assembly of sorts was a tad bland, when I split off to go into a group designated by my prospective major I was pleased beyond belief. With about 20 other people, we met in a conference room with my specific dean to really discuss anything we needed. And my student group leaders were incredibly kind - one of the least robotic things I’ve ever seen on a college tour. I remember my father and I got lost exploring by ourselves, and a random student coming from the gym approached us seeing we were a bit disoriented. Ended up having a good 15 min conversation with this random kid. Definitely left a great impression on me…obviously.</p>