Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)

Washington University in St. Louis is “great at…teaching students what they need to know to thrive in their careers.” The university is “a major research powerhouse [that] maintains a tight-knit atmosphere that allows for undergraduate participation,” and encourages “delving into difficult questions.” The academic experience is highly “interactive and consists of discussing questions in groups, then discussing it as a class.” First-year Arts & Sciences students can participate in Ampersand Programs, which combine group and experiential learning across multiple semesters. In addition, several classes involve unique, first-hand opportunities—such as one class about aging where “each week we would do a different innovative activity like wearing suits that simulated disabilities or going to the art museum to learn about art from older artists.” Professors are described as “highly qualified and involved in student success,” as well as “incredibly personable” and genuinely invested in their students. One student humorously comments on the dedication of senior lecturers, noting that “the amount of work they put into meeting with students and holding office hours is kind of insane.” WashU also “excels in their accessible student resources, which range from academic and social [support] to mental health support,” as well as professional development services such as “résumé workshops and mentorship opportunities.” According to one student, “The advising options, both academically and socially, make a huge difference in feeling valued and motivated to keep working.” Another adds, “It’s easy to find help with anything in any class or for applying for jobs, everyone tends to lend a hand.” With its strong academic foundation and extensive support, “the motivation and hunger for success vibrates through the air at WashU.”

The Wash U student body is “an incredibly friendly group of people eager to learn,” and while most “are very career-focused, the academic environment is collaborative and welcoming.” One student adds, “Outside of class, people are passionate and invested in what they do, whether research in professors’ labs, building rockets in design teams, or performing in a band.” Another shares, “Nowhere else I’ve ever been has had this density of people who are actively working to push themselves in all directions at all times.” Each person here possesses “their own individual opinions and styles, which allows for the growth and formation of new ideas,” with one adding that “people really look at their personal holistic development.” Another concludes, “The moment you step on campus, you can feel the friendly and welcoming atmosphere by students [and] staff…at WashU, people achieve their goals while supporting and helping others.”

All first-year students at Washington University live on campus in one of the ten residential communities located in the “South 40,” which refers to the 40 acres dedicated to housing first- and second-year students. This area provides both social and physical infrastructure, including fitness centers, recreation and game rooms, and dining facilities. In terms of daily life, students note that there is “lots and lots of studying during the week and weekend,” and that “any time that is free is spent…with friends or doing club activities.” Fortunately, the university provides a wide variety of clubs, and almost “any organization you could be interested in is offered and supported.” These clubs are described as “very open and welcoming, friendly, and well-led and organized [in] bringing together a community.” In addition to club activities, many students at WashU “really like to exercise—the rec center is popular, and people enjoy running/biking, especially in Forest Park.” Beyond campus, St. Louis “is a good food city, and students enjoy trying new restaurants.” One student sums up the overall experience: “The campus is breathtaking, the dorms are great, the food is good, the area surrounding WashU is very nice, and the people are amazing.”

The WashU Career Center hosts an Internship & Job Career Fair twice a year and even offers preparatory workshops leading up to it; it also maintains an online recruiting platform called CAREERlink where students can search for jobs, co-ops, and internships. There are a limited number of stipends available for students who wish to take unpaid internships over the summer, and academic credit is also available. Additionally, Career Interest Groups help aggregate all of the information about specific career paths, putting students, staff, faculty, and alumni in touch to create smaller communities and share guidance. “I have … found the alumni network to be extremely strong and supportive through my recruitment processes,” says a student. There are “great global opportunities” at WashU as well, and WashU undergraduates in all divisions learn through study and internships in more than 50 countries each year.