Washington & Jefferson College

Academics

Founded in 1781, Washington & Jefferson College is a top-notch liberal arts college that offers an integrative education to 1,100 students, preparing students “for life after graduation, whether that be continuing education or getting a job.” There is “a long and deep history that involves a lot of traditions,” such as the college’s signature Magellan Project, which provides funding for students to pursue internships and research to open their eyes to the possibilities that lie beyond the classroom, or the JayTerm that “allows students to take a class abroad with a professor” (88 percent of students take part in at least one realworld experience while at W&J). “First-Year Seminars also include trips off campus” such as “attending a concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,” and “many professors are willing to hold class outside.” There is “a lot of potential for opportunities and employment networking,” and “small class sizes and activities outside of the classroom [allow students] to create trusting and productive networks with the faculty at the college.”

A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio “is just right and most professors are eager to interact with their students on a one-on-one basis,” creating an environment where they “walk the line of friend and professor…in the best ways possible.” It’s not unusual that “each [professor] knows your name and little details about you,” or comes to “support [you] at sporting events,” and that connection helps to enhance the discussion-based classes, in that there’s “a space where we can share our ideas without feeling insecure about it.” Of course, that’s also due to professors being “passionate about what they teach,” that each class “is designed remarkably well and prepares each student for their respective majors and future careers,” and that instructors “make sure that all the students understand the concepts and are thoroughly set for the exams.”

Student Body

Washington & Jefferson is “a positive environment that draws in students from all over the nation and world.” The majority of the student body “is white, but our school is trying to grow and focus on diversity,” and students often challenge each other “to have productive conversations” about their differences. Everyone “knows everyone because of how small our student body is,” forming a “tight-knit community of people with a lot of different interests, whether that be primarily in academics, arts, sports, or other extracurriculars.” While everyone is motivated, there “is a mixture of people who are more driven and people who are more laid-back.”

Campus Life

“Most students are constantly doing work for school or a job,” but on weekends they “spend time on and off campus, hanging with friends or doing events.” Foodies will rejoice to know there “are a high number of chain restaurants and local restaurants” within a fiveminute drive, and for those who want to explore, the Pittsburgh Pipeline shuttle offers free trips into the city. “Leadership on campus is really strong among student organizations” and there’s “a weekly calendar of different events that are happening, ranging from concerts to escape rooms.” Everyone “is very involved on campus” and there is “a lot of school spirit [so] you’ll always see people in the student section supporting their classmates at sports games.” Students “fill their free time with studying, athletic practices, and club meetings in the evening,” and “volunteering with professors for service activities like creek clean-ups.”