Washington University has a personality, and you feel it everywhere. It’s a friendly, welcoming feeling that you pick up from students, professors, advisors, and staff. It’s an academic environment loaded with challenging courses, and filled with intellectually curious students and teachers. It’s a flexible, supportive atmosphere that invites exploration and individuality. And it’s an optimistic outlook that drives innovation and new opportunities.
We pay special attention to our new students by easing their transition to college life and by connecting them to the people, programs, and resources to maximize their experiences. At Washington University, we strive to know every student by name and story because every student is an essential member of our learning community.
Our medium-sized university has approximately 6,000 fulltime undergraduates, but you are also part of a smaller college or school where you receive lots of individual attention.
From your first days, you are connected with an academic advisor who helps you sort through the options to build an academic plan that takes you where you want to go. Your advisor works with you on the broad issues of academic planning, as well as semester-by-semester details of course selection.
You can also turn to fellow students known as Washington University Student Associates. These upperclass leaders can answer questions about academic deadlines and policies, the resources available, and making the transition to college.
Your classes will be reasonably sized. Nearly 75 percent of our undergraduate classes have from 1 to 24 students. Such smaller classes help you learn through more stimulating group discussion. While some of your classes may be larger at first, they generally become smaller as you progress in your chosen field.