Applying to W&L

Did you choose to take high-level courses within the selection available to you in your school? We don't expect every applicant to have taken the same courses, and we're not comparing your grades with other applicants where there may be overlap. We're looking at you and the challenge you've set for yourself. It's part of our assessment of your preparation for our rigorous coursework and also an indication of your curiosity and drive.

This is your chance to help us see the person in the application file. You are so much more than the sum of your transcript, optional test scores, and school profile. You're a complex individual with quirks and dreams and unique experiences. Tell us about those things. We're not here to grade you on your writing (though it never hurts to proofread), and we don't need you to drop some deep truth bomb -- we just want to know more about what makes you YOU. Give us a glimpse of the person who will be a thoughtful classmate and an active participant in daily campus life.

You spend a lot of time in your high school classroom, so your teachers likely know you better than many others do. The faculty-student bond is important here at W&L, so your letters of recommendation provide an insider's view into who you may be in our classrooms. We require recommendations from two high school teachers, ideally those who have taught you in a core subject area of math, science, English, social studies, or world language. We also recommend requesting letters from teachers who you’ve had in your junior year, if possible — you’ve probably grown a lot since your first year of high school!

Our students are highly involved on campus and in the local community; we know you are, too. The activities list/resume is a great way for you to tell us how you spend your time outside the classroom and what you may be interested in continuing in college. Don’t be shy—the list is about more than clubs or sports. Do you work a part-time job or have significant family responsibilities? Do you own your own business or participate in community service? Let us know! We want to learn as much as we can about you by understanding your interests and commitments. Just remember, there are only 24 hours in a day, and we do expect you to go to school, study, eat, hang with friends, and sleep. Be thorough, not exhaustive.

For those who participate in the studio or performing arts, the portfolio is the perfect place for you to show off your talent. You can upload images or audio/video files, and our readers will be able to see them alongside your application. If you’re interested in being part of a vocal or instrumental ensemble at W&L, you can also reach out to our Music faculty to learn more. Creative use of the Portfolio is encouraged. Do you write for the school paper? Have you published a poem? Did you build a website from scratch? Feel free to upload examples of your creativity in other disciplines, too.

The interview is an optional but recommended part of the admissions process. Holistic review means we want to get to know you as a whole person. What better way to do that than to sit down 1-on-1 with an admissions counselor, student fellow, or local alumni? This shouldn't be intimidating. It's a chance to ask your questions and to share with our team aspects of your personality that might not come across clearly in the written portions of your application. We offer both in-person and virtual interviews through the end of November, and our alumni interviews run from September through January.