If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering if your child has the chops to get into Washington and Lee University. You’ve come to the right place: we at Ivy Coach are the experts on elite college admissions, and we’re going to walk you through the ins and outs of what’s expected of successful Washington and Lee applicants. But first let’s learn a bit more about what makes Washington and Lee special. 

About Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee is a bit old-fashioned, but we say that in the best way possible. In a world that moves at a breakneck pace, Washington and Lee is intentional about reminding its students of the importance of a word that doesn’t get used enough anymore: character. Washington and Lee’s Honor Code is one of the strictest in the country: any proven violation results in expulsion. But it’s also student-run, meaning students are vested with the authority to audit and form their own sense of integrity. In that same vein, Washington and Lee has a strong “Speaking Tradition,” which insists that students and faculty must greet each other whenever they cross each other on campus. This may sound intense, but it’s actually a nice respite from a world where everyone is looking down at their phones. 

Academically, W&L is unique in that its a small liberal arts school with a strong business program. The Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics has solidified Washington and Lee as the only top-tier liberal arts college in the United States to claim a nationally accredited commerce school. In terms of campus life, W&L is small with only 1,800 students and is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, so your child won’t want for close community and outdoors adventures. 

Washington and Lee has an acceptance rate of 14%. That means getting in will require strategic planning (and the help of Ivy Coach’s college admissions experts certainly wouldn’t hurt!). 

Washington and Lee Admissions Requirements 

We want to make one thing clear right off the bat: there’s no readymade template for a successful application to W&L, or to any school for that matter. Each applicant to W&L is considered within context. An example of what this means: a student who took 2 AP classes at a school that only offered 2 AP classes is not necessarily less impressive than a student who took 4 AP classes at a school that offered a dozen such courses. If college admissions were just crunching numbers, our jobs would be so much easier. 

To try to simplify an incredibly fluid and dynamic landscape, we’ll tell you that great grades, high test scores, and remarkable extracurricular achievements are the bread and butter (and jelly) of successful applications. So, even though the students at W&L are each in possession of their own idiosyncratic accomplishments and talents, let’s look at the features that unite them. 

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Washington and Lee University?

The motto for Washington and Lee University is Non Incautus Futuri, Latin for “not unmindful of the future.” We’d beg to differ. If Washington and Lee University really were ‘not unmindful’ of the future, they’d report the GPA data for their enrolled students to The Common Data Set Initiative. In the past 20 years, they’ve never done so.

The Common Data Set Initiative is a voluntary effort among colleges and universities to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved in a student’s transition into higher education. We’ve combed through every single one of Washington and Lee’s available Common Data sets, dating back to 2005, and not once have they reported the GPA breakdown of their incoming classes. We at Ivy Coach call upon Washington and Lee University to do us all a favor and release the data!

Washington and Lee University, like practically every other selective school in the United States, uses a holistic admissions process. In their words, it’s a “whole-person” review: “We want to get to know you and how you’ll contribute to the life of the university.” They break this down into component parts, with academic record being the first and most important thing they consider. In other words, they are weighing your GPA heavily in their consideration.

Even still, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your Personal Statement is next up at bat, followed by letters of recommendation, extracurricular background, creative portfolio (for students participating in the studio and performing arts), and, finally, your interview. 

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Washington and Lee?  

The average SAT score for the W&L Class of 2029 was 1480, and the average ACT score was 33. Though Washington and Lee is test-optional, we at Ivy Coach believe that not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Washington and Lee?

While W&L does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants, we at Ivy Coach know that highly selective colleges want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Washington and Lee University Like To See?

Depth over breadth! Say it with us: Depth over breadth! 

There’s a common misunderstanding that colleges want “well-rounded students.” No, no, and no. They want well-rounded student bodies. These student bodies are comprised of singularly talented kids, each flourishing within their own idiosyncratic area of excellence and contributing their own unique accomplishment. 

So, rather than shuttling your kid from soccer practice to Russian Math lessons to cello lessons to West Side Story rehearsal to robotics club, maybe decide to save on all that gas money and encourage your child to zero in on their own unique talents. Maybe they’re a thespian: have them write a play, work with their school’s drama department to put it on, and then use the funds from ticket sales to support arts education in underfunded areas of the United States. Maybe they’re a Classist: have them found a Latin Club at their school, translate niche texts beyond The Aeneid and Caesar, and contribute original research to a scholarly journal on Roman Studies. You get the gist. 

Washington and Lee Application Requirements 

Washington and Lee accepts the Common App and Coalition App. They ask for a counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. Applicants must fill out two supplemental essays, and havevarious options of which prompts they would like to respond to. 

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Washington and Lee? 

Washington and Lee University applicants should ask two junior year teachers in core subjects. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, at least one of the recommender’s subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History and English teachers.

Does Washington and Lee University Require an Interview? 

Washington and Lee University does not require an interview, but they offer one. Pro tip: take them up on this offer! 

What Are Washington and Lee University’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision I applications to W&L are due November 1st. Regular Decision and Early Decision II applications are due January 1st.  

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Washington and Lee

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Washington and Lee University, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Washington and Lee University, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.