Washington University in St. Louis

[EKPhrase]

Just wondering about how people feel about Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL/WashU). Seems like there are some pretty good Americanists there, but I don't know a ton about the program. Anyone accepted and declining, and if so, can you tell me why? Trying to figure out how long I should wait, what my chances are, and anything I should know about this program.

And apparently I cannot type this late in the night, because I had to edit this twice just to fix typos...

[diehtc0ke]

I was accepted and I'm unfortunately declining. I visited WashU at the end of last month and met with a good chunk of the cohort across several years and also met with several professors. It is a wonderful program, especially if you're an americanist. The faculty, even though it is a small dept, is first rate and the grad students there are exceptionally warm and helpful to one another. You can feel a genuine academic community that's free of just about all stuffy pretentiousness. They also give an amazing stipend and healthcare benefits, especially given how affordable it is to live in St. Louis. I'm not turning the offer down bc of the department; I'm turning it down because I've gotten into other programs that are a better fit for my research interests. It's a shame because the department is way more into fostering interdisciplinary approaches to critical work than most others. If you're accepted off the waitlist, I would definitely give WUSTL a good look.

[EKPhrase]

Well DietC0ke looking at your acceptances I know I am talking to an elusive Upenn Admittee! Congratulations on your fantastic academic career! The program looks a little long but I do appreciate your point about the community of students. This was very helpful - Thanks! Lol we all want to know your stats just to know what a UPenn admittee looks like

So Were are you thinking? I like NYU the best on your list, but that's just me. I haven't gotten my rejections from NYu and Columbia yet, but as much as I LOVE NCY (visit 3+ times year), I know that living there would be as hard for me as living in St. Louis would be for you

[adinutzyc]

Hey guys! So, I'll be probably moving to St. Louis this fall, for the next 5 years or so... WUSTL made me an offer I can't refuse!

I am really nervous about moving for the first time, but the school is great and it has made me the best offer as of yet.

I was looking at UVA for a while (still considering it, but I doubt they can top the offer WUSTL made me) and got this idea that I want a house with everything included: furnished, pool, fitness center, garage parking. I was wondering if anyone was looking at those. I found some on various websites but was wondering if anyone has lived in one of those or is planning to live there. Do students often live in places like that? I think the prices are more than decent for the way the place look (but well, I spent my undergrad in NY) and I know I will have enough money to pay for it. I will also have a car (hopefully) while I'm staying there, so, although important, distance wouldn't be a huge problem. Plus I don't want to go through the hassle of finding a roommate to get along with... and the pool is extremely nice! I mean places like this: http://www.mansionhouse.com/photogallery.htm, http://www.covingtonplace.com/home.asp etc.Do you know what area has these types of places, is safe, and somewhat close to WUSTL? Thanks!

[AnnaS]

Hi,

Moving to St. Louis in August.. Any suggestions on where to live or what to do there? Ill be attending wustl medical school. Anyone else admitted?

[DStory247]

Congratulations, Anna-

 

Check out these threads regarding housing opportunities:

 

Hope this helps!

[SeriousSillyPutty]

Hi all!

I'm celebrating being done with my first semester of grad school by procrastinating on Grad Cafe (even though I actually still have a ton of stuff to do).

I LOVE St. Louis.  I worked here for five years before starting grad school, and really feel it has earned the title, "biggest small town in America."  I know a big issue is housing, and I can't say much on that front as I stayed in the place I lived before grad school, but I'm happy to help if I can.

Lots of people have dogs.  Forest Park is beautiful, next to WashU's campus ("Danforth Campus" -- the main one), and is very dog friendly.  There are separate pedestrian and bicycle paths that go all the way around the park, as well as lots of grassy areas and things to do.  I have also ridden my bike passed a small dog park on Vernon Av., about a mile north of campus.

If you're looking for cheaper housing, you may consider looking at housing about 1.5 miles north of campus.  North of Olive Blvd., it seems mostly low-income to working-class families, but I have (youngish, white, suburban-raised, female) friends who have lived there for years without problems.  It's mostly single family homes, but there are a few two-family flats (one apartment downstairs, one upstairs) that go up for rent.  There's a bike path that makes it easy to get to campus, and a bus as well, though I've never tried the bus myself.

St. Louis was ranked the top city for cheapskates, which is probably why I love it so much.  If you get here before school starts (as I would recommend you do) take the time to do some non-university things, like the free concerts at the botanical gardens (pack a picknic!), free nose-bleed seats for broadway shows at the Muny (you can bring food there, too), or free admission to the zoo, science center, art or history museums.