Decision Making: My Journey to Washington University in St. Louis
My journey to Washington University in St. Louis was a careful and deliberate process, marking many visits and campus tours. As I graduated from high school in 1972, I received a range of offers from prestigious schools across the United States.
High School Offerings and Visits
After graduating high school in 1972, I was offered opportunities at both large and small institutions, including Ivy League schools such as Yale and Columbia. Despite visiting Columbia, they had no art school to speak of in the 70s. The University of Miami in Florida offered a full football scholarship, but their record of 0-10 in the 70s was too poor to consider. Iowa Wesleyan, though charming, saw me cancel my visit due to a storm and lack of interest in its art program. Visiting Wabash College in Indiana and the University of Cincinnati in my hometown also didn’t meet my criteria, mainly due to the quality of their art programs and scholarship opportunities. Eventually, Washington University in St. Louis stood out, offering a full academic scholarship, a renowned Art School and Graphic Design program, a decent football team, and a beautiful campus. Furthermore, the city of St. Louis provided a vibrant and diverse community that resonated with me.
Personal Visits vs. College Guidebooks
Of the five colleges I applied to, Washington University was the only one I could practically tour given my family’s location and budget. Most of my visits were virtual, relying on college guidebooks for information. However, the campus tour I did take gave me a sense of the place that might have been more difficult to get from a guidebook alone.
Undergraduate Decisions and Academic Flexibility
For my undergraduate studies, I considered Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and Grinnell. Ultimately, I chose Washington University for its academic flexibility, particularly in engineering, and the campus culture, which fostered interdisciplinary study. This decision allowed me to double major and achieve a Master’s Degree in 4.5 years, alongside a busy extracurricular schedule. I am profoundly grateful for my decision and continue to volunteer as an alum.
Graduate Studies and Fellowship Opportunities
When it came to graduate studies, my search was between Purdue and Washington University. Notably, I declined my alma mater due to my desire to experience something different. My final choice was St. Louis University, where I found a fellowship program for experienced teachers. I benefited from a full fellowship for my graduate work at Washington University, which significantly reduced my financial burden.
My educational journey highlights the importance of student experiences, academic opportunities, and the impact of scholarships and fellowships in shaping one's future. Washington University in St. Louis has been a pivotal stepping stone in my academic and professional career.