UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 1,884 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top LACHonor System
Accept
17.0%
Yield
42.0%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1410–1530
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
710–750
SAT Math (mid 50%)
700–780
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
32–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTENot separately reported in CDS
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$70,100
Total COA
$95,500
Avg need-based aid
$64,265
Avg merit award
$59,826
Net price after avg need aid
$31,235
W&L meets 1% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
The Johnson Scholarship
$95,500 – $95,500 / yr (renewable)
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
W&L's AP Policy
Washington and Lee University awards credit for AP exams, generally requiring a score of 5, although a 4 is accepted for some subjects. Students can receive a maximum of 30 credits from all external sources, including AP exams.
Min score
4
Credit cap
30 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAConsidered
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayConsidered
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Washington and Lee University provides a liberal arts education that develops students’ capacity to think freely, critically, and humanely and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and civility.
Distilled Themes
Liberal arts educationCritical and humane thinkingHonor, integrity, and civilityResponsible leadershipEngaged citizenship
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01They are looking for students who are not just academically strong, but also have a strong sense of honor and community.
- 02Extracurriculars are very important, so a student with a deep, long-term commitment to a few activities will stand out.
- 03The ‘Why W&L?’ essay is a great place to show genuine interest and connection to the school’s unique culture and programs.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01A demonstrated commitment to honor and integrity, both in and out of the classroom.
- 02A passion for the liberal arts and a desire to engage in interdisciplinary study.
- 03A track record of leadership and a desire to contribute to a close-knit community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest in the school, especially given its small size and unique culture
- An application that focuses solely on academics without highlighting personal qualities and extracurricular involvement
- Any hint of academic dishonesty or a lack of integrity in the application
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
The Williams School of CommerceEconomicsand Politics; The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability; The Knight Program in Media Ethics; Interdisciplinary programs in areas like LawJusticeand Society; A strong pre-med track with a high medical school acceptance rate
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 20, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 1, 2026
→ Feb 1, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 1, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Washington and Lee considers demonstrated interest, as stated in their CDS, and recommends an optional interview to get to know applicants better.
What they watch
- Optional interview
Coach action
Schedule an optional interview to demonstrate your interest and allow the admissions team to get to know you better.
Provenance