Washington and Lee University has consistently had less representation from the Western United States. Here is why that must change.

For a region of the United States that comprises over 23% of the population, this region has been grossly underrepresented in Washington and Lee’s recent incoming classes. For the class of 2030, just 6% of the class came from the West. That number stood at just 5% the year before for the class of 2029.

It may be convenient to just dismiss this phenomenon as due to a lack of awareness from West Coasters about the school. Initially, as a student from Nevada, I thought the same thing: people simply did not know about W&L and the prestigious university it is.

However, this does not match the ground realities, which show two important things. First, there are significant alumni communities in these states. Second, the name recognition for the school goes far deeper than what many people may think.