<p>I’ve been posting a similar message since 2007…now that it’s getting closer to decision time, let me know what questions you have–I’ve been able to help steer many students in the right direction; some to AU, some not.</p>
<p>I graduated from AU in 1995 and have gained a lot of experience and insight since then. This time has illuminated my thoughts on AU, so I have a perspective that is different from that of prospective students, current students, recent alumni, and parents. I can tell you what AU means to me, whether/how it has affected me since attending, things I’d do differently, and things I wouldn’t change.</p>
<p>Basic background: I came to AU in 1991 from suburban Chicago. I intended to study political science, but after taking one economics class I decided to major in both political science and economics. I was an honors student and am a member of AU’s first group of Phi Beta Kappa graduates. For an idea of just how long ago 1991 was, AU’s 1991-92 tuition was $13,716 per year…that compares with about $37,500 for 2011-12.</p>
<p>I’ve been in the business world since leaving AU. I earned an MBA from another university and have been employed in the telecommunications and commercial real estate (current career) fields. I live in Texas.</p>
<p>Feel free to contact me publicly or privately with questions. I won’t be able to tell you much about what the dorms are like now, whether the food is any good, or who the good professors are, but I’ll shoot straight when I can help you.</p>
<p>Thanks for offering to answer questions. S is a potential AU poly sci major. Why did you choose AU? How well did AU prepare you for grad school? for business/employment? How has your AU degree been received outside the DC metro area? Is there an alumni network, and, if so, are you active and has it been useful to you? Thanks again.</p>
<p>Why AU? - I applied to 5 schools, but my choice came down to AU and University of Illinois, which would have been absolutely free for me. I ended up choosing AU because I thought it would be better to study politics in DC instead of in the middle of a corn field.</p>
<p>Did AU prepare you well for grad school? - AU prepared me for grad school very well. To the extent that GRE scores are comparable to SAT scores, I improved significantly while at AU–and I like to think that reflects the knowledge I gained there.</p>
<p>The best preparation for business school is work after college, but I do think AU helped me. After all, I was surrounded by a lot of smart kids and professors who were striving for excellence. And the international flavor of AU (my first roommate was from Sweden) introduced me to ideas I may not have encountered elsewhere.</p>
<p>How has your AU degree been received outside of DC? - My AU degree has been received well, but frankly, because of the work I do, my MBA is more important. However, as time passes, all degrees lose significance and your work history becomes paramount.</p>
<p>Is there an alumni network? - There is an alumni network. As you can expect, it is strongest in DC and on the east coast. But we do have a group that meets here in Dallas–there are actually hundreds of AU grads in the area. I am somewhat active, and I offer my professional network to my AU colleagues when they need it.</p>
<p>My daughter has been accepted to the A & S school. It seems that AU is her first choice, but I would like your thoughts on one aspect of the school. My daughter does not have (at the moment) any interest in politics nor international studies AND, more to the point, is not politically savvy or aware to the extent that it seems many prospective students seem to be. In your opinion, do you think this fact will be any cause for isolation or a sense of acceptance by her peers. I believe that college should challenge and offer these kinds of opportunities for growth and expanding the horizons. We certainly hope that happens to her; in the meantime, however, we don’t want her to feel out of the loop, so to speak, or like she has little in common with many of her peers.</p>
<p>If your wondering why AU (if no passion for politics or IS), she has her legit reasons.</p>
<p>AU is a big enough school that there are people of all stripes, including those who aren’t interested in politics. But it is true that most people interested.</p>
<p>Like so many kids S is still working on just what will be the right major. when applied to and was accepted to the college of Arts & Sciences, but as he refines his goals it looks like the business school will be a better fit. Assuming he has no grade issues, should transferring between the colleges be easy, or at least probable?</p>
<p>Regarding not being into politics, my D is a performing arts major, but has chosen to attend a rally on the national mall, the protest on campus against the Westboro church demonstration and has attended some student government “get to know the candidates” type of events. I am in favor of this as I feel it will help grow into an informed voter and citizen in our country.</p>