Which one has a better overall reputation for political science? I was accepted by both and I’m having a hard time deciding between the two.
I know GW is ranked slightly higher than AU by US News, but is GW really held in higher regard than AU?
They are so closely ranked it really is more a matter of fit than rank - Niche ranks AU - 48 for Poli - Sci and GW - 50. So ask yourself - do I like the urban campus feel (GW) or a traditional quad feel (AU)? Am I comfortable in a very liberal environment - ( AU - 26th most liberal college, GW - 137th most liberal - Niche)? Have you visited each campus? In the end it really doesn’t matter how a college ranks if you get there and don’t like it. So pick the one that feels like the best fit.
Visit both and determine which is the best school for you. Choosing a school by a slight difference in ranking is unwise.
I have a degree in political science from AU. I have never gotten–or not gotten–a job based on AU’s reputation for political science.
I echo visiting the campuses and deciding what you like. American is more suburban yet it does have a campus (and you can go days without leaving the campus if you want) while GW is in the middle of everything which some people like. PolSci wise, they are so similar academically and have the same internship options that it does not matter.
The admission rate for the Class of 2021 at AU is 29%, while GW admits almost half of all applicants - 46%…
I know you probably already made your decision, but for anyone who is looking back on this: I definitely agree with happy1 and HeyItsNick on this one. I toured both AU and GWU and they are very similar besides the campus. GWU is definitely more urban, compact, and in the heart of DC. AU is more spacious and has that traditional campus feel. The drawback, of course, is that it is likely a longer commute to internships from AU. In reference to the political climate at GWU and AU, they both seem left-leaning, but AU is definitely more outspoken and liberal. Since they do seem to have a similar reputation, I would not focus on that but rather decide which school is more fitting for you.
Regarding the comment about the longer commute for internships for AU students vs GWU as being a negative, it should noted that AU students get a Metro UPass as part of their semester fees that allow them unlimited metro rides as a college student. So while there may be a slightly longer commute, the unlimited rider pass more than offsets this perceived negative. Also the Department of Homeland Security is right across the street from AU so if you internship there, no commute!