<p>I am deciding between American University and George Mason University and I am completely torn between the two.</p>
<p>So I guess I should start by stating a little about myself. I am a senior in high school and I plan to major in international relations (or some variant depending on the school). I am seriously considering (and leaning towards) enrolling in the army ROTC program. I want to ultimately work in the state and intelligence related fields. I love Washington DC and it was basically my first choice for a location to go to school.</p>
<p>I would like to start off by saying that I believe that I would untimely be happy with either school but I just want to make the correct choice.</p>
<p>As far as American goes their program is consistently rated as one of the best in the country, if not world, in International Relations, it also has excellent internship opportunities, an extensive study abroad program, and a good language program with readily available tutors (or so I've been told). So the bottom line is that I expect to get a good education there, but I'm a little uncertain about everything else... </p>
<p>For example, the army ROTC program is actually located at Georgetown and the transportation is not always the best. I am also very interested in politics which would ordinarily be a good thing since American is the most politically active school in the country, however, it also has a VERY liberal reputation whereas I am not. I know this seems like a petty reason for discrediting a good school, but, to be frank, politics is what I like and I am constantly thinking about it. I realize that most young people and teachers are liberal and after four years in high school I have accepted that and I'm comfortable with it, but I have heard some horror stories about the students and teachers there, but am unsure about their validity. In short I am just concerned that the atmosphere may be overwhelming and it just might not be the right fit for me. This is more than just politics but the attitude and environment of the campus as a whole.</p>
<p>As for George Mason I do not know as much about their international/global relations/affairs program as I do American. The same goes for their study abroad and language programs. So basically I am curious as to how these programs stack up academically. I also noticed that Mason has a minor in intelligence analysis and some well known professors that have peaked my interest as far as experience and politics. Both schools are on the DC metro system so internship opportunities should be about the same, but Mason is further out.</p>
<p>What I do like about Mason is the ROTC is located on campus. It is known for being both politically and even ethnically more diverse (I know it's not exactly conservative but just not extremely liberal) . It is in the suburbs so as a kid from a rather rural area I might enjoy this a bit more. Something just made me feel like I might fit in a little better there. Lastly, when I was visiting American I was informed that their dining facilities do not open until 7:30 during the week and 11:00 on the weekends. I am an early riser and could not imagine not having breakfast (and I like a full meal) until 11 every weekend plus if I am going to internships and ROTC in the city 7:30 might not be early enough during the week, so I was wondering if this situation was similar at Mason or if they opened earlier (hopefully). Again I know this seems a little petty but I have to spend four years at one of these schools and ALWAYS eat breakfast and I get very hungry and a little annoyed if I don't.</p>
<p>I apologize for the long post, but I felt it necessary to accurately and fully depict the factors in my decision. I greatly appreciate anyone who subjects themselves to reading this and provides me with some information and would like to thank you in advance.</p>