<p>GW has 2 or 3 good performing/theater clubs that put on some nice productions. While it’s materialistic, power-hungry, and a stuffy “suit” city, he could still find a niche group of artsy performing students to fit in with. The city nor school is a chill, open city. It’s liberal and leftist, but it’s still “suits and snoots.” I’d suggest he apply. If possible, visit and stay a night or two with current students (who aren’t tour guides). He’d potentially like it, so long as he’s not bothered by a city of power and money. Most people here don’t seem to have football watch parties-- they have election watch parties. So, it’s not that sporty, but there are intramurals, including a frisbee team that plays under the Wash Mon. So, there are things/people he could relate to and enjoy, but if he’s anti-opulence, it might not be a good match. He could look for internships at the Smithsonian, Kennedy, etc. that might be fulfilling for him. The GW art department is pretty good- I liked the classes that I took. It’s not particular popular, though. There are also various classes and clubs that do theater, dance, etc.</p>
<p>ult2011—my daughter is planning on majoring in poli sci. She isn’t interested in International Relations. She sounds more like you–interested in history,government and politics, with a focus on domestic rather than international. You should major in what interests you. Also, the plan for pursuing a government job is a good idea in this economy. The government is often listed as one of the main areas that are actually hiring anyone at this time. You are also correct about the jobs having good benefits and stability. They might not pay huge amounts but at least there are some possible career type jobs. It beats working at a restaurant,etc after you graduate from college which I see young people doing all the time. You could always go on to law school after working for awhile if you find that is what really interests you.</p>
<p>I’m not typically a confrontational person, but after reading the exchanges on this forum I felt I had to say something. </p>
<p>With all due respect, gwgrad, it seems like you had a less than positive experience at GWU. Also, as a current undergrad student, a lot of the information you are giving out (things people unfamiliar with the school will take as truth) is not very accurate. It could be that things have changed quite a bit from when you were an undergrad student, which is absolutely understandable. </p>
<p>I think it is great that you are being honest and sharing your personal experiences about the university. However, I hope all those reading this realize that there are amazing things about GWU and that for some people (like myself) the experiences I’ve already had at GWU have been the best of my life. That being said, if anyone would like someone with a different perspective to answer their questions, I’d be more than happy to.</p>
<p>I hope you don’t take offense, I just would hate to see someone turned off from what really is an incredible university just because one person had some less than spectacular experiences.</p>
<p>I don’t mean to ask some of the same questions I’ve already asked in this thread again, but I’ll try and post what I think are my most important questions. Also, gwgrad, I don’t mean to sound like I’m dismissing your advice (because I’m not - I’ve taken into consideration what you’ve said and greatly appreciate it ) - I’m just trying to be open minded. It’s really nice to have a former student and a current student here to speak to.</p>
<p>What is your experience with financial aid? Gwugrad made it clear that they didn’t help much. I’ve heard over the past year/two even that GW has because more generous with FA. What have you heard, and what do you think? Being a middle class family, it’s really hard to tell what we’ll get. I’ve been trying to get a rough estimate of EFC, but I’m still not sure atm. My family could come under or just over 100,000 a year. </p>
<p>**What do you think about early decision?**There’s no question that GW has been my top choice for some time. The only real thing I worry about with ED is financial aid. As I stated before, financial aid isn’t the FIRST concern, but it is a moderate concern. It isn’t untruthful to say that GW is one of the most expensive schools in the country if not the world. However, I hear that ED really helps with acceptance. I may need that leg up considering my EC’s aren’t spectacular. </p>
<p>**What have you heard about the political science program yourself?**I would think that political science would be a very popular major for a school thats in the middle of D.C. While it may not be as popular as international affairs as gwgrad mentioned - I would assume they have a large/good poli sci dep.?</p>
<p>Generally, what have you liked/disliked about GW? I love the Washington area. I feel like thats what’s really drawing me there - the fact that its right in the middle of D.C. Who knows though, the center of D.C. may be a place that looks great on the outside when I visit, but not so great when I actually live there. </p>
<p>What? As I said, I remained here for law school, so there are plenty of good things about the university, like I said. There are also downsides to it. Read through each item, and you’ll see the pros and cons of this school, as there are of any school. The key problems are financial aid (I didn’t get one dime) and city problems (housing difficulties, traffic, safety, etc.). I’ve already listed many positives about it, and told people to apply here,… but to keep in mind the high cost. I am VERY familiar with the college and the city. What is inaccurate? I can’t see how much has changed since I’ve been there, because **I’m STILL here, at GW. ** Different people have different opinions on a school, as I’ve said, but there still are certain weaknesses (extreme cost, traffic, etc. etc.). To some people, the disadvantages aren’t worth it, but to some, it is. Hell, with all the ridiculous costs and so forth, I chose GW law. I wouldn’t have chose a BA there (I’d have gone cheaper), but the GW JD is irresistible. </p>
<p>GW law is one of the top schools in the country, hence why I remained at GW for both a BA and law school.</p>
<p>If you read all of the Q&As, you’ll see the good, the bad, and everything in between. </p>
<p>The school frequently has renown guest speakers (presidential debates, IAFF leaders, etc.). Some are open to everyone, while others are packed quickly. There aren’t big sporting events. There is a basketball team… tickets for students are cheap.</p>
<p>Get used to long hours. Get an LSAT study book, and use it. Take an LSAT class.
Take some solid undergrad. background classes that help with reasoning and other skills.
Take some undergrad law classes. I took a number of econ. and law (particularly international law) as an undergrad. Consider interning on the hill, or doing a clerkship type program.</p>
<p>Is it true that only 1 in 4 have more than 4 drinks?</p>
<p>I don’t know? I’ve seen posters like that around, but can’t remember the statistics on them, or the source of the statistics. Drinking isn’t that big a deal. Sure, people do it… but it’s no big deal if you don’t.</p>
<p>I’m visiting the area. Where should I stay?</p>
<p>Hotels in the city are typically expensive. Suburban hotels are cheaper, but then you may need a car to get there. There’s the GWU Inn, which would be the most convenient of all. Georgetown Suites are ok, One Washington Circle hotel (close to/nearly on campus), Hilton Embassy Row, Hotel Lombardy, Park Hyatt, State Plaza Hotel, and the Ritz Carlton. There’s tons of hotels in the city.</p>
<p>Should I rent a car to move my student in to campus?</p>
<p>A lot of people would say no, because parking will be a huge hassle. But, if the kid has a lot of things to move in, it’ll help. Parking on the street will be very, very limited… and it likely won’t be directly in front of your dorm (crowded streets during move in). A car would help with supply runs/shopping in the suburbs.</p>
<p>There are sometimes free ones on campus. You could go to the suburbs, or Gallery Place downtown, Mazza Gallerie, Loews Georgetown. There’s more, but I haven’t been to all of them… I rarely go to movies here.</p>
<p>We’re bringing the family for move-in. Where should we site see?</p>
<p>Go to the WWII memorial, Smithsonian, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Memorial. Do the monuments one day, Smithsonian one morning, then an evening concert or show at the Kennedy Center. Go see embassy row, Georgetown, and Dupont for dinner, shopping, and scenery. That’s DC in 3 days… if you had longer, I’d suggest more local-niche stuff.</p>
<p>This year we got covered. Snowed in for days. It varies- probably about 25% of the winters that I’ve been here have gotten significant (can’t go outside/drive/walk safely) snow. The other years were cold with light snow.</p>
<p>Yes. I think it’s in October, but go check on the parent’s website. I only attended once, but it was a well-planned event. Most of my friend’s parents didn’t come, but the event somehow has a pretty good turnout. They have activities for younger siblings, which is cool.</p>
<p>Actually, pretty good… but you need to network yourself. If you go to networking events on campus or in the city and tell them you went to GW, chances are, you’ll find fellow alums.</p>
) - I’m just trying to be open minded. It’s really nice to have a former student and a current student here to speak to.</p>