<p>also, are you considered for merit aid, grants, etc, if you are applying ED?</p>
<p>^^A downside to an urban campus is that well, it's urban. And DC is one of the most expensive US cities in which to live. Since it's full of rich lawyers and lobbyists who live on expense accounts, neighborhood restaraunts can be pricey. Within a couple of miles of GW or Georgetown, are literally dozens (hundreds possibly) or great places to eat and shop. But, that can be tough on a finaid student (who can only afford the college meal plan), when most/all friends hit the city dining spots every weekend.</p>
<p>"Anyone know what SMPA is like? in terms of advising"</p>
<p>In plain English, it sucks the advising in SMPA!
You get different answers different times, so you end up trusting your guts as for who said what the majority of the times you asked. Sorry, as much as I love the school, I have to be honest about it, and SMPA has great professors, smart students and great opportunities for internships, but you are on your own if you have any questions. Most people end up asking other SMPA students, they get faster, straighter answers.</p>
<p>I am a parent, but my D had good experiences with the Arts & Sciences and professor advising, so much so that she was able to graduate in 3 years, rather than 4. If she ever had a problem getting into a class she needed she went to the prof's office hours to request admission, bypassing the computer. Once when that didn't work out she went to talk to her adviser who overrode some major requirements. She found the profs to be very accessible and helpful. As for aid for EDs. My D was an ED applicant who received a half tuition merit award. Finally, as to food expense--that is up to you. If you go out to restaurants all the time it will be very expensive, but if you go the the several supermarkets around and make your own food as much as possible in the dorm kitchen that will be very reasonable.</p>
<p>20091990: Because of GW's lack of a "meal plan" in the traditional sense (cafeteria), eating on campus and in the surrounding area can be expensive and if you are watching your finances, it can be difficult to eat healthy foods when the cheapest food available is fast food, pizza, etc.</p>
<p>"If you are strapped financially, will you still fit in with students? The impression I get is that most of the kids come from families where money isn't that much of an issue. Where do kids go on spring break and Xmas vacation? Switzerland or Lauderdale?"</p>
<p>I'm broke and I have plenty of friends. Yeah, they go shopping or out to eat, so I just don't buy anything or eat only salads. You can still have fun in DC... the museums are free and walking around the monuments at night is lots of fun!
On your GWorld card- freshman year you have $1000 for general expenses and $700 at Jstreet cafe (per semester). you can pay by-the-ounce at jstreet, so you can limit how much money you spend per day.</p>
<p>how easy is it to get the classes you want? </p>
<p>also, is there a typical GW student? is the school really clique-y? because i know there are some schools that advertise diversity but in reality different groups don't mix...</p>
<p>and how dominant is the greek scene?</p>
<p>i'm considering ED II so i want to make sure GW is what i want before making that decision, hence the many questions. :)</p>
<p>oh one more...</p>
<p>anyone know what the workload/students/classes, etc are like at SMPA?</p>
<p>2009, workload should be somewhat lighter in the 1st semester, then you should build up. A lot of writing is expected from the students, besides the study load. I would say start with 15 credits-or less- to get acquainted and take it from there. If you fall behind you are allowed to take up to 9 credits outside of school which to me translated into summer classes in my hometown.</p>
<p>My S is now a junior and he is most frustrated by the food plan in that tax and tip take up a portion of your GWorld dollars. He manages to get by on a tight budget for food, but he shops sales, Trader Joes and occasionally Costco.</p>
<p>"how easy is it to get the classes you want? "
You definitely have to be up and ready to go right when your registration window opens, with good planning of what to take, but if you do that it's not hard to get the classes you want. It gets easier each year, so as long as you get by freshman year it's a piece of cake.</p>
<p>"also, is there a typical GW student? is the school really clique-y? because i know there are some schools that advertise diversity but in reality different groups don't mix..."
There isn't really a great answer. It's somewhat cliquey but you make your own group of friends.</p>
<p>"and how dominant is the greek scene?"
Nothing like at state schools. About a fifth of the population is directly involved in greek life. It's definitely noticeable on campus, but very easy to have a social life without joining. </p>
<p>"anyone know what the workload/students/classes, etc are like at SMPA?"
I'm not in SMPA, but I know that friends who are complain about how many course requirements there are, forcing them into a more set schedule. Other than that it's pretty normal.</p>
<p>What are the nicest dorms for sophmores???</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me how these departments/subjects are at GW?
English
Creative Writing
Spanish</p>
<p>I'm seriously considering communications but I don't get how the schools system works.. is SMPA part of CCAS? Is it different applying to CCAS or SMPA?
if it is different, smpa harder to get into?</p>
<p>
[quote]
The impression I get is that most of the kids come from families where money isn't that much of an issue. Where do kids go on spring break and Xmas vacation? Switzerland or Lauderdale?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>On spring break and vacations, our S came home and worked his usual job to earn money! I understand your concern, but this is really an old stereotype. All private schools have rich people and poor people. My S chose GW partly because he liked the school, but also because it worked out to be cheaper than all his other options, including the instate options. That may not be true for all or even most kids, I don't know. But at least for us, GW was very good with the finances. </p>
<p>The District is expensive, no question. But the other poster's suggestions were good: order on menus according to cost as well as preference. And make sure you attend the school-sponsored events, like the movies on the Vern - my son says they always serve free food !</p>
<p>missjky,
SMPA is a separate school from CCAS and requires a separate application and SAT 2s. Admission to SMPA is very competitive.</p>
<p>I have a question about the ba/md program. I know the program is highly competitive, however are they looking for uniqueness as well-canidates who are on the borderline but have unique ec's or very good essays</p>
<p>I really like GWU, and I like how it's politically active and all, but would a conservative feel out of place at GW?</p>
<p>Jerseyyyy: I will answer with an anecdote. During the presidential elections, we had 2 rooms at the marvin center where each party could watch the developments of the night.
As Obama was winning, the Rep. room was emptying, and eventually it was plain madness, joy and loudness coming out of the Dem room, which by then was joined by the Reps as well. The answer is no, you wouldn't feel out of place because in this school everybody is free of voicing their opinions without feeling estranged. It is actually welcome!</p>
<p>persgulf- admission to BA/MD is supercompetitive, and accepted applicants have very high SATs and GPAs. About 700 apply, and about 20 are accepted- 3%.</p>