<p>I'm a high school senior going to either American University or George Washington next fall. I'm looking to major in international relations and anthropology and choose these two schools for their strength in these programs and location in Washington D.C. Studying, traveling, and working abroad is very important to me as well as internship and service work opportunities. I've only ever visited American's campus and as I'm currently spending my senior year studying in France I won't be able to go look at GW's campus or participate in any events for accepted students. I've been accepted to both and have been offered full scholarship and financial aid at American and a spot in their Univeristy College program and haven't heard back from GW's financial aid office.
I've heard that GW has a better reputation but that American has a better global outreach and international relations program but I don't know how true any of that is. I would like to hear from anyone with an opinion as to which school would be a better match for what I want to study and do while in college.</p>
<p>Unless GW matches AUs financial aid, this is a complete no-brainer. Follow the money. Your opportunities at AU are only limited by your imagination.</p>
<p>GW is rated a bit higher because it is a more well rounded university than AU. It is, for example, clearly better in the sciences. But, for what you say you want to study, they really are equal. The biggest difference come down to the campus. AU has a traditional campus while GW is more of a collection of buildings. If you don’t care about a campus, choose GW. If you do, go with AU.</p>
<p>Of course, I’m assuming you get an equivalent aid package at GW. if not, the decision is easy.</p>
<p>If GW comes through with similar money, it’s a no-brainer – stronger faculty, stronger student body, much better location (at least for the main campus; GW’s satellite campus is just as suburban as AU’s campus). If GW doesn’t show you the money, though, “free” is tough to beat.</p>
<p>If you are getting free money that is one thing, but GW’s rep is significantly higher than American’s…US News even places GW some 30 to 40 spots higher on their national university rankings. GW all the way.</p>