<p>I’ve been accepted to SIS at AU and the Elliott School at GW. I’ve also been accepted to the honors program at both schools. I plan to study international affairs (major undecided), but that could likely change. I’ve visited both schools but can’t seem to decide. Pros/cons of each? Is the reputation of GW significantly better than AU? Deposit deadline is in a week so any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I’ve visited both schools as well and I sat in on classes at both. Both classes were about the same size, same level, same subjects, the teachers were really similar, and I was MUCH more impressed with how the class at AU went. The students were more interested at AU, no one was on Facebook or checking their emails, people were comfortable enough to raise their hand and ask questions and make comments, and I think the overall environment at AU (both in the classroom and around the campus) was more friendly/welcoming. When students walked by while I was touring the AU campus they would smile and wave, everyone in the cafeteria was interacting with each other and laughing and having fun, no one seemed to be in cliques, it was a very friendly place overall. This might have to do with the fact that AU has more of a campus- maybe creates more of a sense of community. Obviously this is just my experience with my visits and yours may have been different, but in my opinion (if you don’t have a preference between city campus vs. campusy campus) AU is awesome. I think that GWU’s academic reputation is a teeny tiny bit better but I would not say a significant amount. Both schools are known for having exceptionally good International Affairs programs. Hope this was helpful, if you have any questions feel free to message me.
I’m sure you’ll be successful wherever you go, both schools are great. Good luck!</p>
<p>Quality of life was a significant factor when my S chose between the schools. He says that AU had a much more inviting, friendly campus, with a real commuinity feel, as compared to GW. The dorm was very comfortable during freshman year, and this sophomore year he lives nearby in a nice house with his friends. He has a vehicle that he can park right on campus, which allows him quite a bit of freedom to get around town and leave the city whenever he likes. The classes are very challenging, and the study abroad opportunities are extensive. He regularly attends talks at GWU, Geogetown, and SAIS on foreign policy issues. And, GWU and Georgetown both allow outside students to participate in most of their study abroad programs. He has the best of both worlds, going to AU – a wonderful campus with a close-knit student body, while being near a host of other universities at which he can participate in international relations programs. </p>
<p>Tonight I talked to the second student who has been called a dirty hippie at George Washington University. It you are from the West Coast, be forewarned that GWU doesn’t seem to have a favorable view of West Coast students. I have yet to meet a student at American from the West Coast that was called a dirty hippie. I am glad my son chose American over GWU. </p>
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<p>@NESeattleMom, I think you’ve been punked. Nobody has used the term “dirty hippie” --since the 60’s! I’ve never met a college student who cared in the slightest what state a fellow student came from. My S attended GW for a year, didn’t like it for a variety of reasons and transferred out, but he certainly never mentioned any geographic discrimination. In fact, one of his roommates was a Californian. He seemed unscathed.</p>
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<p>No that is actually what the girl was called. A dirty hippie. Word for word. She is the second student I have talked to who was called this. This girl was called a dirty hippie by her GWU classmates last year. The other student I talked to was called the same thing 2 years ago. Both are from the Seattle area. I think there is more pressure at GWU to conform to the east coast view on fashion and makeup for women. It seems to be a lot more relaxed at AU. I am wondering if some of that has to do with AU having their own campus and not mingling with professionals as they walk to class.</p>
<p>Actually that is an Urban Dictionary term, so some people do use it in the 2000’s. It is sort of a replacement for “neo” hippie (meaning new hippie–not one from the 60’s or 70’s). </p>
<p>The Urban Dictionary also defines “dirty hippie” as “a chai latte with a shot of espresso”. I realize that’s totally irrelevant, but I like the concept!</p>
<p>I though SeattleMom’s looked a little weird so I went on her profile all her comments are essentially trashing GW everyone I’ve met from GW has been extremely nice and service oriented</p>
<p>Sorry all my comments are not about GWU. I just want kids from the West Coast to be prepared for the snootiness that I have seen at GWU or others have experienced at GWU. My son was deciding between GWU, Fordham, Seton Hall and American. We have talked to students in the Seattle area that have attended all these schools and it was only GWU that was noted for being snooty especially to West Coast women. I looked at several threads asking about the AU vs. GWU choice and put in my 2 cents. I am sure there are many lovely people at GWU and I am sure there are some jerks at AU but only at GWU were West Coast women called dirty hippies.</p>