Hi. I’ve been accepted as an international relations undergraduate major to both BU’s Pardee School of Global Studies and GWU’s Elliott School of International Affairs. I’m very confused on which one to attend. I realize that BU is ranked higher overall, but GWU has a higher ranked international relations program. It seems to me that being in DC is a huge advantage for internships and having experienced faculty teaching students. However, BU has a great study abroad program and seems like it would be more rigorous. Lastly, any thoughts on this “grade deflation” that I read about at BU? I would love to hear any suggestions/comments. Thank you!
Curious to know answer as well
Also American university and NYU
GWU is in washington, dc. you could work for political campaigns. gw is really close to the white house. and there are lots of foreign embassies in dc. i would do more research and visit both schools
I value GW’s study abroad. Quality international locations and good international relations tie-ins. To me, cost and academics overall would be a factor between the two. If you are interested in other majors subjects like STEM then BU beats GW. BU must have access to decent internships too as Tufts (top international relations program) is in the area. Strengths of GW: location (internships), International Affairs, Communications, and Business.
In both cases, I would give the edge to the DC-based schools. If you are committed to International Relations, I think you will be much more competitive in the post-graduation job market if you can intern in something that relates to International Relations. DC is going to be your best bet for those opportunities. The other schools may offer a semester or summer program that would allow you to intern in DC. So you might check to see if that’s an opportunity. That said many GWU & AU graduates participate in multiple internships while studying in DC.