My D has been accepted to both Clark and American for Global / International Studies. I know that AU has the School of International Service going for it, and the fact that it’s in a great city. But Clark has small class sizes and individual attention. I’m wondering if it’s better to be one of many at AU, with the great reputation and resources, or one of few competing against fewer people for internships etc. Can anyone weigh in with opinions either way? Tuition is about the same for each, so that’s not a factor. Thanks in advance.
You’re not really one of many at AU. It’s not like a big state school. And you’re not competing for limited internships with a gazillion other people; everyone wants to do internships, but there are also a gazillion possible internships – because, well, it’s DC. It’s practically run by interns on the lower levels 
Remember that for lots of schools, “a semester in DC” is a big deal. “We bring well-known speakers” is a big deal. For students at any of the DC unis, that’s just everyday life, your prof is liable to be on TV shows as a pundit all the time (not because they’re “better” but because they can get to the studio LOL), etc. My only q would be whether more attention goes to grad students (of whom there are many on the MA level at SIS), but my sense is that profs are pretty supportive to all. (FWIW my DH is an AU alum but as a grad student, and works internationally.)
I don’t know anything personally about Clark, but Boston area would be great for internships too. Of course, it’s not as if you wouldn’t have competition. (There’s a place around there called Harvard … and a few others ) But it does look awfully appealing. I hope someone with knowledge of Clark weighs in.
Thanks @momonalaptop for your very valid points in support of AU. She is leaning toward AU, it’s me that’s hesitant! AU isn’t large, but compared to Clark it’s huge!
My son is in the exact same position. He’s choosing Clark for the reasons you mentioned, small class sizes, individual attention. Regarding the competition among students, Clark doesn’t really have a competitive atmosphere, it’s more collaborative.
For global/international studies, AU is hands-down better. However, there’s the matter of fit… and if your daughter changes her major, the AU “brand” may not work so well (SIS is way up there, but, say, biology is average.)
Thanks for all your replies. We visited AU yesterday and her decision is made… AU it is. She knows that for her major, there isn’t a better option. It was a hard decision, but, she’s excited about AU.
Glad you made your decision. I think it was the right one for an IR major.
BTW, regarding class sizes if you look at the CDS for both Clark and American, there isn’t too much of a difference. 82% of Clark’s class are less than 30 students and it 80% for American.