<p>I'm currently dual-majoring in Political Science and History at Hofstra University. However, I have applied to transfer and have been accepted by University of Maryland, College Park and George Washington University. I know both schools are good but I want some input from you guys on which would be better and why.</p>
<p>Both are way better than Hofstra, so I’d advise transferring and I think you’ll be fine with either one. From a student life perspective these schools are very different. UMCP has a traditional college town with a huge campus and lots of things to do. The surrounding area isn’t all that densely populated and isn’t that densely populated and lies within teh school’s sphere of influence. There are great athletics and you’ll have a big selection of parties. </p>
<p>GW’s campus is a compact collection of buildings in downtown Washington D.C. that the school has absorbed over time. I imagine many of their dorms are hotels they took over. Many of the academic department buildings were originally residential rowhouses. On the upside, the GW campus puts you well within walking distance of the Smithsonian museums and a lot of important organizations. In my opinion being in the location has some practical advantages when it comes to professional development. At either GW or UMCP you’ll be able to get summer internships at think tanks / NGOs / government / etc, but only at GW will you be close enough to take internships during the school year. In my opinion that could be a real advantage since there will be far fewer people competing with you for fall/spring part time internships. </p>
<p>Historically UMCP is more highly regarded, but GW is definitely building a name in political science.</p>
<p>UMCP has strong departments in poli sci and history and you will take classes with good faculty. I have heard of some poli sci majors that really like Maryland. But as an undergrad your campus experience would be very different at the two places because of location/size. GW is right in the city, and you would have the experience of living in DC. UMCP is and feels like a big public university and is in a suburb that is kind of drab. GW’s marketing really touts the possibility of doing more than one internship over the four years. Have you visited?</p>
<p>Are the costs comparable? I wouldn’t pay a lot more for one over the other.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input guys. al6200, I’ve heard UMCP isn’t that far from DC anyway so I don’t think an internship during the school would be too difficult. At the moment I am leaning towards CP.</p>
<p>you got accpted to GW already? wow I am as well as a lot of us are still waiting when did george washington notify you?</p>
<p>^ i agree with ellomeno…how did you find out so soon when other’s are still waiting?</p>
<p>anyway’s my dad lives in MD, not near college park, but in MD. It is accessible to the metro so you have as many opportunities as a GW student would. </p>
<p>Yes, GW is right in DC, but so is UMD. It may not be in the city but as long as it’s on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (aka METRO), you have the same political advatages as they do. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. </p>
<p>UMD is on the “Top 25 Most recruited list” whereas GW is not. GW has an easier access to things in DC though, whereas UMD might take awhile. </p>
<p>GW = safe area, UMD = not so much. But the campus is nice. </p>
<p>But most importantly:
GW is also expensive so if youre transferring, and you might have to stay longer if possibly not all credits transfer over, thus you stay longer than expected, your tuition goes up. Yes, it is a fixed-rate school, but, according to a personal e-mail from admissions, your tuition will rise if your there longer. I know or a fact that I will not graduate on time so that is why I am ruling GW out.</p>
<p>If money is an issue at all, you can use this calculator to compare your aid packages: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Award Letter Requirements - Finaid)</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Is cost an issue? Really similar overall, I think CP has a better student life.</p>