<p>I want to apply to one college in the DC area (my school only lets me apply up to 10 and I think I have a hazy but good idea about the others). I've read a lot of other people's posts and I've noticed that in rankings people always seem to put George Washington University ahead of American University. Why is this? How do the two differ? (I know Georgetown is probably the most prestigious in the DC area but they don't offer the courses I want to take). I'm pretty sure that both George Washington and American have the extra curriculars I'm interested in (art, equestrian, rec gymnastics) as well as the classes and majors. Both of them could also be classified as "likely"s for me.</p>
<p>Since I can't apply to both, I don't know which to choose over the other. Anyone with any advice?</p>
<p>Well, from what I've heard, there are a lot of wealthy students at GW. American allows you to do a Bachelors and Masters degree in 5 years for many subject areas.</p>
<p>A few differences that come to mind--George Washington is a few blocks from the White House--right in the middle of the busiest area of D.C.. It is a very urban campus with a lot of energy--and blends in with the buildings surrounding it--so there is really no "campus feel"--you are part of the city. The dorms are more like converted apartments and are not the traditional college dorm. During the past few years, GW had had the distinction of being the most expensive college in the country as far as tuition--and I don't think that there is a lot of merit money available--I'm not sure how their need-based financial aid stacks up. As I said before, there is a lot of energy--the students are very involved, and there is lots of activity. They also have a smaller, more tranquil campus a bus ride away where some of the dorms and classes are. American is further out of the city--but still just a metro ride away. The campus and dorms are much more traditional with a blend of buildings, grassy areas, sports areas, etc. American seems to give more in merit aid--and they seem to make more of an effort to go the extra distance to attract students, which GW doesn't really have to do. American also will allow the students to develop their own majors, and are very flexible about things like that. You really need to visit, as some students really love the energy and hustle and bustle of GW, whereas others really prefer the more traditional college campus.</p>
<p>^that's an exaggeration. Both GW and AU law schools are Tier One schools. True, GW is ranked a bit higher but most employers of lawyers view them as roughly equivalent. GW is certainly not "much more renown". If fact, AU law is ranked higher than GW in international law--which GW promotes as a specialty.</p>