<p>Hey, so I currently go to a community college in N. Va and have the opportunity to transfer to either UVa or GMU (George Mason University). I'm interested in majoring in Economics with a minor in either env. science or international relations.
Now, I know UVa is a fantastic school with an extremely rigorous academic program and is ranked as the second best public school in the nation, however Mason is fairly well known for its econ program and would mean saving my parents about 10k on tuition and room and board. Money isn't the biggest issue, but it is one to be considered. Although going to UVa might offer better prospects when it comes to landing a job right out of my undergrad, I do plan on getting my masters, and I've heard that when applying to grad school the school you received your undergrad from is not given as much emphasis as your GPA is.</p>
<p>Any and all opinions would be great, I'd really love to hear from those of you have had experience with at least one of these schools, preferably with the econ programs.
(although all opinions are welcome)</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Is the price difference mainly because of living at home?? If so, there are many other factors - such as battling traffic congestion, gas money, car maintenance costs, parking permit fees (?) or bus fare, the cost of food you eat at home, the cost of utilities of living at home, vs. the social benefits of living away from home. </p>
<p>A student typically learns as much from other students as they do from professors. If you can afford it, I’d try to live with other students.</p>
<p>Yes, the price difference is mainly from living at home, although battling traffic and the other problems you listed won’t be too much of an issue. I live about 25 minutes from Mason and my sister, who’s a recent Mason grad, has never complained about the traffic. You are right though, one of the main reasons I’ve been considering UVa (besides the academics) are the social benefits, I feel like if I do end up living at home I will not get the most out of my college experience… But that may not be true. Do you know anything about the econ programs at each school?</p>
<p>I’d ask specifically about the traffic issue. A 25 minute drive at 1 pm. may be a one hour drive at rush hour.</p>