<p>'Take it or Leave it'</p>
<p>Very nicely put.</p>
<p>In my OPINION as an IR major, I disagree that SIS is grossly overrated at AU. What does MD compare it to? I don't think he is an IR major. AU's program has been sited as the top in the nation. Go figure, MD -- another administrative issue, I suppose!</p>
<p>I am an IR major. The classes here are elementary. IN MY OPINION.</p>
<p>i think AU has a great if not amazing IR school, but number #1 ?? I doubt that. I am not trolling it's just that against the likes of Johns Hop, Gtown, Princeton, Harvard, Yale and Tufts... it is definetly top 10 but not 1.</p>
<p>md. Are those elementary classes your actual IR classes or intro classes ?</p>
<p>MD - you must have just missed the cutoff for Harvard or other Tier I schools as you must be above the "elementary" level of AU's IR program. The IR classes that I attend are challenging and exciting. I guess your IR classes are being taught by administration! As far as your parent's Alumni status, one would think this school has grown signicantly from 20 years ago as AU was regarded as a "party" school during that time period. I hope you didn't select AU based on your parent's attending, but because YOU wanted to be here. Again, I hope you find what you are looking for when you transfer.</p>
<p>I attended based on my parent's perception and from what I heard in forums like this. If you would like to know I was accepted to Wake Forest, GW, and Boston College, as well as American. One of the biggest mistakes I made was to choose AU based on the location, legacy, and aid. Also, I took a 300 level class my first semester here and made an A with little effort. So you're right to believe that I am not challenged by the curriculum and coursework at AU. Its very discouraging when I feel the classes are a waste of time, and my peers (you) struggle.</p>
<p>If that is the case, would it be wise to take advantage of all the good that AU has to offer and let's say double major in the SIS (IR) and SPA (PubPol or Poli Sci) ?
Is a double major (and even a language minor) a good option at AU ?</p>
<p>MD-believe me, I don't struggle at all, but I am not a super genius either. I do feel challenged and receptive to what my professors have to offer. I too was accepted into several first tier schools ranked higher than the ones you were accepted at and am completely comfortable with my decision to attend AU. How could you go wrong with the location unless you aren't a DC fan. Have you checked out GW's fees? Close to 60k. AU's tuition is equivalent to many private colleges at lower tier levels. Personally, I think we are getting a good bang for the buck. You must have gotten a good deal to come to AU as you didn't drop out as a freshman. It is unfortunate that you feel you have wasted the your education thus far. Again, you have to find ways to challenge yourself and engage in the social atmosphere so you get through your "sentence" at AU.</p>
<p>MD - sorry, I thought you were talking about Georgetown so ignore my comment on tuition for GW.</p>
<p>Oops...I don't know why I wrote that, MD! This is what I get for trying to study and do this post at the same time....aah, the plight of a "struggling " AU student. Clearly, I meant that the GW tuition is out of sight, and given your previous comments about "money-gouging", etc, you'd NEVER go there! Talk about money-gouging...</p>
<p>Right....what's your point?</p>
<p>Well, I thought the point was that you have an OPINION about AU's "overpriced fees"....but if you live out of state, Wake Forest is about $2k more, Tufts is equal to AU, GW is 60k and on and on.</p>
<p>^^ Yes. We're planning to visit AU with my S this summer. I'm trying to stay positive about it, but these negative posts are rather disheartening. We'll visit anyway and make up our own minds (and hope that md is not our tour guide) :)</p>
<p>I'm new to this discussion, and disturbed. My D is seriously considering AU. She is accepted by Wake Forest, and several others as well. I'm disturbed by md's negativity, as another AUer has made similar negative posts Makes me wonder, though most of the students I encounter seem smart and positive, or I wouldn't let my D consider it. </p>
<p>What I can tell you is that I do not find the administration lame and I think our new Dean of Academic Affairs is very strong with great ideas. Also, we are in the midst of a presidential search, but the interim president seems very competent. In short, the administration should not be a great concern, if any. </p>
<p>SIS is ranked in the top 10 and is highly regarded. If you want International Studies, AU is great and you shouldn't be worried. </p>
<p>Good luck to all with their future choices, and to md with his/her future school. Also, thanks AU students for your positive statements. We are in the final weeks of decision making, and hearing both sides of the story is very helpful.</p>
<p>Ahh, md, it is not my choice, but my D's, and AU will cost the family $90,000 less. IMHO, Wake is GREAT-- LOVE IT ---I'm actually an alum of WFU --- but she prefers a bigger city than Winston and LIKES AU. She'll attend on the Admitted students day on the 13th to help make her final decision. She has many options to consider, fortunately. Good luck to you in your transferring. Sounds like AU did not fit you, which happens.</p>
<p>HCM, I saw your response but not sure where it went, anyway, peace to you and have a great day! All the best to your D at American. :)</p>
<p>Since this thread started on a postive note, I would like to say some positive things to possibly finish the discussion.</p>
<p>I am a relatively new AU Staffer, not fully aware of aspects of student life, but here is what I do know:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>My D has a friend who is a student at AU who reports close relationships with faculty who care if you do well and support you in that effort</p></li>
<li><p>That friend is extremely happy and encouraging my D to attend. And, yes, she's a smart girl! </p></li>
<li><p>Great opportunities for internships-- yes, true to all schools in DC area, but the Career Center works hard to make sure they are substantive and provides free, unlimited services to students to help with career decision making, resumes, internships, grad school prep, and of course job search. Great employer outreach, too. </p></li>
<li><p>A great Abroad program with tons of options. A key reason to attend AU if study abroad is important, like it is to my D. They are working to ensure all programs are substantive and not solely party experiences. </p></li>
<li><p>Energetic new academic leadership</p></li>
<li><p>Major renovations in process and on the way-- a newly, fully renovated dorm opening in the fall, a new SIS building in two years, a renovated business school building (Kogod). </p></li>
<li><p>Smart, bright students -- not all, true, but the vast majority. </p></li>
<li><p>Success with merit fellowships-- Fulbrights, Trumans, etc. </p></li>
<li><p>High ranking for Peace Corps volunteers and Presidential Management Fellows. (outcomes are important!) </p></li>
<li><p>I am impressed by the faculty and staff I have met, university wide </p></li>
<li><p>Nice, attractive, safe campus in a major city with easy access to the amenities in that city.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Hope this helps all of you who are wondering. I know I love working here!</p>
<p>saranac~ thank you, and peace to you as well! i'm not sure who you have/or might have at AU, but all the best! ** i think i "went away" because, THANKFULLY they are cleaning up this thread....AT THIS POINT I TRULY WISH TO THANK THE OFFICIALS AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AND/OR THE MODERATORS OF CC!!!!!!</p>
<p>hey advisormom~ thank you to you, too for your wonderful, FULLY INFORMED words of wisdom!</p>
<p>the fact that your children are going to AU gives some justification as to why you are supporting it some much. The truth is that AU, even the SIS, is not highly regarded by graduate schools or employers. It is overshadowed by Elliot and Walsh, two of the premier institutions of IR in the world, w/ Nitze (JHU) nearby. The location does lend itself to some internships, etc., but overall AU's IR program is not top ten, you got HYP, JHU, GW, GTown, NYU, Columbia, etc. w/ superior programs. I am not saying that AU is a terrible school, but quit lying to yourselves...it just doesn't compare to the elite IR programs in the country</p>