<p>it sounds like your studies are most important(because you want to apply to graduate school), in which case W&M is a better choice. it’s a smaller school in a quieter setting. it will be easier for you to do well and work with your professors. and while GWU might be more impressive in the DC job market, W&M will be more impressive to graduate programs.</p>
<p>Sounds like W&M is better for you, and also I remember W&M talking about some summer thing they do in DC, so you may want to look into that. You can get internships at DC in the summer, winter breaks, and W&M is more prestigious around here (Midwest) than GW. But don’t listen to the guy who said DC is crappy. Anacostia is on the other side of town, GW is right next to the white house and other stuff, and is in a great part of town, close to the Georgetown area which is very nice.</p>
<p>You could always tell your parents that both schools are equally good and that there are so many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Washington DC that it could distract you from your studies. A lot of U.S. parents would want their children to go to college in a more quiet area. These are both excellent schools. If you like being in a city and surrounded by action GW is great. If you prefer the environment around W&M, W&M is well known as a terrific school. Either one would be a very good choice.</p>