Georgetown SFS or U-Mich - Ford School?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So, I know there have been a bunch of these threads, but I'm really desperate for some advice here! </p>

<p>I'm conflicted between SFS and U-Mich.
Some background: I'm from Michigan, so it would be in state (a huge diff, as I'm not getting any money from gtown). Plus, michigan is closer to home, less of a big transitions, more broad in terms of options, bigger so more resources etc.</p>

<p>Georgetown- I've visisted and I love the feel; I definitely am looking forward to the SFS core, and the opportunities of being in DC...</p>

<p>Definitely interested in International Affairs/ Politics, but I'm thinking of more a psychological/philosophical/cultural approach. Ideally I would like to bring such an approach to current foreign policy, as opposed to just looking at economics/ geopolitics etc...</p>

<p>At Michigan, I would be considering the Ford School of Public Policy eventually, so I guess I would like some info on that direct comparison as well! I've heard a lot about SFS (and how prestigious it is), but not so much about the Ford School, so if anyone has any info... it would be much appreciated...</p>

<p>I personally would love ANY thoughts you may have on this matter!</p>

<p>but, somewhat specifically, some questions would be...</p>

<ol>
<li>is there enough of a difference between the two programs - rank, prestige, future opportunity wise - to justify such a large difference in price?</li>
<li>from a standpoint of getting an overall undergrad college experience - in terms of campus activities, social stuff, exploring diff interests/ hobbies - is that something that may be lacking at georgetown compared to umich.</li>
<li>when picking between schools, what factors would you say are most important? (in your opinion of course...)</li>
<li>In terms of finding connections through professors - whether it is helping one out with some research they are doing or actually finding a job - which would be more helpful?</li>
<li>And finally, when looking beyond undergrad, does one seem to have a distinct advantage in terms of getting a renknowned job, or getting into graduate school?</li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks so much for all your help in advance!</p>

2

<p>I’m curious what people have to say about this…bump</p>

3

<p>Over four years, Georgetown would cost $100,000 more than Michigan. Unless your parents are wealthy and/or if you really want a career in diplomacy, I would recommend Michigan over Georgetown. For non-diplomacy related professional placement options, Michigan and Georgetown are roughly equally well regarded. Same goes for graduate school placement.</p>

4

<p>I would save the 100K and go to Michigan without any qualms.</p>

5

<p>thanks for the help so far… anyone else have any thoughts? <em>bump</em> i guess…</p>

6

<p>My vote goes to Michigan as well. It has broader academic strength than Georgetown, and is a much, much better value. If you like Georgetown and D.C. that much, save your money and enroll in Masters program at Georgetown later on. If you want a position of some importance/influence in your areas of interest, you will need to obtain a graduate degree in any case. An undergraduate degree from Michigan will leave all your options open (provided that you do well, a comment that applies to any school you would choose).</p>