I have currently narrowed down my college decisions to two choices: studying International Political Economy at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service or International Relations and Economics at UPenn’s College of Arts and Sciences.
I am having a difficult time deciding what school to attend. Here are some pros and cons for each:
UPenn
Pros:
Ivy
Nicer Dorms and facilities
bigger range of opportunities if I end up changing my mind about what I want to do
More diverse student body
Cool city
higher ranked
Slightly better law school placement if thats what I decide I want to do
Cons:
Bigger
Less opportunity for school year internships
Not as nice of a neighborhood
Lower ranked in IR
focus on business
I don’t think I would like the super pre-professional and cutthroat culture
Georgetown
Pros:
-one of the top programs in IR
-Lots of opportunities
-really unique experience
I like the lack of greek life
I really love DC
-stronger foreign language programs
Best place for what I want to do
-have major International Political Economy (I would have to double major at Penn)
Smaller
Cons:
the facilities are not as nice
-reputation for bad food
programs aren’t as good if I change my mind with what I want to do
Preppy, less diverse
lower ranked overall
I want a good education in ir/political theory, and the sfs seems to focus more on practical applications
I would really appreciate any input or guidance. They are both amazing schools, and I want to make the right decision. The financial situation is similar at both, so is not an important factor. Also, I have visited Georgetown and really like the campus. I haven’t visited Penn, so I’m not sure if I like the location, campus and vibe.
It’s great to know that you think penn is in a good area, as that is one of my concerns. I’ve discussed with a few students at each school and there are many pros and cons to each.
@2024college: I hoped that my prior response would elicit a reaction from you.
It will be tough saying “no” to UPenn.
The facilities at Georgetown did not impress you, and the dorms & food have issues.
If you can find a strong reason to be in Wash DC, then that should be a major factor in your decision making process.
In another field with which I am familiar, the decision often comes down to NYC versus Wash DC. Those who choose Washington DC do so for the internship opportunities with the federal government. Those who select NYC focus on job placements in the private sector.
Thank you for your reply. As of now, I am not focused on job placement in the private sector. The reason why DC is so appealing to me is the internship opportunities with the government. As you said, what is holding me back is the difficulty of saying no to Upenn.
I will definitely consider that. I am definitely interested in school year internships, but will look into if thats reasonable with the amount of time I will have if I want to do research, clubs, etc. What drew me initially to Georgetown, however, was the possibility to make connections during the school year that other students cannot.
My best guess is that will not be a significant factor for an undergraduate student.
At the undergrad level, the best connections are made through professors.
Many professors at Ivies–UPenn included–Georgetown, GWU, Coll. of Wm. & Mary, and several more have connections in Wash DC that can result in internship placements both with government agencies & with government contractors. Georgetown does not have a lock on this. In fact, Yale & other Ivies may be better for such placements. But, for school year placements, it would be a huge advantage to be in DC.
Confused ? Of course, because there is no clear-cut answer.