Georgetown vs. Columbia

<p>So I already know that I can get into both of these schools (Athletics). So I'm looking to major in political science most likely and possibly get a law degree eventually. Any thoughts on the schools? Obviously Columbia is more prestigious, however Georgetown is right in DC which is great for poly sci so I wanted to hear some other people's thoughts.</p>

<p>Yeah, Columbia is more prestigious, but not by much, really. Georgetown easily has the reputation of a lower Ivy. Both schools are exceptionally good for Political Science, but Georgetown is known to get its students some incredible internships at White House, State Dept., etc.</p>

<p>I think it really comes down to feel, because they can both fit your needs. I picked Georgetown because it had a fantastic atmosphere that really mixed academics, student initiative, and social life, but Columbia may very well be a better fit. I’d definitely do visits and email current students if you haven’t already.</p>

<p>EDIT: I forgot to say that Georgetown students tend to get great placements in top law schools, I heard they sent a bunch to Harvard last year. I mean, Columbia probably does as well, just thought I’d mention it.</p>

<p>Georgetown has a great campus too! never saw columbia though :(</p>

<p>Go with whatever feels more comfortable. </p>

<p>NYC or DC? Extremely urban city vs. sprawled out city? etc.</p>

<p>Both are excellent schools.</p>

<p>I was admitted to both (Georgetown SFS vs Columbia College) and I preferred Columbia solely because it was in NYC.</p>

<p>If you already know you can get into either, it wouldn’t hurt to visit and see which one feels like a better fit for you.</p>

<p>I agree that choose whatever city is a better fit, because they are two very, very different cities. The academics, because you are interested in law/politics are negligible. DC, in my opinion, is the ideal city for a young person, albeit I only lived there for a few months. Even though I grew up a short drive from New York City, I am not a fan.</p>

<p>columbia. georgetown academics are perceived much weaker on a relative basis.</p>

<p>Furthermore:
Ivy League Athletics or Big East Athletics?
Big East is the second best conference next to the ACC hands down.</p>

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<p>Not at all, especially not the School of Foreign Service</p>

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<p>Even if true (which I don’t believe), it doesn’t matter for law school where gpa + lsat rein supreme. Top law schools just don’t care if you attend a top 10 undergrad or top 50; they only care about a 3.80+ plus 170+.</p>

<p>I liked Columbia when I visited. The campus is tiny and respectable, and in the city you can take the subway to get practically anywhere you want. If financial aid is an issue, Columbia will be a tad more generous. </p>

<p>I don’t like saying “School X has weaker departments than School Y.” Them fightin’ words. Rather, I would generalize that Columbia’s departments are stronger overall than those of Georgetown. That is, if you were to change your mind about studying PoliSci, you could still retreat to another social science, or the humanities, and feel confident that you’ll have a top-notch learning experience.</p>

<p>Columbia carries the Ivy League mystique, but Georgetown is very prestigious too because of its rich history and the weight it carries with wealthy and powerful Catholic families, all Catholics really.</p>

<p>I agree with kwu but also would like to add that georgetown is trying to establish itself as a more research oriented university than just a catholic university and I also read that columbia has a huge core curriculum and I live in NYC the campus is not that great in my opinion (but at least it has a campus compared to NYU :)) and its by project housing but SOME of the area is nice and come on its the ivy league :)</p>

<p>Prestige aside, I’d go with Georgetown hands down. In my humble opinion, DC is the nicer of the two cities and Georgetown is in the nicest part of DC. I’d imagine academics are pretty much on par; Columbia is always regarded as the overall stronger school but Poli Sci / International Relations is Georgetown’s forte. The prestige factor makes it a tough choice though.</p>

<p>Georgetown is known as much much more fun. A second consideration: the Columbia Core(and slightly higher competition from peers) could end up raping your gpa, and thus your hopes for a top law school.</p>

<p>Yeah, please don’t let it come down to prestige. They’re both extremely prestigious, the difference to the average American is pretty small. Even among the educated they’re seen as not all that far apart, so really invest some time, and decide what’s the better fit.</p>

<p>I’d definitely choose Columbia.</p>

<p>They are pretty much equally prestigious in my opinion. Columbia has the ivy status but Georgetown is known as being the equivalent to a lower ivy (not HYP) as well- plus its known for its political specialty. I would personally choose Georgetown over Columbia because it seems much more traditional-campus like (students hang out with other students, not just go out in NYC). Thats just my opinion, it should be unbiased an one too coming from an incoming freshman at Duke. But definitely visit both and decide for yourself, at the end of the day it should be your personal preference.</p>

<p>Haha quite the split decision.</p>

<p>Columbia. Gtown is a great school but it is a step down, along the lines of a Duke or Vandy. Just my opinion.</p>

<p>Columbia>>Duke=Vandy>Georgetown</p>