<p>I recently was accepted into both Georgetown and Hopkins as a transfer student. I am having difficulties deciding between the two because there are things I like and dislike about both of the schools. Though I love Georgetown's location, prestige, and opportunities, I have heard that its student population is snobby/pretentious, the school/faculty is very bureaucratic, and that the classes are not as challenging and stimulating as one would think (given the difficulty of getting into the school). I actually live very close to Georgetown (about ten minutes away) and I'm unsure as to whether that is a good or a bad thing. Hopkins, on the other hand, has a stunning campus, is world-renowned as an amazing school, and seems to be more academically stimulating. However, I worry about being bogged down with schoolwork, and regretting going to such an academically rigorous school, which might leave little room for a social life. Neither school is particularly strong in my major (English (and possibly a minor in Government)), but both are excellent schools. I'm not particularly preppy or nerdy. In fact, I'm a very neutral person; perhaps a bit hippyish. I don't intend to party too much, maybe two or three times a week. Can any current or former students give me any words of advice? ANy input would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Being a high school senior I have a friend who was accepted at both. He waited until April 30th, one day before the deposit is due, to make his decision. The thing that ultimately won out between these two schools is that Baltimore just cannot compare to D.C., especially for someone who wants to go into politics.</p>
<p>The Johns Hopkins campus is indeed beautiful but honestly that is about all it has going for it. Step one foot outside the front gates and you're in the middle of the baltimore ghetto. This simply cannot compare to Georgetown's location.</p>
<p>I do indeed believe that Johns Hopkins is more academically rigorous than Georgetown and likewise this creates a much different kind of atmosphere. Case in point, when i visited one of my friends who currently goes to JH, no one was going out on a friday night "because the weather was cold outside". Ummmm, right. If you're interested in partying 2 or 3 times a week, then Georgetown is a pretty good fit for you. Most of the campus parties on friday and saturday nights and a good amount party on thursdays if they have no friday classes. But Sunday through Thursday, most people are pretty focused on their classes/internships or whatever.</p>
<p>As far as the student population being snobby/pretentious, that stereotype is at the same time horribly inaccurate and terribly right on the money. For example, some people are not afraid to share their opinion on a given matter and they have an air of pretentiousness about them as they talk to you (as if their opinion is fact) and you just want to punch them in the face for it. But for every person like this, there are a lot more people that are very down to earth and open-minded. You have to remember that snobby/pretentious people are usually the same people that do everything to attract the most amount of attention to themselves. Visiting students are more likely to notice these people and come away from Georgetown with that impression about the students.</p>
<p>As far as classes not being very stimulating, I would agree but only with respect to the general education classes that the university requires you to take. These classes are not going to be in your interest area and you may or may not enjoy them. Once you get into your sophomore year, you'll be able to take some upper level electives that are very good. Of course, your academic experience at Georgetown is best during Junior and Senior years.</p>
<p>My D had the same decision to make.We went to admitted students days at both schools (Gtowns was actually 2 days long).She chose Gtown because I think at the admitted students days she got more comfortable with the Gtown envirnment (Washington vis-vis Baltimore being part of that comfort level.)</p>
<p>I don't think you can go wrong at either school.</p>
<p>I was actually going to attend Hopkins until I was accepted off of the waitlist at Georgetown. For me, the opportunities at Hopkins--both on campus and off--just couldn't compare to those at Georgetown. To be sure, Baltimore has a lot going for it--it's more fun than people give it credit for. And, of course, Hopkins is a wonderful school. But, for me, nothing could compare to Washington, and that was the deciding factor in the end (and I wasn't even interested in politics at the time!).</p>