<p>S accepted to GW honors program and to Emory. Advice appreciated.</p>
<p>What considerations are most important to your S? What interests does he have, and what attracted him to each school? If you tell us, we can discuss how each school fits each of the criteria, if that will help.</p>
<p>He's interested in government and poli sci. I'm hoping he moves towards business, rather than law school, but who knows. Has always expressed interest in being at a big school in a big city, and being closer to NY. As a die hard Mets fan, has a hard time living in the home of the Atlanta Braves, but I think he'll get over that.</p>
<p>Good thing you've got a sense of humor, because you'll probably need it ! As a die-hard Mets fan, he may have a hard time in the home of the Braves, but don't forget that there's a bunch of Yankee and Red Sox fans at GW. My S tells me that GW only has had two nights of student rioting: first the night of the 2006 elections, when both sides took to the streets to celebrate/vent; and second, when the Bosox won the pennant.</p>
<p>In terms of government and poli sci, both schools are excellent. Many people give GW the edge there, but it's not unanimous. The overall perception is that Emory is the higher ranked school in general. But for international affairs, GW is right up in the top group. GW is trying to improve its business school, but has farther to go than Emory. </p>
<p>If your son is thinking in terms of getting into graduate school, he should probably just go to whichever campus he prefers, or whichever school gave him the most money, since you can get into top grad schools from either GW or Emory. </p>
<p>For law school (my son just finished the law school application process), both schools offer the same opportunities. Law schools care most about pure gpa and LSAT score, rather than where you went to school. </p>
<p>For business, you might think in terms of where he might want to get a job after graduation. Does he want to go to business school, then live in the south? I would recommend Emory: he'll make contacts there, plus he'll run into more interviewers from Emory. But the rest of the country? probably no difference. It's usually the graduate school that carries the most weight.</p>
<p>Any interest in foreign languages? GW's program is stellar - strong in all the standard languages, plus Arabic. And their Eastern culture and languages program is wonderful.</p>
<p>So it may come down to personal preference: Emory's campus makes me crazy - too hilly. And while Emory is advertised as being in Atlanta, it's really in greater Atlanta. You can't tell the difference between Emory's campus and a suburb, in my opinion. GW is definitely a city, with full access to internships, plus fairly frequent access to governmental movers and shakers. Plus the opportunity to attend Supreme Court arguments, Congress in session, running into Colin Powell on the street, etc. </p>
<p>Most people will probably advise you to go to Emory because it's ranked higher. And that is a consideration. But there are good and valid reasons to choose either of these schools over the other. Good luck.</p>