GW or W&M?

Colleges and Universities A-Z George Washington University
1

<p>I have quite a choice on my hands. The reception of GW's Presidential Academic scholarship puts them at about the same yearly cost. Their locations, while vastly different in atmosphere, are about the same distance from my current home. I went into the whole college process with the idea that I wouldn't decide where my preferences lay until i received my decisions, but now that I have, I can't seem to make up my mind.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that I am not quite sure what my major will end up being, but generally, I like social sciences (economics, sociology, psychology, political science) and history. So if you can help me in some way or direct your opinions in that manner, it would be appreciated.</p>

<p>From what I've heard, W&M might have a stronger academic program. Is there any creedence to this notion? Obviously, there will be places where each is stronger than the other, what are some stress points for GW? I really do want a challenging but engaging undergraduate experience.</p>

<p>For atmosphere and flexibility, D.C. wins hands down. I get the distinct feeling the tourist aspect of Williamsburg would really get on my nerves after 4 years, although several people in the W&M forum have assured me otherwise. </p>

<p>Although W&M lacks diversity (66% Virginia residents), it seems to have a more traditional and intellectual appeal, either that or it is just good at getting that idea acknowledged. GW doesn't strike me as that "intellectual" of a school, simply because students are more often out doing things, which can be both good and bad. I'm in the middle. I don't know if I would be up to maintaining internships and living outside the restraints of the traditional collegiate experience, but at the same time, I can't imagine being tied down to one campus for 4 years.</p>

<p>I'm worried about the social scene at both schools. W&M has a larger Greek population (which I will not be participating in), but GW has been consistently reported on this forum to be rather cliquey/preppy/whatever you would like to call it. I won't really make my decision based on this, but it would be nice to have some reassurance that I will fit in somewhere. </p>

<p>If anyone would be willing to address any of my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I just talked it over with two friends, citing all the information I have just given, and they both came out with different conclusions.</p>

2

<p>Academically W&M and GW have about the same profile of the programs you mentioned with each other upping one another in certain cases, like GW and Political Science.</p>

<p>GW has a relative mix of people, but yes I do admit there can be a clique like mentality of campus. That is at every university though it does vary. Diversity at GW does beat W&M, but New Jersey seems to be a favorite of the school, but in no way controls a majority (I am from Florida). Internships are in no way a requirement (for many programs) although many students hold them because they offer so much to learn that you can't learn from a text book. Everyone has a balance and you will find yours.</p>

<p>Overall, not being a current student of GW (I start this fall), most of what I said was from current students at GW. I would highly recommend possibly requesting an over night at GW and/or W&M, but if you can not do that just visit one more time to truly get a sense of what the exerpience is that both schools can offer you.</p>

<p>I hope you come to GW this fall and I hope to meet you at CI!
Good Luck!</p>

3

<p>Although GW is a fine university, it has little of the feel of a college community, the way that William and Mary does. It's in the middle of a busy part of Washington DC, doesn't have a central focus to its campus, and has lots of students from New York, New Jersey and Maryland, many of whom head home on weekends. Although there is plenty to do in Washington DC on weekends, the GW area actually seems kind of deserted when I've been there on weekends. On the other hand, Williamsburg is pretty sleepy, rural Virginia. Although large percentage of the students are from Virginia, I've heard that, unlike GW, the place doesn't empty out from 12:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday evening. William and Mary alums maintain life-long loyalty, while GW alums just move on.</p>

4

<p>My mom and all my aunts actually attended W & M, and I attended GW. They loved W&M, and they couldn't say enough good things about the academics there. </p>

<p>I don't think the GW campus is deserted at all on weekends. The business district may be empty on weekends, but why would you want to work on weekends, anyway? Gw is definitely NOT a commuter school. The vast majority of students I know stay on campus over the weekends. I imagine the same is true with W & M.</p>

<p>As for the intellectuals... there are many places at GW to meet them. Try the debate team, philosophy club, etc.</p>

<p>About the alumni loyalty -- W & M alumns are definitely tight knit. However, GW IS building more and more school spirit in recent years and I suspect that we'll have just as strong of an alum network in the future.</p>

5

<p>GW does indeed have a college community. It's just not your typical one. It's a very unique one. Although we are in the middle of Washington, the campus is very defined and compact. There's tons to do on the weekend on campus and in the area. Saturday afternoons on the mall. Friday nights in Dupont Circle. Wednesday basketball games during the season. </p>

<p>Personally, I've had some amazing experiences with the GW alums. One has even helped me out by giving me advice on how to get into the State Department. </p>

<p>I'm having a blast at GW. Mensa has one experience with GW. I have another. Come to campus and discover your own.</p>

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<p>There a lot of opportunties at GW that are remarkable. You will be very independent at GW and that's really good thing. Again, while I'm not a fan of social scene, it doesn't you won't have a good time and meet new people. It's just that you have search for chill ones because it just seems that quite a few G-Dubs are socially off.</p>

7

<p>The great thing about a city school is the diversity you'll find there. You will definately find a group you feel comfortable with at GW. Many "traditional" college campuses are insular. If you don't fit in to the rah--rah fraternity/sorority social scene, you're an outsider. It's not like that at GW. There's more room for individuality. There are many highly intellectual students at GW, as well as others who are focusing on experiential learning. There's an energy at GW that you won't find at many other schools. Visit the two schools once more. GW has a definite, cohesive campus, it's just not covered with grass. And it's certainly not a commuter school!! The great majority of students stay in D.C. during the weekends and partake of all the great activities available in the city.</p>

8

<p>I kind of disagree about the "traditional college" scene. There are as many social/friendship opportunities at traditional colleges as you'd get at GW (I am at a big 10 school this semester). I know a ton of peple at W&M; none of them went greek and they're perfectly fine. I think you'll be fine at either school socially.</p>

<p>The major differences between GW and W & M are obvious... do you want to be in a city or in a rural area? Do you like trees and grass and the whole traditional campus, or would you prefer an urban campus with high-tech facilities and new buildings?</p>

9

<p>The truth is really that I am unsure. I see the benefits of each campus-wise, and I am glad this forum has been pretty balanced in considering my concerns.</p>

<p>My first instinct is to say that I would like to be in the city, but that doesn't make it necessarily right. I get the feeling that the city is instantly appealing to most people. I do think DC balances this, just because of its small size in comparison to places like New York City. Honestly, I feared this would be what it would come down to, some arbitrary measurement of this nature, but all other things seem somehow equal.</p>

<p>I guess I'll try to do another visit to each (I've visited GW 2x, W&M 1x) and try to make my decision. I didn't really think I'd get in to W&M from out of state, so I didn't give it the chance it deserved when I visited. Thanks to everyone who answered my questions, and feel free to add more of your sentiments on the topic.</p>

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<p>If you do feel like you want a more collegiate feel while living at GW, the mount vernon campus is always an option.</p>

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<p>I realize this, but I'm pretty sure I want to go all or nothing. I know there are sides of my personality that fit both the city and more rural settings. I know I could call upon either and I would probably adjust and have a good time no matter where I end up. Like I said, I'll probably do the visit thing again now that I'm in. It might be different this time.</p>

12

<p>Good luck, lofiunico. College decisions are always tough. If you have more questions about GW, we have a ton of people here to answer them.</p>