<p>I have been accepted to these schools and another state school-UVA which I never liked but my parents had me apply anyway. I also was WL at W&M.</p>
<p>I want to study politics/IR because as a high schooler, I have actually worked as a Page on the Hill and at a political-based NGO and found the experiences quite fascinating. One of my parents deals with int'l treaties and it also seems quite interesting. Business, however, seems the way to go, especially if I'm going to be in debt after college.</p>
<p>GW-Elliott School</p>
<p>Pros: City campus: internship opps. esp. in pol/gov't but also in business.
Got in University Scholars.
Sorority houses on campus.<br>
I already work in the District every summer.</p>
<p>Neg:City Campus: God-awful dorms, no cafeteria.
Good dorms are all a shuttle ride away.
Low ranking USNWR ranking.
Perception of others; GW= Georgetown Waitlist</p>
<p>Neutral: Some Greek Life,
supposedly good dorms as upperclassman (didn't get to see them)</p>
<p>URichmond</p>
<p>Pros "REAL" Campus that looks/feels like a campus. Some internships at the state level. 92% of students live on campus. Moderate Greek life. Got in Law School as hs student (maintaing certain college GPA)</p>
<p>Neg: not as highly ranked as a LAC as W&L. No sorority houses.</p>
<p>Washington and Lee</p>
<p>Pros: Another "real" campus. HUGE Greek Life. Very strong alumni network esp. in DC. Seminars in Washington/NY for Spring Term. Sorority Houses.</p>
<p>Neg: Only fr/so live on campus for the most part. Lexington, VA is in the middle of nowhere.<br>
neut the "southerness" of W&L, </p>
<p>These are just my impressions. I know a lot of you are very antiGreek but before you all criticize sororities as good or bad, I'm just saying it's important to me.</p>
<p>Is money a consideration? The conventional wisdom might be GW because it is in DC - but if you don't like city campuses, then this is your shot at bucolic! I would do a hard comparison of opportunities to become involved in politics/gov't at each school, UR and W&L, as well as study abroad opportunities.</p>
<p>I'm assuming you are female, because of the sorority houses. Richmond maintains an odd custom of separating the student government by gender. This is great for everyone really, because it doubles the opportunities for leadership.</p>
<p>Lexington may be "middle of nowhere" but it's also in very beautiful country. Students can be up on the Blue Ridge Parkway in just a few minutes drive. Lots of natural beauty and tons of history in the area.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Why would you consider Richmond if they do not have sorority houses?</p></li>
<li><p>Would you be willing to assess the pluses and minuses of U Va as you did for the other schools?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>"1. Why would you consider Richmond if they do not have sorority houses?</p>
<ol>
<li>Would you be willing to assess the pluses and minuses of U Va as you did for the other schools?"</li>
</ol>
<p>Richmond is 50% Greek which in my book is a +. Although there are no houses, people tend to live on campus all 4 years so even if there is no Greek housing, it is still a strong part of campus life as is dormitory living.</p>
<p>UVa---- It's really too big for me and my parents agreed it could be off the table. I know it's a great school and that people fight for admission there. Too many kids from my hs go every year. I really wanted W&M instead of UVa,but unfortunately that did not happen.</p>
<p>Your posts seem most positive overall to W & L.</p>
<p>GW does not sound like it appeals to you, except for the fact that it is in DC. </p>
<p>It is nice that you can get internships at GW or Richmond during the school year but internships are IMO secondary at the college level--IMO your studies and your college experience are more important at that time in your life. </p>
<p>I would not view your working in the District as a plus for GW but rather as a minus: why go out of your way to be in the same place year round--and have an (as you seem to see it) unpleasant college experience as well--while in college? </p>
<p>The minus of only fr and soph live on campus at W & L does not appear to be a big minus since you will be in a sorority anyway.</p>
<p>W & L may be in the middle of nowhere but IMO that can be acceptable for college, which will keep you occupied academically and socially. You willl be in DC summers anyway and you will have access to those seminars in NY/DC. </p>
<p>The Richmond law school admission seems to mean little IMO since if you maintain a good GPA you will be able to get into that law school, and others, anyways.</p>
<p>The alum I work with from W&L is impressive. Also have a sentimental connection as first boyfriend in high school (when living in NY) was going to W&L and planned to go into politics. He loved it.</p>
<p>U of R has gotten a lot of local press/flack about increasing tuition. S went to summer tennis camps there and agree that campus is pretty. Alums I know are genial and successful.</p>
<p>I second the advice to take another look at UVA. The Greek scene appears to be huge there and I assume it would be the least expensive option, which would be a plus since you are considering grad school. The city is larger than Lexington; the campus is considered pretty. You mention rankings as important and UVA compares favorably on that scale. The only negative sounded like size. An overnight might help you decide if that is as much a problem as you think.</p>