<p>is GW considered a party school?
i’ve been browsing through the class of 2013 group on fb and it seems like everyone is into beer pong and all that. i do party once in a while but i like doing other things too, so i’m getting slightly worried about that…</p>
<p>and also, do people really pick roommates during CI??</p>
<p>GW is as much party school as any other school. You make your own choices.
You could pick a roomate, but it is likely the room assignments are already set by then, although at the 3rd wk of classes you can have a form for room swap if that’s what you want.</p>
<p>I have ATT/Cingular. You can’t get service on the metro, and sometimes I have trouble in the hallways of buildings, but usually it’s not a problem.</p>
<p>GW is nowhere near as much of a party school as a LOT of colleges I’ve been to. There are definitely parties, but it’s not an all-the-time thing like I’ve seen at a lot of state schools and even some well-regarded private schools (BC, for instance).</p>
<p>I’d caution against choosing a roommate at CI. Though I’m sure there are success stories, every single person I know who roomed with someone they met at CI ended up having problems. You just really can’t assess how well you would room with someone based on 2 days of knowing them.</p>
<p>how big is greek life on campus? can people have a decent social life without one?</p>
<p>2009: I think a great part about GW is that Greek life is there if you want it, but in no way does it completely make up GW’s social scene. Frat parties are common, but you don’t have to be in one to go. Clubbing and parties in dorms/apartments are just as popular as greek parties. I don’t think there is much peer pressure to join a greek organization either; it’s just something you do if you want to.</p>
<p>what are some negatives/bad parts of GWU? please be brutally honest!</p>
<p>Things I don’t like about GW:</p>
<ol>
<li>It’s possibly one of the most bureaucratic universities I’ve ever heard of. I think someone else mentioned this, but there is a mountain of paperwork and about 10 acronyms for everything remotely related to the university administration.</li>
<li>Sort of going along with #1…I think the administration is often pretty wasteful with their resources. Though it has gotten better since Knapp took over as president, they still spend money on what I think are pretty dumb things and neglect others (I don’t want to be too specific because I have no idea what’s in the works for next year)</li>
<li>The vast majority of my professors have been great, but I’ve had some pretty lousy ones too. I wish they’d be more sensitive to student feedback and invest in recruiting better professors, while firing the bad ones. </li>
<li>Sometimes the whole political atmosphere is really annoying. Especially during the Student Association elections, you really see just how many toolish wannabe senators there are. I like politics, but some people just take it way too seriously.</li>
</ol>
<p>These points aside, I do love GW! Every school has its downside, and I think if you come to GW for the right reasons, these factors will be pretty insignificant in the context of your overall experience.</p>
<p>What are the grad schools that students from GW go to?</p>
<p>I’m not particularly interested in school spirit, school sports, etc.
I like staying up until four in the morning and roaming around the city.
I like riding my bike.
I like going to art shows and “indie” concerts. looool
I’m a smartass.</p>
<p>Would GW have anything to offer for someone like that?</p>
<p>I am seriously considering GW after reading your careful responses. I seems like the best thing about GW is that it gives many Internship and post-grad jobs opportunities.
HOWEVER, it is really expensive. i got $15,000 a year renewable scholarship but it is still way more than Berkeley even considering that i am an international student. </p>
<p>What i am trying to ask you is, does it worth turning Berkeley down for GW? Nationally, UCB is way more prestigious and well known.</p>
<p>also, i got an impression that GW has a great social science programs. but, is there anything else that one may study and not feel left out when comparing to, let’s say, Emory?</p>
<p>I know those questions are repeatedly answered and somewhat annoying. but, i am desperately trying to get an answer before i can decide. </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>downtoearth: Everywhere!</p>
<p>flatteredpeacock:
I’m not particularly interested in school spirit, school sports, etc.- Neither are most people at GW
I like staying up until four in the morning and roaming around the city.- I wouldn’t suggest doing this by yourself, and the metro closes at 3 on weekends, but I suppose it’s possible
I like riding my bike.- Just be careful and have a good lock
I like going to art shows and “indie” concerts. looool- Tons of 'em. You’ll spend a lot of time in the U St. neighborhood if you’re into this stuff
I’m a smartass.- I wouldn’t suggest telling people this when you are trying to make friends ;)</p>
<p>90dmswo: Honestly, I would only come to GW if you want a job that you NEED to be in DC for (basically, working on the Hill or for a particular campaign/political party). The money difference is a lot, and UCB is an amazing school.</p>
<p>I have no idea what the course offerings are at Emory, but like I said above, if you’re not pursuing a political career, go to Berkeley.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>wait… i’m coming for psychology (on a full ride). am i still choosing the wrong school? will DC be a “lackluster” place for opportunities in my studies?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>No no no, I was only referring to that poster’s particular situation, in which it would be cheaper for him to attend UC Berkeley. GW will give you a solid education in any of its majors; it would be crazy NOT to go here on a full ride, in my opinion!</p>
<p>Are you getting sorry you posted this? thank-you for your help. I have one more question, is there a tendency to get lost in the crowd at GW, or can you feel like you belong there as opposed to a small LAC, or less urban campus?</p>
<p>i know someone has already asked this but it’s my biggest concern… (hell, i even created a separate topic). now, how bad is the snobbery/superficiality? has it ever made you feel uncomfortable or left out? how pervasive is it? cause i’m from a very low income family (hence the full ride). should i spare my feelings and steer clear of GW? thank you SO much for your help! :)</p>
<p>downtoearth: I’m happy to help…I know this is a tough decision for everyone! If GW is a good fit for you, you will feel like you belong. There is so much to get involved with that you can definitely find your niche and meet great friends. I am moving away next year and I can’t tell you how sad it will be to leave, because I feel like GW/DC have become my home.</p>
<p>jeremy: I did address this before, but I’ll reiterate. I am from a comparatively lower income family, and when I first came to GW, I did feel very out of place among all the rich kids. However, while there are some who do insist on wearing designer clothes from head to toe and going out to expensive places all the time, these people are the minority. I joined student organizations and met people with similar interests, and realized that most GW kids are not like that at all. Also, even if you didn’t go to GW, I think you will find “snobbery” at any other top school- probably to an even greater degree. So anyway, be prepared to have to go through an adjustment process, but I promise it won’t hinder your experience in the long run!</p>
<p>Which dorm do you believe is the best one (closest one perhaps) for Elliot?</p>
<p>What about bank accounts? I think I read about Bank America and a credit union? Which is easier to manage?</p>
<p>Thurston is closest to Elliot. We got to see it on our tour.</p>
<p>gwsenior, I have 3 questions:</p>
<p>-how accepted and/or supported are gays at GW? I’m kind of unclear. I’d imagine it’s not a problem, but this topic hasnt yet been addressed.
-does HOVA accept freshmen? I’ve read before that they do, but i haven’t seen it mentioned. other than that one, i seems you’re in support of Thurston and Madison.
-what is there to do for students who will be 17 for a few months in their freshman year and who haven’t (yet?) gotten a fake id? (i skipped a grade).</p>