GW v. Vanderbilt

Colleges and Universities A-Z George Washington University
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<p>Very sorry for one more "v." thread. While there are certainly biases in those who respond to posts on the GW board, I am hoping to find as much of an objective response as I can. I have narrowed my choices to two schools: GW and Vanderbilt. I am a biology major. I have a completely free ride to GW, and I currently live in DC. I have been lucky to get a good amount of money for Vanderbilt, and will graduate with ~$20K in loan debt. Certainly, no debt is better than having debt, but my question is: is Vanderbilt worth that amount of debt, over being debt free from GW. Since I am a biology major, and not political science or international affairs, which school has a better reputation among graduate schools, and does that really matter?</p>

<p>Oh yeah, and all of this is complicated by the fact that I have a “guaranteed transfer” to Cornell for my sophomore year. So, I could go to GW for a year for free and transfer. </p>

<p>I know this is late, but like you, I have to make a decision very soon. Any advice?</p>

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<p>You have a free ride to an amazing school. Use it - at LEAST for one year!</p>

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<p>IN_DC, Which college you get GT?<br>
I would not feel like going to Cornell–GT after an year in DC…</p>

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<p>dailytree, my GT is for CALS. Why would you not pursure a GT to Cornell?</p>

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<p>If you’re planning to transfer to Cornell for sure, I’d spend the year at GW so that you don’t have 2 big moves to make. It doesn’t cost you anything and GW is a great school. Otherwise, go where you’re the most comfortable in case you decide that you love it enough to stay there rather than heading to Cornell. Debt free is amazing. But seeing a different part of the country is another opportunity. Both Vandy and GW are well-respected. I think grad school acceptance boils down to how hard you’ve worked and applied yourself, regardless of the undergrad institution.</p>

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<p>I mean Cornell is really a great school. CU and GW are totally different type, and hard to compare. First of all GW is in DC, and Cornell is in the nowhere(kinda)–a college town. And the weather is not the same as well. After an year in the City, I would not like go into a town. Moreover, I would not want to pick the required classes. (but It’s just me though)
However, If your goal is going to Cornell for sure and money is not an issue, then I would pick Vanderbilt simply because its location and atmosphere may similar to Cornell.</p>