<p>Academically, which school is better for an International Relations major? Is one school more challenging than the other? Does one school have better professors? Will the fact that GW is more well known/higher ranked give me a significant advantage when applying to grad schools?</p>
<p>I don't really need to know anything about the campuses and social life. I already know they are very different from each other in those aspects. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>As far as rankings for undergraduate IA majors - both schools are pretty equal -Foreign policly last ranked IA undergraduate programs in 2007 - I believe GW and AU were # 9/10 - i.e. pretty equal.</p>
<p>My “S” is an incoming Freshman to Elliott and has also been accepted @ AU - SIS. However, the deciding factors for “us” are the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Great FA offer from GW, including a Presidential Scholarship. Minimal FA from AU and no scholarship. Don’t know why?</li>
<li>My “S” did not like AU’s campus - too small and he felt he was not “in” D.C. He’s looking for a more urban setting.</li>
<li>The shuttle to/from AU to the metro is a factor, Although he is aware he could be on Mount Vernon’s campus @ GW his 1st year with similar surroundings and shuttles. But he is willing to do that @ GW his 1st year since most freshman don’t do internships their 1st year. Subsequent years he would be on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus - close to State Dept, Metro, etc. for internships.</li>
</ol>
<p>Hope this helps - this is “our” analysis so far. Please visit both campuses before May 1st if you haven’t already. They are both very different.</p>
<p>I have a sophomore D at GW in Elliott with a double major. She did have the max AP credits going in and has no problem fulfilling all the requirements of the double major. She had scholarship offers from both schools and chose GW based on her impressions of the campuses and her perception of the overall academic rigor of the school. She didn’t think the IR classes would be much different, but wasn’t so sure about the other departments at AU. I don’t think it will matter which you choose regarding grad school, it really comes down to atmosphere. Like CJMadison’s S, the more urban campus appealed to her. She is very happy at GW and has friends who are happy at AU. There are plenty of study abroad opportunities, she is very close to her internship, and is participating in several campus clubs.</p>