<p>I live in Indiana and I don't particularly want to go to IU but I'm open for convincing.
I don't know much about GW or Boston except that they're both good schools.
Using the collegeboard.com Compare My Aid Awards feature:</p>
<p>GW would cost 5,830 with 14% in loans.
IU would cost 7,307 with 45% in loans.
BU would cost 12,100 with 21% in loans.</p>
<p>My dad recently lost his job so we'll have even less money and I'm not looking to put a burden on my parents.</p>
<p>Any pros and cons to the three, or suggestions?</p>
<p>I’m confused, why are you considering two schools (GW and BU) that you admittedly know very little about? This is one of the most important decisions of your life and you’re basing your decision on a financial aid calculator and the opinions of strangers?! Doesn’t make any sense for such an important decision.</p>
<p>Dig deep into these schools (and the cities in which they’re located) so that you can get a sense whether they are a good fit. I’d also highly recommend visiting both campuses. There’s simply no way I’d commit myself to a school without ever stepping foot on the campus and speaking with people (administrators, students, teachers, etc.). The point here is that Bloomington, Indiana is VERY different from Boston and Washington. And Boston is very different from Washington.</p>
<p>It’s time to get to work to find out what’s right for you. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yeah, BU and GW are fairly similar (GW is smaller I believe), but GW is a better school. They’re both urban and in good locations, both have lots of good opportunities, but I’ve always liked the atmosphere at GW better.</p>
<p>Plus financially, GW is by far the best option… you got an amazing deal. If I were in your shoes I’d pick GW hands down.</p>
<p>gadad…you should amend your statement that GW and BU don’t have campuses. They don’t have what some people would call a “traditional campus” (quads, lots of trees, grass, etc.) but they both do have a “campus”. </p>
<p>BU’s campus is stretched along Commonwealth Avenue (one of the most gorgeous areas of any US city) and along side streets. Many dorms and classrooms are in old brownstones that blow people away. One end of the campus is anchored by Kenmore Square, one of the most active areas in the city. And this is mere steps away from Fenway Park. Does IU have an historic pro ballpark on its campus?</p>
<p>This is precisely what draws so many people to GW and BU. They don’t want a laid-back traditional campus with kids playing frisbee and taking naps on the grass. They want to be on a campus in the heart of a city.</p>
<p>Emily…have you been to either GW or BU? I doubt it. GW is simply not “better” than BU across the board. That’s just your opinion and nothing more. GW has stronger programs in some areas, whereas BU is stonger in others. GW is ranked 53rd by USNWP and BU is ranked 60th. Tell me where you went to school and I’d be happy to give you my totally uninformed opinion as which are “better” than yours.</p>
<p>GW has a neat campus. Students can play frisbee at the Lincoln Memorial. I would have voted for GW if the three were the same price. With GW being the least expensive, I would very strongly favor it!</p>
<p>It’s not that I know very little about GW and BU, I don’t know much apart from the academic programs which I decided were for me and that I was interested in.
In a lot of aspects they are similar academically, however it is going to come down to outside factors such as location, student body, atmosphere which is what I’m seeking advice on…</p>
<p>I should probably add that having a campus isn’t particularly important to me.
I couldn’t care less about “school spirit” and I hate school pep, sports, etc.
I was leaning towards GW but then I was told by several of my friends that they can really see me at Boston and that I’d probably be happier because there are more of “my people.”</p>
<p>Actually, I live in Boston and have several friends at BU. I’ve also visited GW a few times to visit friends from high school. Obviously what I said is my personal opinion, but I wouldn’t say I’m “totally uninformed”. Regardless, I don’t think I said anything that warrants freaking out, did I not say that BOTH are in good locations and have lots of good opportunities? I simply prefer the atmosphere and the student body at GW.</p>