<p>DS1 would like to do something in the political realm. He is planning to study political science, international relations and economics. GWU is a great location for him to get some experience. He likes DC and it would be good for him to live out of CA for a change. On the other hand, he would prefer a more traditional campus like UCLA, although he did like GWU. </p>
<p>He is concerned that UCLA is reputed to be and might be a better school. Given that a kid could change his major more than once, it's a factor.</p>
<p>He went to an under-served urban public high school that did right by him, but I am concerned about looming budget cuts for the UC system. It might be nice for him to experience being part of an institution with more resources. I get the feeling that there might be more support at GWU. </p>
<p>Cost is close enough to put aside as a factor.</p>
<p>The previous thread on this comparison is six years old. Your feedback is appreciated.</p>
<p>For me, I was either going to GW or UW-Madison. I had similar concerns, being that Madison is also a more traditional campus and is a highly reputable school.</p>
<p>I chose GW over Madison because I too want to do something in politics and really love DC. My opinion is that if you’re considering going to college far away and have the resources to do it, you really should just go for it. I’ve had countless adults tell me this. I’m so excited to leave for DC this fall while the vast majority of my friends are staying in Wisconsin. I’m thinking that it’ll be really a really good experience for me.</p>
<p>What’s nice about my situation is that I can always easily transfer back to Madison if I decide I don’t like GW or I decide to change my major, though I’d say it’s highly unlikely. Something you might want to consider is how easily your son could transfer to UCLA if he went to GW but for whatever reason decided it isn’t a good fit. My guess is that it wouldn’t be hard, but I know very little about UCLA. </p>
<p>UCLA is a obviously a very good school, but so is GW. GW’s rankings are consistently improving every year and I think it’s level of prestige is only increasing. I’ve had so many people tell me how impressed they are that I’m going there. </p>
<p>I guess I’m biased because I’m going to GW, but that’s my opinion!</p>
<p>UCLA is the better institution and has the better reputation, nationally and internationally. The DC location is certainly a positive for GW, but remember, GW is a distant #2 to Georgetown in DC in terms of reputation and opportunities.</p>
<p>If he wants the traditional campus he can live on the Vern, which has a lot of “green” and basically looks like the traditional campus.
DC is the place to be if he’s looking for Political experience and internships. They are competitive though so he has to be on his A game.</p>
<p>medman - It’s a bit exaggerated to say that GW is a distant #2 to Georgetown in terms of opportunities. As a GW student, I meet students here everyday who are doing impressive internships at various embassies, on the Hill, State Dept, National Geographic, and the Democratic Governors Association to name a few. I have my qualms with GW, but lack of opportunity is definitely not one of them, if anything GW’s Foggy Bottom location puts students in a better position for internships and is an advantage. I’m not disputing the fact that Georgetown has a more favorable ranking, but GW is still regarded very highly within DC, and people are almost always impressed when I say that I go here. </p>
<p>OP - If your son is interested in politics, I’m sure he will thrive at GW!</p>
<p>GW has made tremendous strides in the last 5 years–remember, as recently as 20-30 years ago, GW was pretty much a commuter school accepting upwards of 80% of its applicants. However, it still trails Georgetown in reputation, prestige, and admissions (at least now GW=“Georgetown Waitlist”–in the past, most GW students wouldn’t have had a prayer in getting in to Georgetown). In terms of cross admits to Georgetown and GW, nearly 100% choose Georgetown over GW. There is still a strong preference for Georgetown students with DC opportunities/internships/positions. Thankfully, there are PLENTY of opportunities to go around for all undergraduates in DC!!!</p>
<p>To the original poster: UCLA is the better academic institution and carries with it more prestige as it relates to opportunities post-graduation (with employers, graduate schools, etc.). GW is a very strong institution, and DC is an incredible place to go to college, particularly given your academic interest. In the next few decades, I would not be surprised if GW’s academic reputation improves significantly, but as it stands now, it is in a tier just below UCLA.</p>