<p>I just got accepted to GWU and AU. I am a transfer student and I am interested in Political Communications. Which school has better opportunities to run with? Which school has better dorms? Better financial aid? Better social opportunities? Any info that would help me decide would be great!</p>
<p>If it's poli comm you are after, totally GWU. It's the premier program, the program director and profs have incredibly connections.</p>
<p>Financial aid I don't know much about. People always seem really happy with it or really let down - but I've heard the latter much less than the happiness. Plus, they practically throw merit scholarships at you for all kinds of things.</p>
<p>Socially? I'm not gonna lie, having a campus at AU is def. an advantage. Most people are willing to sacrifice the real campus/gate feeling to be 4 blocks from the capitol, pretty much on K street.</p>
<p>Something to consider though, depending on what year you are, the poli comm program is pretty tough to get into a GW, but once you are in it you're pretty much guaranteed an awesome job or spot in a great grad school after graduation if you're even halfway motivated. AU is a great school, but you won't be able to do the really specialized poli comm studying b/c as far as I know GW is the only school with a poli comm degree for UGs. </p>
<p>Sometimes it does come down to money. I understand that, b/c that had a ton to do with my decision too. Based solely on programs though, GW kinda dominates.</p>
<p>I totally agree -- I knew some people in the political communications program and they are doing really great things with their lives now (columbia grad school, teach for america, some huge policy institute, etc.). GW's program is top-notch. </p>
<p>GW is much more generous in terms of finaid. If you go on USNews, you'll see that GW meets like 85-95% of your need. They usually meet around 90% of mine. AU doesn't even come close. </p>
<p>I agree with the above poster about the campus... well it's not the campus I have issues with, it's the cafeteria thing (dunno if AU has one). I don't want a freaking restaurant, I want a CAFETERIA full of cheap, all-you-can-eat food!</p>
<p>Definitely GW. GW has a show on CNN that is aired at GW, and there is an employment clause that states that only GW students are allowed to work on the show, i.e. mainly political communication majors. This kind of hands-on, actual work type experience blows AU out of the water. Plus, GW's location cant be beat! Have you visited the two campuses, because they are actually VERY different and would probably strongly help you in your decision?</p>