<p>Hey guys I am currently a senior in high school and I am in the process of finishing up my applications. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about GWU and was wondering if there was anyone out there that could help explain the benefits of attending this university. I already know the downside of this school: high cost. What separates GWU from other schools? In a way is it better than other schools?</p>
<p>Not a first hand experience, but a very good friend of mine LOVES LOVES LOVES GW…she cannot imagine a better school and has had ample oppurtunity to pursue a variety of things…
she also got ALOT of money…</p>
<p>Biggest asset is its DC location</p>
<p>Can’t wait to visit ! I’m applying as well. </p>
<p>BTW, although GWU is ridiculously expensive I hear they are very generous with financial aid. Hopefully this holds true. (:</p>
<p>“they are very generous with financial aid”</p>
<p>I’ve heard this as well, directly from a college representative, for what it’s worth.</p>
<p>I visited campus, and I could definitely see the benefit of the superb location in DC. With that said, the location was my least favorite part about the college; I personally felt that I wouldn’t enjoy how urban the campus really felt.</p>
<p>There are several schools in the DC area to draw comparisons too, some in Baltimore and Philly too.</p>
<p>GWU is the quintessential “urban” school. You wont see gothic buildings, ivy and lots of trees with a big football stadium a “quad” and a beautiful church. Its very bureaucratic and there are complaints about kids registering for classes and having problems. Some love the dorms and others complain. Its expensive in a very expensive city where two things matter: money and power. If you have neither you will be lonely and perhaps feel stressed. </p>
<p>However, they do have some famous faculty, some strong programs and that “DC” lifestyle. Some kids love it and other kids don’t. Its not a place for the meek and faint of heart.</p>
<p>So if that is what you want, good for you and good luck.</p>
<p>Compare it to Georgetown, American, Catholic Univ., UMaryland, Johns Hopkins, Penn, Swarthmore, Villanova and UVa. Look at those schools from a big prism including quality of life, depth of programs, activities on campus, connections for jobs (GW is great in DC, but outside of DC it loses its luster a bit…), faculty credentials, student-teacher ratios (class size), how accessible are faculty (its no good if you can never see your prof because they are off at some convention or seminar or speech to a think tank). </p>
<p>Again, I am not making any judgments here, its an outstanding school with many, many benefits and fine qualities. But you asked for an opinion and its important to look at it in context and where it is.</p>
<p>Oh yeah like ghostbuster said regarding dorms. I heard they’re are BEAUTIFUL! Most freshmen dorms have walk-in closets and a good amount of dorm space. Definitely a plus!</p>
<p>I agree with the list of comparison schools provided by Ghostbuster. We visted American and really liked the campus and the numerous opportunities available from its proximity to the embassies and DC generally. I think the real strength of the elite (and extremely expensive) DC schools (Georgetown, GW & American) is in politics—international affairs and political science. I personally do not consider it sensible to pursue, for example, other traditional domestic degrees, i.e. business or psychology, at American or GW. Their greater resources definitely seem directed to the political majors and the cost seems too high for the less emphasized (and their less impressive) other majors. Other schools have better programs at lesser costs. For sciences, go to Hopkins. In sum, it’s dependent upon your major. If you want something besides politics, you do not need to be in DC and bear its costs. </p>
<p>I also agree that GW loses its fine rep and recognition as you move away from DC. It seems to have risen to prominence more recently than its DC peers, and perhaps that’s the reason why. In contrast, Georgetown has obviously been nationally prominent for many years.</p>
<p>Good luck in your search.</p>
<p>If snobbish, condescending and elitist attitudes are what you’re looking for then GWU is the right place to be.</p>
<p>Here’s an aside question: is GWU much more expensive than other schools? Aren’t they all about the same? I saw once Swarthmore was listed as the most pricey, but that may have changed.</p>
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<p>[Debt</a> plagues GW graduates - News](<a href=“http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2009/09/14/News/Debt-Plagues.Gw.Graduates-3770495.shtml]Debt”>http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2009/09/14/News/Debt-Plagues.Gw.Graduates-3770495.shtml)</p>