<p>I was accepted to ESIA ... but I don't know in-state UVA compared to 50k for GWU ... I guess I will wait for financial aid...</p>
<p>no suggestions? no advice? please help!</p>
<p>This is tough...both are great schools. I guess it depends on what you're interested in and how much financial aid GW offers you</p>
<p>Definitely UVa. GWU is simply overpriced and UVa is a better school with better name recognition in the gradschool arena. I applied but the only way I would consider it is with a check for about 50k.</p>
<p>One of the benefits of GW's Elliott School is that it is only one if a few schools that dedicates the study of international affairs at the undergrad level. Not only does the Elliott School offers a major in International Affairs (with 13 functional and regional concentrations), but also majors in Latin American Studies, Asian Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. The Elliott School student body is a very hard-working, curious, intelligent and diverse body. </p>
<p>Our faculty is equally interesting - both adjunct and full-time. They boast working experiences in most of the major governmental and non-governmental offices, department and bureaus. Our alumni are equally distinguished. I've made friends with an alum who works at State and he's been helping me out with and advising me on my professional development. </p>
<p>Although I cannot speak on UVA's grad programs, I know that the Elliott School grad programs are very well-known. I'm pretty sure we're ranked highly by US News and World Report, but I'd advise you to check it out yourself. </p>
<p>Yes, GW is expensive, but there is a lot of financial aid out there. I'm on financial aid and it's definitely helping me attend my dream school. </p>
<p>Lastly, GW's location. The Elliott School is across the street from the State Department, 3 blocks away from the White House and right next to the Red Cross National HQ. So, if you're looking for easy access to some of the best internships in the country for IR, definitely come to GW.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider, GW is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) <a href="http://www.apsia.org/apsia/index.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.apsia.org/apsia/index.php</a>. UVA is neither a member nor an affliate member.</p>
<p>thanks GWCurrentStudent, GW location is definetly an extreme plus. I would really like to be in a city, and am still waiting for that financial aid package! My parents feel that since I was rejected from SFS at Georgetown, there is no point in going to a "less prestigious" university for IR. I told them that the opportunities are probably the same for both ESIA and SFS students. Is this true? Also, is the admit rate to ESIA lower than to the other undergrad schools at GW? </p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions!</p>
<p>The opportunities are pretty much the same. Prestige can only take you so far. You need to excel at whatever you need to in order to get into the grad program you want or get the job you want. College is what you make of it. One thing I've noticed is that GW students are very active in their professional development. We are the ones searching internships and jobs, meeting with professors to find research opportunities, networking, etc. Grades and experience both factor into grad school admissions and job interviews. Focus on what you're good at.</p>
<p>The admissions office claims that they use the same requirements to review students across the board, but I think the Elliott School is a little more selective. As always, if you want to transfer between the undergraduate schools at GW, it's an easy process.</p>
<p>If you have more questions, let me know!</p>