<p>So I've recently been accepted at WashU and GW, and am wondering on some opinions between the two schools. WashU academically is AMAZING, but GWs location and Elliott School are fantastic as well. GW I'm assuming I'm going to get some merit money so it would cost about 25-30k to attend, where WashU will cost about 45k. One of my biggest worries is that kids at WashU won't party much, whereas I've stayed in Thurston a few times and know kids at GW like to have a good time. Plus, my boyfriend goes to GW... not a reason to choose a school but it can tip the scales. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Definitely do not make a decision based on a boyfriend but then again you are smart enough to know that!! Anyway, my perspective is interesting because my nephew actually started off at Wash U and transferred his second year to GW's Elliott. He had been waitlisted to Elliott his first year and reapplied as a transfer. Location had something to do with it, the internship opportunities and connections was another factor and the clout of Elliott he felt in the long run would serve him better. He was not terribly happy at Wash U said the kids were not his type, but he is a well rounded smart, athletic, kind of kid, very active and animated, a real leader, his type of personality I think served him well at GW. Not one school as we all know is right for every kind of kid but for what its worth that is his experience, he graduates in May and has done quite well for himself. Just got accepted to an ivy league law school I might add! He received aid from both schools but I think GW's offered a little bit more however that idd not weigh in on his decision. I wish you luck, you are lucky to have the choices that you do, they are both outstanding schools! Were you accepted into Elliott? I know at both schools acceptances and denies have been at an all time high, so do think this through carefully and best of luck to you.</p>
<p>I was accepted to Elliott, yes. Ah I hate decisions.</p>
<p>I get the sense that kids at Wash U really don't party much. I guess it depends on the person and what kind of social life one is looking for, but I think you're valid in your concerns that the kids at Wash U might not be big enough partiers for you. Maybe try and do an overnight at Wash U and see for yourself? Or at least talk to a current student.</p>
<p>Boy, salpert...didn't see this one coming..(not stalking but following your Wash U stuff.my d had very similar grades ( and demographics) and was waitlisted).......</p>
<p>Wash U definitely higher ranked, but like my d, the program at other schools was far superior in what she wanted........Not sure what you should do, but for some reason the "academic fit" for you seems better at GW with it's location and resources in your field of interest.....we have a similar situation with the BF thing (BF was accepted at the school with the amazing program....as the parent I say, "ugh"....)</p>
<p>Now, in terms of the social thing.....I think you can't go wrong either way.....the main differences:</p>
<p>1) Wash U gave us the impression that kids are fine if they don't go out on a weekend night; GW we couldn't imagine people staying in; doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but we couldn't imagine it....</p>
<p>2) We found Wash U active, but low key on a Friday afternoon......GW was bustling on a Friday afternoon...... obviously the difference b/t a city based campus v. a somewhat suburban campus on the outside of a city.......</p>
<p>3) GW has a very strong NCAA basketball presence.....My d found Wash U, while strong Div III, weak in terms of school spirit for sports....her tour guide who absolutely loves Wash U enforced that impression; very few people attend sports events unless their "friends are playing".....</p>
<p>4) Finally, my d liked Wash U, but "loved" GW....unfortunately, for her, it did not have anything she could see herself majoring in (and still begged us to apply....that was the one school we couldn't see her taking up someone else's spot......)</p>
<p>I don't get the impression that the $$ is really an issue, but obviously if it is...you know which way people will say to go....</p>
<p>And then there's always Georgetown...or have you crossed that off completely???? RD could surprise you........</p>
<p>In terms of the BF thing, I will tell you what people have told us.....You are talking about school with fairly large #'s of kids...these are not LAC's with 1,200 students......In your case, your BF is already there and has established a "life"...You are going to want to have one too....don't worry about him being there.....if you go to Wash U, you may stay together or break-up....if you go to GW (or Georgetown?) you may stay together or break-up......</p>
<p>Good Luck with your decision.....</p>
<p>
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I get the sense that kids at Wash U really don't party much.
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You can find parties, club events, and happenings at bars in the area every Thursday - Saturday nights here. If you want to party a lot, there's ample opportunity for that.</p>
<p>@rodney: RD didn't surprise me at Georgetown. Rejected, but pretty relieved. Still trying to figure out things- though I'm waiting on Brown on Monday REALLY not expecting anything, though that would make my decision much, much easier.</p>
<p>@oncampus: It's interesting that you say that simply because I keep hearing over and over that the social scene is kind of lame. From people on here to current students even, I've gotten the vibe that if you want something you can "find" something, but with effort, where at GW its more of a fun atmosphere effortlessly.</p>
<p>Personally I'd rather make an effort to get to a party than to avoid one.</p>
<p>Partying should be a part of the college experience, but not the primary one... in my opinion. </p>
<p>Admittedly I'm an adult, but I did (more than) my share of partying when I was at school. I also made sure I got good grades and didn't waste all of the money that was spent so I could be in college.</p>
<p>It's all about balance. </p>
<p>Kids at Wash U. want to get good grades. Ask your kids if this is a universal trait at the party schools and you'll hear about kids who could care less about learning things, just putting in time to get a diploma.</p>
<p>Oh don't misinterpret me. I'm SO not a party girl. I simply want it to be part of my college experience but it does not make or break it, at all. I'm at college to learn, not to party.</p>