<p>I already knew I was accepted to GWU (George Washington) before, but their acceptance e-mail indicated nothing about financial aid or a scholarship. Because the tuition (with room and board) was too expensive for my parents, I put it out of my mind. However, their packet finally came in via snail mail yesterday, and I found out I received an academic presidential scholarship (it basically gives me a half-ride). I calculated the costs and it would be nearly the same amount I would pay if I went to UCSD, if not just a bit more.</p>
<p>Pos-GWU/Neg-UCSD:
I’ve originally wanted to go to an east coast school for undergrad, and now is my best and perhaps only chance. None of the other schools to which I was accepted offered any sort of financial aid.
I got in under my major, poli-sci/law. GWU is in D.C. and I think it’s an ideal environment for that kind of career. Plus, I really enjoyed D.C. when I visited.
UCSD is more of a biology/medical-focused school, whereas GWU caters more to people taking my major.
I thrive in big cities. La Jolla? Breath-taking, but not exactly a big city.
Smaller class sizes.</p>
<p>Pos-UCSD/Neg-GWU:
Beautiful surrounding area and campus.
Still cheaper by a couple thousand; I could go to UCSD where it’s more affordable and then just go to a private grad school.
Closer to home in case of family emergencies.
Parents are definitely pos-UCSD and not afraid to admit it.
Name prestige. UCSD has a higher undergrad ranking than GWU (not by a significant amount, but people often mistake “GWU” for “Georgetown” and I have to correct them embarrassingly.)</p>
<p>They’re both very good schools but seem completely different. I thought I wouldn’t need a whole month to decide, but I guess I was wrong. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, guys!</p>
<p>UCSD also has a great poli sci dept at ERC and Marshall. They have UCDC programs so its not like you'll never see DC again. GWU may be better for grad school and you can always graduate in three years if you hate UCSD.</p>
<p>If you are REALLY SERIOUS about Politics and Government, you go to GW. The profs and the programs might not be any better at GW, but GW would have better opportunites for internships. Plus, most everyone would be a Poly Sci wonk so you will be in your element. If you go, be gung-ho and take advantage of what's there.</p>
<p>BTW, I know a woman now in her late 20s who graduated from GW in Poly Sci, then worked at a DC law firm doing office/admin stuff for a few years, and now holds a key administrative assistant position in the White House. It CAN be done , but with a lot of perseverance and little luck.</p>
<p>I second collegemom's opinion. At any place there are crappy and wonderful professors. GW has a better poli sci dept esp in the grad school but UCSD has fine professors and opportunities. Plus its highly ranked in terms of public policy and ir.</p>
<p>I got into Sixth, though. Not ERC or Marshall. I know that UCSD had great professors in any college, but is Sixth really better than taking undergrad at GWU in terms of poli-sci?</p>
<p>The college is only where you live and what ge requirements you take to graduate. Nothing else. You can be a poli-sc major, taking all your course load at ERC and Thurgood Marshall, and still not live in any of these colleges!
I agree with collegemom16 as well. Joemama's advice is good also!
BTW have you visited both places? Someone I know got into GWU and after visiting it, decided to go to UCLA instead. He did not have an interest in political science, though.</p>