Help me Choose: Ivy or Not?

<p>Ok, so I've posted a few times before, but I'm in a tough spot (well, not really) for choosing schools. I've been informed that I'm in at my top two: Georgetown and Dartmouth. Here's the deal:</p>

<p>I want to study government and poli sci, so Georgetown has clear benefits in location, opportunities, and school culture. It also appeals to me through the Jesuit aspect. I love the school. The price, however...let's leave it at that.</p>

<p>Dartmouth is a fantastic school. I love the campus, people, and atmosphere. I'll be able to run track there, which is a HUGE plus. The location, however, is less than ideal. The price works a whole lot better, too.</p>

<p>So which should I choose to be my school? The decision's ultimately mine, but if you were in my spot, which would you choose?</p>

<p>I would say wait until you get your financial aid packages--that should make your choice much easier-</p>

<p>Yeah, I agree with jgonzo220. Financial aid will clearly affect your decision. But, after that, if Georgetown only makes itself even with Dartmouth, for whatever reason, it sounds to me, just from your description that you recognize the positives of G-Town, but you really like Dartmouth. Go with where you feel at home.</p>

<p>If I were in your position, I would choose Georgetown. However, I think you should definately wait for financial aid.</p>

<p>It seems like you are trying to compare apples and oranges. These are such completely different schools in terms of culture, location, and numerous other aspects.</p>

<p>Do want to be a part of city life? Does the idea of Washington excite you? Or, do you like Northern New England and want to ski in the winter? I know how I would answer these and similar questions, but how would you? I agree with emkowens; "Go where you feel at home."</p>

<p>bumped... for the win!</p>

<p>Both schools have clear positive and negative characteristics. If your preference cannot be determined merely from visiting and mapping out the advantages of each school, it should come down to money, especially since it sounds like you'll end up happy at either school.</p>

<p>For the record, Georgetown is great, but is definitely not better than (or in my opinion as good as) Dartmouth and does not merit a significantly higher price tag. I would choose Dartmouth. Congrats anyways on having two nice choices.</p>

<p>As someone who lived in Northern Virginia the majority of there life, I would chose GU over Dartmouth in a heartbeat (considering that I want to go into a political scince field as well). Living and studying political science in Washington D.C would be amazing. Not only do I absolutely love the city (I live right by it), but you have plenty of internship opportunities. Of course my opinion is bias, but from what I read on this, board Dartmouth seems like a complete downer considering it's NE location. </p>

<p>With that said, GU is expensive. I've applied there, and even if I do get in I still don't think I could go. I would have the option of having in-state tution to some great schools in Vriginia, and I would allmost be a fool to turn that down. </p>

<p>Maybe if you had an idea of what you are looking for in a college, in terms of the atmosphere, academics, and social life, then you would have a better idea of what fits you. Then your decision becomes a lot easier in terms of where you should go. I think it will put your financial situation in a better perspective.</p>

<p>Dartmouth. It's as good if not better than Gtown, and is more financially feasible for you...</p>

<p>
[quote]
It's as good if not better than Gtown

[/quote]

please define "good"... </p>

<p>I'd rather go to study in the beautiful, active nation's capital and not in some secluded college similar to bowdoin</p>

<p>^^^ That is based on opinion. The comment that Dartmouth is "as good if not better than Gtown" is based on facts, but this depends on what criteria you use to compare two universities.</p>

<p>If you are really set on political science you've got to go to Georgetown. Dartmouth is tremendous, and you should go if you feel it's a better fit, but taking politics classes at the best university in our nation's capital is a tough one to pass up.</p>

<p>I would choose Dartmouth, but thats mainly because unlike you, i would HATE the jesuit aspect of Georgetown.</p>

<p>Still, even if i didn't mind it, i would say Dartmouth if nothing changes</p>

<p>I agree with parentstwo that you are combining apples to oranges as they are two totally different places. You need to definitely visit both schools, to see which school would provide the best fit.</p>

<p>IF you have been to Dartmouth you already know that Government along with Econ are 2 of Dartmouth's most popular majors. so you will not be at a loss for opportunities to do things in DC (the way that the D plan is crafted, you may even get the opportunity to do them sooner, because you can do study abroads, internships and exchanges as early as sophomore year). Yes, hanover is definitely off of the beaten path, but it also has one of the most cohesive student bodies around and truly dedicated to undergraduate teaching.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/%7Ereg/courses/desc/govt.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.dartmouth.edu/~reg/courses/desc/govt.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://rockefeller.dartmouth.edu/students/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://rockefeller.dartmouth.edu/students/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I suggest visiting both, talking to students comparing packages (especially if money is going to be a big issue).</p>

<p>I'm a little confused as to how Dartmouth would be more financially feasible for you. Did you already receive an official financial aid report, because I'm surprised Dartmouth would do that for you, unless you would have already needed to make a decision.</p>

<p>bump once again</p>

<p>Dartmouth's government major is really good. additionally lots of politicans visit campus. if you can put up with the weather and seculsion you should go to Dartmouth.</p>