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I think this is a legitimate reason. While classics departments are being slashed right and left, many universities have maintained their support of the humanities. </p>
<p>If you are serious about classics (i.e. intending to do graduate work), I would advise getting out of DC altogether. Georgetown has a decidedly mediocre program, and GWU isn’t that great for it either. Classics is not like biology or English; after a handful of good programs, the quality of departments drops precipitously. </p>
<p>If you intend to do something like law, the selection of suitable colleges is obviously much wider.</p>
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As someone who fits three of those descriptors, I think this is also a perfectly legitimate reason. I’ve attended both a school that was incredibly accepting of gay and Catholic students and a school that was overtly homophobic and staunchly evangelical/Baptist – quite a difference, I can assure you! </p>
<p>Again, the DC area in general may not be the best for that…I had an LGBT student at one DC college tell me flat out not to apply, as in addition to the prevailing right-of-center atmosphere on campus, the political aspirations of many students prevented them from being out or actively involved in the gay community. Things may’ve changed in the last couple years, I suppose; certainly American has a good reputation.</p>
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Merit scholarships, certainly. Many colleges have excellent financial aid for transfers, however. A full ride may not be offered, of course, but there are schools that could be affordable. I don’t think finances need be a factor at this point – why not apply and then evaluate packages if accepted? It’s not like Howard will give him the boot if accepted elsewhere.</p>
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There you go, then. I don’t often recommend transferring, as I think too many people reject their schools before they get a chance to find their niches, but I think it makes a great deal of sense in your case.</p>