<pre><code>So I literally am going insane with a problematic decision that I must make ASAP, and by ASAP I mean within the next day or so.
I am currently a political science student at GWU in Washington, D.C. and I am having problems deciding whether I should stay here or transfer to Temple University. Now, before you form an opinion please read my reasons for considering this.
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<li><p>GWU is pretty expensive, even with a great fin aid pack I am paying 28 grand a year in loans. I wish to continue my education by either obtaining a masters or J.D, or possibly both. Therefore, I really do not want to burden myself with massive loans in my undergrad when I know they are only going to get worse later. At Temple, I would be able to commute (I live close) and the I can pay for close to three years there with one years GWU loans. </p></li>
<li><p>I wish to attend UPENN for my M.A and/or J.D. I have read that law schools primarily do not care where you go to school but look more at your GPA and LSAT scores. </p></li>
<li><p>I like GWU but I feel like it is not what I thought it was. For the price I do not feel like the name is worth it. However, I worry that a degree from Temple does not compete much with a degree from GWU, especially in Poly Sci.</p></li>
<li><p>I want to double major in Poly Sci and Economics. At GWU they require calculus, which I do not mind doing but it would require me to take an extra two semesters to catch up on the math prereqs. However, at Temple, credits I earned before would allow me to jump right into the courses. I do not want to double major just for the heck of it, I feel like A. it will give me an advantage both in the job market and if I run for public office one day. B. I simply enjoy economics and poly sci equally. </p></li>
<li><p>I plan to one day run for public office in Philadelphia and therefore feel like it would be a good idea to get internships with my political party there, network there, etc. "Born, raised, and educated in the city". </p></li>
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<p>I really want feedback, please! What should I do?</p>
<p>I’m sorry to say that I’m not sure this is something anyone on here can help you decide…especially since you’ve already articulately listed the the pros and cons of staying at GW or transferring to Temple. My advice is, it can’t hurt to apply and give yourself the option. Yes, Temple is less prestigious than GW. You need to decide which matters more to you, the prestige and possibly educational experience, or the money. I’m having trouble understanding why this is such an urgent decision, however.</p>
<p>Well I have applied and got in. The transfer would be in the Spring. Therefore, I need to make arrangements now to cancel housing, etc. I was 99% sure about Temple last week but now I am questioning it. The only thing I worry about is the prestige but I keep thinking that if I do attend UPENN, then an undergrad from GWU will not matter much. I understand its something noone can really help me with but I want opinions because I feel like I may be leaning more towards Temple, which would also mean that I am being biased.</p>
<p>I don’t think you’re being biased. Go with your gut. It’s true that law schools don’t care at all where you did your undergrad. And 28K is a lot of debt per year. I would know, I’m in the same boat. If you have an attractive other option, take it and don’t look back.</p>
<p>I second what francisvdalhmann said. If you were just planning on getting an Bachelor’s degree, then I would say stay at GWU. But the first thing that people are going to look at, whether it be on a resume or when you run for political office, is where you got your Masters from, then where you got your Bachelor’s from. Besides, if you can get in to and graduate from UPenn from Temple, it obviously means you have just as much merit as someone who can get in from GWU, and you have less debt than them.</p>
<p>ETA: would you mind looking at my transfer situation question and giving your opinion on it?</p>
<p>28k is too much debt for one year. Some people would say it is too much for four years. You are smart to change schools. Go to Temple. Do well there. Don’t look back.</p>