Hi, everyone! I have a small dilemma that I would like to ask advice on.
I am very interested in Georgetown University, and plan to major in Global Health. It is to my understanding that SFS has a major called Science Technology and International Affairs, which features a Biochemistry and Global Health track. NHS has a specific Global Health Major. I am passionate about the intersection of healthcare and technology, innovative approaches to facilitating healthcare delivery to communities and countries, digital health, experimental therapeutics, social entrepreneurship, and the global market. I don’t quite understand the difference between the majors with respect to each school (and subsequently the career paths offered) simply by looking over the courses. All I’m getting is that NHS seems more science heavy, and I absolutely do not mind heavy research as long as I get to apply it. Both seem internationally focused.
If it helps, I will provide my extracurriculars (only the relevant ones to my major)
Intel ISEF finalist (Biochemistry)
Siemens Semifinalist (Biochemistry)
Publication in the Journal of Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry
First place at two state STEM competitions (Cancer research) (Medicine and Health)
Grand prize at Regional Science Fair, Bright Future award
two summers of research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center of Drug Discovery
studied abroad in China for one year (I went to an extremely strict boarding school, so I did not have the opportunity to do anything related specifically to health care, but I met many people in the field and kind of have a grasp on China’s growing healthcare system)
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese (certification by the Chinese Governmental Language Committee, 5 on self study AP exam)
Invited to present research to the Board of Education
United States Student Representative at root-seeking cultural trip sponsored by the Chinese government, speaker at inauguration ceremony
Science Olympiad (state recognition)
Based on my ECs and/or interests, which school would I be better suited towards?
Any advice is appreciated! Thank you guys so much, and good luck to everyone applying.
I can’t speak to those majors directly, but I would guess that you’re right that NHS will be a little more science heavy. Make sure to look at the webpages for both majors if you haven’t already.
Another consideration is that the core requirements in the SFS are more demanding and stringent than the NHS. Additionally, the NHS requirements are also more science-oriented, while the SFS requirements are more foreign service/government/policy-oriented. To compare core requirements in each school, use the following links. Note that one course each in writing and HALC, as well as two courses each in philosophy, theology, and diversity are standard for each student at Georgetown regardless of school. The diversity requirement is easy to fulfill and generally doesn’t require any additional classes, though, since many courses will count to both diversity and another core/major requirement.
Thanks so much!! The classes at NHS interest me a lot more, but I had a friend tell me that people would laugh at me ("NHS is a backdoor in, Georgetown isn’t known for that school anyways). The thing is, I LOVE Georgetown, it’s my #1 school, and NHS just happens to be the school that interests me the most. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!
@llswims, I’m a junior at Georgetown in the College and believe me no one will laugh at you or say you got in “through the back door” if you go to the NHS. In general once you’re in a college, people stop paying attention to all the admissions drama and will assume everyone is equally qualified unless you as an individual act in a certain way that makes people question how you got into the school.
As a matter of fact, everyone I know has nothing but respect for NHS students because you guys take a science heavy curriculum, because (unlike us) you seem to have some idea of what you want to do in the world, and (unlike many) that idea doesn’t usually center on lording massive amounts of money or power over people.
Work hard at the subjects you like, get really involved in one or two activities that really mean something to you, have no fear about reaching out to potential friends and mentors, and no matter where you end up going to college you will have an amazing time and will set yourself up to lead a great life.
@llswims, I agree with @guTA. Each school sort of has its own stereotype (SFS is pretentious/power-hungry, MSB is people who want money, College is everyone else - and again these are just stereotypes, not accurate representations of students). But I certainly wouldn’t characterize NHS’ reputation as the “backdoor” in to Georgetown. People definitely respect NHS students for the fact that they take so many science-heavy courses, which lots of Georgetown students shy away from. If Georgetown is your top choice and you’re interested in the NHS, go for it!
My parents told me that “the money is in business,” but the fact of the matter is although my interests are diverse, I can’t imagine my life without science. It’s great to know that not everyone feels like they have to major in whatever gets them the most money/power (and won’t laugh at me for not doing so)! Thanks so much
By the way, @2016senior2020 and @guTA my parents, who originally wanted me to apply to SFS, are super mad about my choice to go with NHS. They say that NHS is primarily for “people who want to become nurses.” I wasn’t aware that this was the only career path. Is it true that NHS is mainly for people who want to become nurses? That’s not my preferred career path at all.
No, nursing is only one major in the NHS. The NHS also has the majority of pre-med students (in the Human Science major), and, as you said, the International Health major, which has nothing to do with nursing.
As an aside, you should also look into the Biology of Global Health major within the Bio department in the College.
@llswims I know this is late, but no, that’s not true at all. That’s definitely a potential career path but by no means the only one. I have friends in the NHS (who are Global Health majors!) who want nothing to do with pre-med/nursing and would prefer to go into health policy, etc.
