<p>Hey guys,
Im in a real dilemma here. Ive applied to both UK and US for IR, hoping to go into public policy.
I have been accepted to University College London for Public policy and am waiting for LSe's response for governance.
I also got into GW for international affairs.
Being from the UK, im aware of the brand recognistion that UCL and LSE hold across the world. But im not sure if GW or in particular the elliot school hold the same level of prestige Is this limited to the US only? Will this limit job oppurtunities in europe later?
Please let me know what you think the best choice is in regards to brand recognition etc, i find the programs in all three appealing.
ps - this is urgent as i have to send deposits by next week!
thank you!</p>
<p>In terms of prestige, I would say that it would rank LSE, then UCL, then GW. Of course, if you’re hoping to work in the US in terms of policy, then perhaps going to school on capital hill isn’t such a bad idea.</p>
<p>The Philosopher: GWU isn’t on Cap Hill, it is in Foggy Bottom 
(sorry…my bf goes there).</p>
<p>However, the gist is right. For a US career (and a US career ONLY) the brand name out of all of those is GWU. However, even then - it ranks below SAIS and SIPA and Gtown. </p>
<p>If you want an intl. career - go to LSE. It is well renowned both in Europe and all across the world. However, even if you do decide to work in the US, LSE is still at least “known” - a friend of mine graduated from there last year, and she has quite the nice job in USFP now in a think tank in DC. So…you can get a job in the US with a degree from LSE.</p>
<p>GW has two campuses. One near the capital (as they have their hospital) and one on Foggy Bottom.</p>
<p>Or near the white house, rather.</p>
<p>The main GWU campus is in Foggy Bottom - which is where the hospital is at and it is near the white house — but not on Cap Hill. Cap Hill is about a 15 minute metro ride away. The other campus is in Mt. Vernon… but that’s really besides the point…</p>
<p>GWU is still a great school - I know many people who really like it and have found their niche there. Spending a lot of time on the main campus, the only thing I really dislike is that it is so small - it only spans across a really limited area. So you definently feel “in the city” unlike at GTown, where you feel more “University” I guess… I know that has nothing to do with academics, but I always feel that what your atmosphere is, is impt.</p>
<p>I’ve never heard of “UCL” to begin with. And no matter what anyone here tells you what really matters are the grades you get in grad school, as long as you go to a top-20 ranked school.</p>
<p>UCL = University College London.</p>
<p>It is well respected throughout Europe - for sure…</p>
<p>Ok i just got my rejection from LSE! so now its UCL vs GW! From the posts it doesnt seem that GW isnt as high in the rankings or as prestigious as UCL?! correct me if im wrong…</p>
<p>Where do you plan to work? I’d say UCL is the better deal if you’re interested in public policy and want to stay in the EU.</p>
<p>Yep im very much interested in public policy and want to come back to EU. But I also wanted to have a graduate experience in the states.</p>
<p>I’m a final year undergraduate at UCL and have taken courses in the School of Public Policy. It’s really a department in the make; it’d be fascinating for you to stay if you wanted to go into academia.</p>
<p>If you already hold a degree from a UK university, are interested in policy and can afford studying in a US university, I’d suggest going to GW. They are more likely to be quant-oriented, sth UK/European institutions severely lack in.</p>
<p>Good luck making a decision!</p>
<p>To the OP: if you want details on GWU, pm me and we can chat. My bf is in the IR program there. </p>
<p>And to the above poster - yes… the American schools are known to be more quant-orientated. Which kinda makes me wonder why again I am jumping across the pond for grad school. Just kidding…</p>
<p>GWU…dude come on its a waste of money. THis is from someone familiar with uk, us, european and asian universities. Go for LSE, UCL and if I were you I’d check out Durham. They are really solid places and you won’t regret it. Plus you’d come out as more of an intellectual/expert in your area from any of the above english unis compared to…GWU. Why are you not applying to Georgetown?</p>
<p>I am in the process of applying to LSE/UCL for public policy and was wondering if you would be willing to share your stats (GPA, GRE, work experience etc) to help give me a better idea if I even have a chance?! Thanks!</p>