Is anyone willing to compare and contrast GWU, Georgetown, and American?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Stuff like campus life, academic strengths, student stereotypes, etc., etc.</p>

<p>In my pea brain, I have American pegged as the least selective of the three. But, with "happier" students and a broader selection of majors. (Sorry, don't know where/how I came to that conclusion.) From pictures it looks like the campus won't win any awards. </p>

<p>GW and Georgetown are almost indistinguishable to me. Doesn't one have very little (if any) on-campus housing? They both seem to excel in politics or international studies/affairs. Expensive. I think one of them is split into two campuses, making changing classes somewhat inconvenient. </p>

<p>That's all I can think of. Please set me straight. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Hmmmm....generalizations are always dangerous ground. And one person's perception may be entirely different, because of personality types as well as just a different day on campus. </p>

<p>American is less selective, but students there tend to be a bit preppy, well to do and happy. GWU is a new comer to the elite ranks. Its selectivity has vastly improved the last several years. But its very urban, in Foggy Bottom. Some strong programs, but some that are overrated, so be careful. Some of the kids are a bit too competitive for my taste. Its the go to school for Jewish kids who don't want Catholic Georgetown, if that makes sense. Georgetown has a LOT of primadonnas and "connected kids." So if you are from a normal middle class family, not a power family in DC, and arent familiar with how DC works and functions, it may be overwhelming. </p>

<p>Neither of the three are particularly strong in athletics except basketball. Neither of the three are what I would call "a normal campus"...because DC is so unique and its all politics 24/7. </p>

<p>Personally, I would rather go to GWU or Georgetown Law or Medical School or graduate school, than undergrad. But that is just me. </p>

<p>DC is FULL of pretentious people...many of whom have PhD's but are basically government employees, and many of whom dont do much but push papers around and walk home with their "important stuff" in their briefcases. (I lived and worked there for several years a long time ago.) SOME government agencies are more exciting than others. So if that is what you want to do, then go for it. </p>

<p>Academically, Georgetown and GWU are on a par for most programs, but Georgetown is decidedly Jesuit and thus a bit more emphasis on the philosophical approach. Its a nuance that you sort of have to appreciate for yourself.</p>

<p>If I just want to be in business or engineering or something like that, my view would be to look elsewhere, perhaps even UM-CP. And frankly, UM-CP has a very highly respected IR department they do Government Archives there as well.</p>

<p>Again, it is highly subjective and really a matter of your personality, interests, family and social construct etc. </p>

<p>But going to any of the three would be fine if that is what you want to do.</p>