<p>I was planning to attend JHU for Poli Sci with a focus in IR until I recently got off the waiting list at Georgetown for the Walsh School of Foreign Service...</p>
<p>Now I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me which school is better for undergraduate International Relations? The rankings vary and some contradict others. I'm so confused...</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>They are both excellent programs in international studies and quite comparable academically. They are both well known and well regarded. This is the one field where I would say that there is little or no difference academically between the two institutions. In every other field I can think of, Hopkins would have the edge. That is not to say that Georgetown is a bad place--it certainly is not. But I do think that Hopkins is generally better. This could be important if you change your mind and decide to change majors. Remember--changing majors is very common. </p>
<p>Otherwise, the two schools are very different places. I say that without being judgmental. They are both very good--just different. I can't tell you which one is better for you because I don't know you. I know both schools well--and for me Hopkins was a much better fit. I was accepted to the 5 year BA/MA program (you apply as a sophomore) and, subjectively, I think that is the best program of its kind anywhere. Hopkins has much more of an intellectual atmosphere than Georgetown which I prefer. But I'm sure that some people prefer the more laid back atmosphere at Georgetown.</p>
<p>Personally, I never been comfortable with the more religious atmosphere at Georgetown. Yes, I know that Georgetown is probably the least religious of all the Catholic schools but it is still too much for me. Obviously, other people will feel differently about this.</p>
<p>What else can I say? Georgetown has a much better basketball team; Hopkins has a better lacrosse team. </p>
<p>Georgetown seems like a more preppy place--or at least people dress in a more preppy fashion. Hopkins has plenty of kids who went to prep school but, for whatever reason, jeans and sweat shirts seem the order of the day. Hopkins is more competitive academically--people work hard and are proud of it. Georgetown is more competitive socially. There is almost no social pressure at Hopkins. I was generally not aware of whether other students' parents were rich or poor; it made no difference. There are more social cliques at Georgetown. </p>
<p>I've lived in both DC and Baltimore. Most people would say that DC is a better college town. I agree with that but I don't think that the margin DC has is all that significant. When you get to know it, Baltimore can be a fun, quirky place. It is far less pretentious than DC--and far less expensive. They are both good places to spend 4 years or so. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that you can't make a serious mistake either way. If you can, spend some time at each and go where you feel you fit in better. You'll know because, as I said, the two places are quite different. Good luck.</p>
<p>thank you soo much! this is actually the most helpful post ive gotten so far (i posted the same question in other threads). </p>
<p>i definitely agree with you on everything. I feel like jhu would be a safer choice for me in case i do decide to change my mind just because JHU seems to be more well-rounded in all things academic.</p>
<p>also, baltimore is pretty close to D.C., anyway, so im sure internships sholdnt be a problem.</p>
<p>and im actually very interested in the 5 year program. it's one of the main reasons why im even struggling with this decision. </p>
<p>could you tell me what your freshmen year classes were? what path would you recommend i take if i were to attend JHU and wanted to apply to the SAIS 5 year program as a sophomore?</p>
<p>I say stick with JHU - they wanted you first and I think that counts for something - they saw something in you. GTown missed out - too little, too late I say. Also, you'll probably get leftovers for housing @ GTown by now which can really ruin the first year experience anywhere.</p>
<p>i agree as well! go to jhu for international relations...good school for that particularly...not that georgetown is bad...its just jhu is good for a good amt of things</p>
<p>Thank you. I try my best to be objective. School spirit has its place (I admit I lose my voice at Hopkins lacrosse games) but it drives me nuts when some people become so overtaken with school pride that they take irrational positions without any objective evidence to support them. For reasons I can't explain, this problem seems most acute with Duke and Georgetown boosters. </p>
<p>Anyway, my advice for maximizing your chances for the BA/MA program is as follows: </p>
<p>1) Recognize that people admitted to the program tend to be 5-6 years younger than most SAIS students. SAIS admits very few people right out of college. Most SAIS students have already worked --some for years--in the field and most already are fluent in at least one language besides English. So the admissions committee at SAIS will be looking for Hopkins' undergraduates who are unusually mature and who can successfully compete with more experienced peers.So do your best to gain a leadership position with some organization or otherwise demonstrate your leadership and maturity; </p>
<p>2) Since most American (as opposed to international) undergraduates at Hopkins can't really compete on international experience and language ability--you need some other hook (unless you have a background I am not aware of). The most common hook is to be strong in economics. SAIS puts a strong emphasis on economics (it is a required concentration for the MA) and the most common weakness of SAIS students is a lack of a strong economics background. So take as many economics course as you can and do well in them. My observation has been that everyone who applies to the program has done well in the political science/international relations core courses. The differentiating characteristic of those most frequently admitted is top grades in economics. </p>
<p>3) If you are talented in math--taking math can be a real plus if you can do it and get at least a decent grade. Calculus is needed for higher level economics and showing strength here can overcome other deficiencies. But beware, most students studying math at Hopkins are science/engineering types who are very talented. I wouldn't recommend this route unless you are talented enough to do well. Pass/fail is another possible route here.</p>
<p>4) If you are not already fluent in a foreign language, do your best to get there. SAIS has a fairly rigorous language requirement and if the admissions committee believes that you are already close to meeting it--you will be that far ahead. Spending the summer after freshman year in an immersion program abroad is an excellent idea. </p>
<p>5) You will need excellent recommendation from faculty and you only have a year and one half to get to know them before applying so get in the face of some faculty after you arrive. Go to office hours, ask questions, etc. Impress them--but just don't go overboard and become annoying. </p>
<p>Finally, recognize that admission to the program is quite competitive and some highly qualified individuals don't get in. But the good news is that Hopkins graduates with a BA in IR can and do get excellent entry level jobs in the field. After a few years experience--you are in great shape for any of the top MA programs (SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA at Columbia, Woodrow Wilson at Princeton, and the Walsh School).</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I have a quick question about the 5/6 year SAIS program. Is it only what you do at Hopkins that matters or also High School transcript, extra curricular activities, and other things outside of the area?</p>
<p>It's based on your performance at Hopkins.</p>
<p>very cool.</p>
<p>Personally, I think there is very little difference between the quality of undergraduate majors at the top 25 colleges. The real difference comes when you apply for grad school, and certain grad schools in medicine, law, business, or IR are clearly better than others. </p>
<p>I personally enjoy Hopkins because of its scholarly atmosphere and a very friendly and helpful student body. The tight-knitted campus community also makes hopkins undergraduate a very comfortable and memorable experience. As for Baltimore, even though it is universally acknowledged that it's not the brightest city in America, I think you will make some very interesting discoveries about our society's fabric if you take the time to look around. Because of Baltimore's high rate of unemployment, limited economic growth, and general decrease in home ownership, I've discovered that a conversation with an ordinary person on the street can be really insightful and full of things you wouldn't encounter in any college class room.</p>