<p>Hello, I currently am a New York resident aspiring to major in International Relations.
I have narrowed my college decision down to two choices - the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington and Johns Hopkins.
I am in love with both colleges and literally am so blinded that I could not think of any negatives for either school while I visited and did overnights.
I love Hopkins' traditional campus - Homewood is exactly what I pictured college to be like when I was growing up as a child. It is beautiful and exceptionally well kept.
And yet at the same time my inner-New Yorker told me I also would love attending and roaming the city blocks of George Washington, especially now that they also offer the best of both worlds by holding dorms and classes in Mt. Vernon College (located in the suburbs of Washington DC - where life if a lot more peaceful, slow, relaxed and more open space)
It has been pointed out to me that in terms of academics, I would be crazy to reject Johns Hopkins, but if I factor in a social life, athletics and internship opportunities in Washington DC, I would be crazy to reject George Washington (even though they are, and always will, live in the shadows of Georgetown in DC)
In addition, Hopkins has the second best graduate school for IR in their School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) located in DC - and they offer a 5 year accelerated course which you apply to sophomore year (only 8 people get in then though)
As you can see I am a clueless child who has absolutely no one to rely on for a college decision and would really, REALLY appreciate and forever be grateful for any help =)</p>
<p>DC might be more fun than Baltimore (it’s an expensive city, and not quite as college friendly as you might think. but, it is larger than Baltimore). The real question is are you going to have as much fun competing in this tough economy for that elusive first job against JHU, UVa, and Georgetown grads in DC with a GW degree?</p>
<p>Hi I was in the same situation as you were when I was applying for colleges. I was given a presidential scholarship to GWU too which for me felt like it was going to be a deal breaker until I visited both schools. The Johns Hopkins name for international relations is a lot more international than GWU. Because of it I got the opportunities to work in think tanks in China and offers to intern at the state department (commuting would have been a pain and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go government). It also depends on what type of culture on campus you want, when I visited GWU campus I was turned off by what appeared to me the lack of focus on academics and the focus on GWU’s fancy shmancy facilities. I honestly felt I was going to be a big fish in a little pond which I didn’t want. I wanted to be a small fish in an ocean surrounded by peers that I could learn from and be challenged by.</p>
<p>If you are sure that you want to pursue international relations, then GW makes the most sense at the undergraduate level. This is probably the ONLY area of study where GW beats out JHU and would likely be the only reason why someone might choose GW over JHU. GW also provides a more diverse and compelling social life than JHU, although GW truly has an “urban” feel without a traditional college campus (except at Mt. Vernon campus, which is not really the heart of GW). JHU has strong international relations at the graduate level (even stronger than GW) through SAIS (Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies) but that is in DC and there is little if any impact of SAIS on the JHU undergraduate (Homewood) campus. Yes, GW will always be in the shadows of Georgetown in DC, but GW students have access to all of the resources of DC as well, academically, socially, and professionally, and this cannot be overlooked, particularly given your area of interest. And don’t worry about the cost-of-living in DC vs. Baltimore–DC is so much better of a city in almost every regard, and much of what you can do is DC is free (Smithsonian, galleries, etc.) or subsidized/reduced cost for students (Kennedy Center, etc.). </p>
<p>Here is something you may be interested in–the top undergraduate international relations programs as identified by Foreign Policy, the field’s major publication:</p>
<p>I am currently at Hopkins Med after going to Georgetown for undergrad., and I can’t believe I am suggesting that GW would be a better option for you than Hopkins–but in this case, I believe it is. Good luck!!</p>
<p>medman, I take everything you say with a tub of salt and a jug of alcohol. You have this bizarre agenda against Duke after supposedly having transferred from there to Georgetown and continually put down Hopkins with your sole evidence being from knowing supposed students who went there. I think you’re just angry that Georgetown’s academic profile has remained stagnant. It sure as hell isn’t going to beat Hopkins or Duke anytime soon. Additionally, the difference between the med campus and homewood campus is night and day. Ofcourse you would know this since you supposedly go to Hppkins med, as well. You also know nothing about the connection between SAIS and homewood - clearly.</p>
<p>J Mirch,
Bickering (above) aside, part of what was presented as fact is a bit misleading. As a school, JHU and its reputation is far above GW. I am not big on using Surveys, but JHU is #13, and GW is #50 in the US News. I wondered why FP did not consider JHU as top 10. The reason, JHU offers a major in International Studies, not International Relations. I simply think that JHU is not considered for that.</p>
<p>As for getting students into the top grad programs, JHU has a distinct leg up.
At the graduate level, SAIS is considered in the top #2, by FP magazine.
The 5 year Sais program is something to work hard for. You need a 3.7gpa at least, and that certainly limits the field.</p>
<p>But the better advice is to go back and visit both schools again if you can, it is all about “fit”. You will do best where you feel you belong. Baltimore v. DC is a great discussion point, but both places have + and - Factors. The lack of campus (and having to take buses from one campus to another) was not a positive factor in my mind for GW. Personally, between GW and AMerican, I would have picked American.</p>
<p>But my daughter loves the work load, the challenge, and was one of those 8 that got chosen, so I can tell you that the door to SAIS is certainly open to any hard working student.</p>
<p>I went to KSAS and SAIS (5 year program). It was phenomenal. My wife got her BA and MA from GW. She was very happy with it. But when it came time for our kids to apply to college, she (not me) wouldn’t even let them apply to GW. They both went to Hopkins (and both loved it).</p>
<p>Honestly, there’s no comparison. When my son graduated Hopkins with a BA in IS, he had multiple job offers and went to work for a DC think tank as a researcher–a job which required a MA. But they hired a Hopkins’ BA over MA’s from Georgetown and GW. He’s now completing his PhD in a top program.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all your help guys - I think I am going to attend Hopkins - I cannot turn down the prestige and rigorous education I will receive even though I probably would have a better social life at George Washington in DC</p>
<p>I had a great social life at JHU all four years. If you come in with a positive attitude I’m sure you too will have a wonderful time. Baltimore is a fun and quirky city and there is lots to do.</p>
<p>I agree. While there are more denizens of the library at Hopkins, there are plenty of very social people at Hopkins. If you are a social person, it won’t be an issue.</p>
<p>Hopkins is the obvious choice. You can live in DC for the rest of your life after your finish up at Hopkins. I don’t even dare mention JHU and GW in the same breath when talking about undergraduate quality. </p>