<p>Some of you may remember that I transfered to AU from GWU this year because I could not afford GWU’s tuition. Well, it seems I have to transfer from AU, as well.</p>
<p>My experiences at AU have been good, though I still easily prefer GWU over AU. AU has some really good professors who are experts in their fields, and they also are very helpful in students finding internships in the DC area. To say AU’s academics are on the same level as Georgetown or GWU is a stretch I’d say. Having attended GWU, the classes I took their were significantly harder than the ones I took at AU. I don’t think AU or GWU have very solid alumni networks, but I would say if you are looking to work in DC or get an internship in DC, then AU seems to have more alumni that can help. The big thing i noticed is that many, many AU students do not seem to like the University, while many others love it. It really comes down to a situation where you either love it or hate it. The retention rate statistics are misleading because it doesn’t really take into account all the kids that are unhappy, but cannot transfer. I’ve only been here a summer and a semester and I’ve run into atleast 10 kids trying to transfer out.</p>
<p>Things to look out for when you decide to go to AU:
I would try and live off campus and get off the meal-plan as quickly as possible because the Housing and Dining program is known to be terrible. If you have to live on campus, live in the Anderson and Letts dorms. The North side tends to be quiet and dull.
Really research your professors before signing up for classes. There is a big difference between the quality of professors here. There are some amazing ones and…less than amazing ones. haha.
GET AN INTERNSHIP. There’s no reason not to.
Get into the Honors program if your grades are high enough. The courses and teachers have been interesting, and they provide Honors kids with alot of fun stuff.
The Greek Life here pales in comparison to most other universities. It seems they just do not have enough money to do very many fun things. Its probably more fun to be in the frat/sorority than attending the parties.</p>
<p>I hope that this helps some people thinking of attending AU. It is a good school if you take advantage of the resources available. Finally, if you do encounter problems or get upset, once you get your parents to call in problems tend to work out very quickly. If you have any questions let me know. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I'm a prospective student applying to both GWU and AU. What was your experience at GWU like? Why are you transferring out of AU? Thank you very much for this post, it's very helpful.</p>
<p>what stocksdale has pointed out is probably written in every college application book for every college out there. all of his/her points are true for all schools, with the exception of Greek life. some schools are clearly known for that, so those who are heavily invested in it for a social life, will in fact find it lacking at AU. food, dorms, professors are an individual experience everywhere. and yes, AU's counseling center offers tremendous dedication to its students. and altho all DC schools cost, let us remember one GW-AU-GT comparison...COST! neither GT not AU match the extravagant cost of GW's tuition.</p>
<p>Well, after that rude comment I'll try and explain myself further.</p>
<p>well, um, AU tuition and room and board is $8,000 cheaper than GWU but one can quickly tell why. George Washington is actually located in dowtown DC so its land costs are much more. If you can afford to go to AU without scholarships, there is probably a good chance you can attend GWU without one either. Also, the average GWU aid package is $10,000 greater than AU. </p>
<p>I loved GWU and thought it was a wonderful school. Academics were great, they had a pretty good basketball team and you were a couple blocks from the White House, World Bank and other landmarks. The reason I left AU was a mixture of unhappiness and inability to afford the school. I just felt that AU was not worth a value of about $45,000. I thought that many of the introductory classes were rudimentary and that much of the student body was unable to earn 'A's in such classes. I believe that GWU has many more rigorous, but intriguing classes for students. </p>
<p>Further, the housing situation is a mess, as one must wait weeks to get something fixed and that will only occur if you get your parents to call a number of times. The dining situation is also poor as at most dinners the cafeteria runs out of food with an hour or an hour and a half left. THis leves many kids who have class unable to eat what was available. Its hard to expect students to happily pay $45,000 when receiving such treatment. </p>
<p>Finally, I was awed by the number of kids who complain and dislike AU but do not have the means to leave. It comes down to loving or hating the school. There is no in between. So AU becomes an expensive risk for many kids. </p>
<p>I hope this clarified things for you, from my perspective. I know alot of kids choose AU over GWU because it is just a better situation for them. Hopefully if you choose that route you will love it. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Stocksdale, if I am not mistaken, you transferred in during the summer and have complained ever since. As a happy and satisfied AU student, I think part of the probelm for you is that you are basing its entire academic performance on your short time there and the Gen Eds. We all suffer the Gen Eds as a means to our subjects of interests, where the professors are top-notch.</p>
<p>As far as I can tell for those students who researched AU well, the majority are not only happy, but thrilled with the DC connections that AU affords them. As a matter of fact Princeton Review ranks AU third for career and job placement opportunities. This is an intense school for intense people who tend to stay intensively involved in DC for their careers. Those who aren't comfortable with this will never be happy here.</p>
<p>As far as AU costing more for its location, AU is in one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest, areas in DC, i.e. Embassy Row. I think GW's cost is more related to GW's insatiable need to buy-up downtown DC and its other real-estate ventures. Another word on cost -- Why must GW freshman pay for maid service?</p>
<p>It is not unusal for a student to get an apartment in their sophmore or junior year no matter where they go to school, and they do this to get out of the dorms, buy and prepare their own meals more cheaply and for more independence. </p>
<p>Lastly, it would appear, Stocksdale, that your greatest frustration is the cost of a private education, not the school.</p>
<p>connies, i think you meant to say, " as far as GWU costing more for its location..." , not AU. whatever. you make good sense.
stocksdale, i'm thinking you were referring to me when you talked about a "rude" comment....what rude comment? i was sincere when i said you did a good job of describing the pitfalls/cautions of college, and i said you did it as well as a college guide book! how was that rude? perhaps you took offense to my saying your AU complaints would be true at all schools, not just AU, but that certainly isn't rude in any way. i'm sorry for your on-going difficulties with college, and hope you can transfer to a place where you can finally feel comfortable in all ways. good luck.</p>
<p>I think Connies makes an important point that I'm glad she brings up. She talks about 'suffering' through Gen Eds. Now, I didn't only take Gen Eds and my opinion describes the classes i've taken on the 100, 200 and 300 level.</p>
<p>I believe that when a school has general education requirements the purpose should be to educate students and open them up to new possibilities of study. Provide them with new interests. AU doesn't really have that. Which brings up the point of having them. If its to create an all-around student, it fails because the Gen Ed program at AU is poor. Students look at Gen Eds as something they must 'suffer' through. And at $45,000 a year, I don't want to 'suffer' through anything. I think AU needs to reevaluate what their Gen Ed program is and the emphasis they put on it. THe upper level classes i've taken are very interesting, though, but i'd still say not very challenging.</p>
<p>Its not that I don't like private schools, although I do think the prices are outrageous. If I could afford GWU I would be there. I loved the classes I took there, including the required classes. They were engaging and challenging. I just don't find that at AU, which is not to say that others do not.</p>
<p>hi stocksdale~ for the sake of newcomers, i need to say that my daughter is tremendously engaged at AU, has a few complaints about some of the gen eds, which equate with most school's lists of sometimes stupid/boring requirements,but is enthralled with the professors in her areas of interest. they deliver what is "advertised" professores who work and live in the real world of DC. they develop personal relationships with her and are there for help/support/growth. she is currently designing her own independent study with one of them. my husband and i say all the time, that "WE'RE AT LEAST GETTING OUR MONEY'S WORTH"!
in additon to the fact that college rankings have GW and AU as virtually identical in terms of academics, i think the issue at hand for you is the loss you're feeling about having to leave a school you cared about, against your will. it's kind of like a patient who is forced to leave their chosen therapist, because they're retiring or moving and the patient must go to a new one. that new therapist will NEVER be as good as the one the patient was forced to leave. i wish you a fresh start, and hope you make the most of it, because that is what really matters. YOU will determine your future. good luck.</p>
<p>Good luck Stocksdale...it takes becomming an adult to realize that college is the path...not the destination. And I think you have had to face more anxieties and realities than many students. Your determination to stay in school wherever you can will build character and take you a lot farther than some more priviledged. </p>
<p>What's that old adage... "Bloom where you are planted"</p>
<p>Kick a-- your last 2 years and maybe go back to D.C. on a graduate school scholarship if that's what you still want by then :-)</p>