Lots of Questions about the DC Schools

Colleges and Universities A-Z George Washington University
1

<p>White male
Lower Middle Class (EFC is going to be just about $1,000)
Junior at a small, VERY high ranked, relatively (to the rest of the area) wealthy public school in a rural PA college town.</p>

<p>Background/Grades:
I spent freshman year at a large, but high ranked, public school in another state. They calculated GPA on the 4.0 scale and I had all As and a GPA just above 4.0 because of an honors weight. My new school calculates on a 100 point scale. Sophomore year I had a disgusting 93 (a B in the upper level, but not weighted at that point in time, Bio course and a high C in Latin [juggling Spanish and Latin for a self described "sucks at learning languages" student during a hectic post-move soph year wasn't fun] brought me down). It's the end of first semester Junior year and I have all As with a 98 GPA, but I'm going to need it as I don't know how Freshman year is going to be used for calculating class rank (guidance, with their super secret guidance people double speak, said it would be used to "estimate") and Soph year's numbers won't cut it. A conservative estimate at this point regarding class rank would be anywhere in the top third, but I really don't have any idea where I'll end up. I plan on taking 4 APs Senior year (AP English, AP Bio, AP Econ, and AP Gov) with that generous AP weight that I'm only enjoying in one class this year (AP US History). Like I said, it's a small school, and outside of art/music classes, US History is the only AP offered to Juniors who aren't crazy accelerated in math or science.</p>

<p>SATs (I took them in October to take advantage of the prep I did over the summer--I plan on retaking in June):
690 CR (I want to get this to 720 2nd time around, but I hate speculating when it comes to test scores, so let's assume that's where I'm staying)
650 Math (I had a 66 on the PSAT math that I took a few weeks later and I think I'll get even higher once I finish Trig, which I'm in this year)
700 Writing (69 MC and 9 on the essay, which I knew was bad the minute I read it back online and I know I can do much better)</p>

<p>ECs (I'll keep it brief):
Very heavy on Speech and Debate
NHS invites go out soon (our school does it 2nd semester jr. year and you're in it till you graduate as long as you keep your grades up) and my numbers are above the benchmark to get one according the student handbook, so I'll be doing that
120+ hours (?--haven't been keeping track thoroughly) community service through Red Cross, nursing home, and Church from 8th grade to current
3 clubs
Three People to People trips in middle school, not sure how that's relevant to the process, but the cultural experiences and fund raising experiences will make for good essay topics.
TONS of volunteer work during campaign season. Worked countless hours at the local party HQ and out in the field for Presidential campaign, House campaign in very swing-ish CD, AG campaign, State House campaign, and did phone banking for Congressional campaigns in other districts. I plan on doing even more come 2010 midterms as we have a tight Senate race brewing here in PA.
Part time job</p>

<p>Now for the good stuff, my annoying questions:
I really, really, really want to go to school in DC and Georgetown is looking like a no-go for someone with my stats. That leaves GW, American, and (since I am a confirmed Catholic) Catholic. GW seems great and I love the idea of an urban campus, non traditional college experience. But I want to know I'll be able to cover the costs without going into astronomical debt (I understand debt is probably inevitable, I'd just like to keep it from going out of control). American is a strong second choice for me. The costs seem to be a little better. So, what are my chances for GW both RD and ED? How about American RD? Would applying ED to GW hurt me financial aid wise outside of not being able to compare packages with American and Catholic? How strong is need based (you saw my EFC) financial aid at GW? Would I qualify for any merit aid at GW? Is need based financial aid at American any better/worse? Would I qualify for significant merit aid at American? Would I be able to get a full ride/close to it at Catholic (the only reason I would see myself choosing Catholic over the other two)? For the GW and American people--I like having fun, but I don't drink or do drugs (I know, I'm pretty lame), so I'm not so worried about the "scene" (I'm more excited about getting a cool internship...I'm a geek) but I do know that if all goes according to plan and I get into GW with decent FA, I'm NOT requesting Thurston (LOL). But, seriously, is Thurston that bad? Is it really a dorm full of 1,000 drunken freshman diving over the free condom bowl while trying not to get sent to the hospital by public safety? It's got a pretty bad rep. What are the best dorms in Foggy Bottom for Freshman outside of Thurston (and I'd like to not end up at Mount Vernon)?</p>

<p>Anyway, what are your suggestions about how to approach the college admissions process? I'm sorry for the long post and the fact that I'm posing this on the GW, AU, and CUA threads, but I'm really interested to hear what other people have to say about the process. I'm really just starting the whole thing and haven't even done visits yet (I will check out all three one week this Spring, though). Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Wow...lots of questions there. I'll do my best to address your questions about GW:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>As for your chances, GW does expect that you have a strong GPA, but what is even more important is your extracurricular involvement and showing GW that you could really take advantage of the resources they have to offer. Your SATs look good, so I'd say if you can put together a really strong application, you should be good.</p></li>
<li><p>GW gives out the most need-based financial aid of any institution in the country. My EFC was around $10,000 my freshman year (has gone down since), and I ended up having only about $9,000 NOT covered by my financial aid package then. I doubt you'll get merit aid, but the need-based stuff should prevent your debt from being too high.</p></li>
<li><p>Thurston is really not that bad. I lived there, and while it is a bit crazy on the weekends (and maybe weekdays in the first few weeks of school, haha), most people are serious about studying. Think about it; it houses about half of the freshman class- half of the freshman class is NOT going to be complete slackers and get drunk every night. As far as being excited about a cool internship- EVERYONE is, even the same crazy people who do get drunk all the time :)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I agree though that Thurston is not for everyone. Lafayette, Crawford, and Madison are the other freshmen dorms on Foggy Bottom, and I think these are a little quieter. As far as the social scene, most students are going to drink at virtually every college (even Catholic!). However, there are still other things to do. Joining student organizations is probably the best way to meet people and have fun without drinking. And there are always museums and other cultural attractions in DC that are super fun.</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

3

<p>Thank you GWsenior for clearing up the myth that Thurston is full of drunken freshman that slack off and party all week. As has been said many times before, we like to have fun but most Thurston freshman are also VERY serious about their grades and internships.
Malan89, you need to VISIT, don't believe all the rumors. That's how I decided to live in Thurston. It all depends on you Malan89 and what you choose to do, nobody forces anyone to drink or party, there are opportunities for all at GW.<br>
My own biased opinion is that GW is a more diverse, competitive school then American or Catholic and you cannot even compare the locations. You may be more likely to get merit aid at American or Catholic because I believe their admissions stats are lower. Check Princeton Review, etc. and the other college admission manuals.<br>
If you are interested in GW, interview and show real interest in your essay. </p>

<p>P.S. Know of students attending some well known Catholic schools who are major drinkers, they just have to hide it better!</p>

4

<p>I'm definitely going on a visit soon, at least to American and GW. My impression of Thurston mostly came from the kid that goes to GW from my HS coming back talking about how crazy their parties at Thurston are. Still, 1000 freshman is a lot for any dorm. But I'm sure the craziness doesn't compare to that of a big state school dorm. I have no problem being around people who party, I was just a little afraid of Thurston's 24/7 party reputation. I like your news about fin aid. As long as GW doesn't gap me a ton, that's definitely my choice. Again though, does applying ED hurt your fin aid packages at GW? Because I think I want to apply ED to GW and that's the only thing I'm worried about.</p>

5

<p>I called and asked finaid that question and they said "no" that applicants packages are looked on the same way whether ED or RD. They get the put the package together right after admissions has made a decision. If you apply ED make sure you watch for the deadlines! I would go to the website now and download that info and then make a file. Next year will be crazy during the fall and you might forget as they ask for docs really early.</p>

6

<p>Just so you know, it's way easier to get in ED than RD at GW. They really count demonstrated interest so if you don't apply ED (I would definitely recommend ED for you- either I or II- if it's your first choice) make sure to visit and interview. Also, if you're afraid of applying ED because of the whole financial aid thing, you can always back out if you definitely can't afford it and they don't give you aid and another school, such as American, gives you a bucket load of money. It's not recommended, but you can back out if you really really can't afford it. I would definitely visit this spring and see what you think. Also, don't discount Mt. Vernon right away- you can have smaller class sizes if you live there (just a thought, works for some people, not for others). I would probably visit Mt. Vernon when you visit GW just in case because contrary to popular belief, Mt. Vernon people aren't social outcasts. Hope that helps!</p>

7

<p>You guys just basically sealed the deal for me going ED at GW. I knew it was MUCH easier to get in ED and I was only worried about Fin Aid. But if they say the packages are just as good, I'll take their word. And you're right, I always can just back out. It would suck and I'm definitely not planning it, but if they don't come anywhere near 85-95% of my demonstrated need, I'm going to have to. BTW, I'm not hating on Mount Vernon kids or anything, but the chance to live in the center of DC (so close to EVERYTHING) is what really draws me to GW. I'd rather live in Thurston and be in the center of everything than live in Mount Vernon and have my precious quiet, but be a whole shuttle ride away from the heart of DC.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
GW gives out the most need-based financial aid of any institution in the country.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Wait, what? That's completely false - they don't even meet 100% of need...</p>

<p>Am I just interpreting that statement wrong or something?</p>

9

<p>
[quote]

Quote:
GW gives out the most need-based financial aid of any institution in the country.
Wait, what? That's completely false - they don't even meet 100% of need...</p>

<p>Am I just interpreting that statement wrong or something?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yes, you are misinterpreting. Because GW's tuition is so high (and represents an amount fixed over 4 years), the raw dollar number of the average financial aid package is higher than at other institutions, even if 100% of need is not granted. So, for instance, the amount that GW gives that covers 97% of your estimated need is greater than the amount that, for instance, University of Michigan would grant to cover 100% of your estimated need. GW also has a "guaranteed grant" program, meaning that a certain percentage of your need is guaranteed to be covered in a grant rather than a loan for up to 5 years.</p>

<p>I really encourage everyone who is worried about financial aid to apply and see what aid package they receive. I was prepared to go to my state school until I found out that GW would actually be LESS expensive in the long run because of the financial aid they gave me. Though it can be a pain to get a hold of someone at the financial aid office, when you do they are usually pretty helpful if you have questions.</p>

10

<p>^ Oh, I see! I didn't know that - wow... they must have a huge endowment to be able to do that.</p>

11

<p>Yeah, the kids that pay $50,000 a year subsidize the kids that aren't able to. But they still aren't able to meet 100% of aid. I'm probably going to have to look at other schools (no ED 4 Me) simply because of that. I'm not going into $40,000 of debt for undergrad.</p>

12

<p>Here's a tip for low EFC kids...stay away from state schools:
I. My EFC=$1500 (give or take a little)</p>

<p>II. GWU Sticker Price=$53,407</p>

<p>III. Penn State U Park Sticker Price=$26,600</p>

<p>IV. Pitt Sticker Price=$22,242</p>

<p>V. GWU Need Met (75% free $$$, 25% loans)=91%</p>

<p>VI. Penn State U Park Need Met (40% free $$$, 60% loans)=65%</p>

<p>VII. Pitt Need Met (41% free $$$, 59% loans)=82%</p>

<p>VIII. GWU Debt (including $$$ from jobs) from FinAid plus Gap Debt plus EFC (assuming parents pay nothing)=$17,979</p>

<p>IX. Penn State U Park Debt (including $$$ from jobs) from FinAid plus Gap Debt plus EFC (assuming parents pay nothing)=$20,074</p>

<p>X. Pitt Debt (including $$$ from jobs) from FinAid plus Gap Debt plus EFC (assuming parents pay nothing)=$15,268</p>

<p>That said, the amount of debt at GW (even though it provides 91% of need and is better than my flagship state school) is very, very high. I'm looking at some schools that meet 100% of need without loans/very, very small loans (Richmond, Rochester, Lafayette, Trinity), even though they're not in Washington (where I really want to be). The only chance I can see myself in DC at this point (even though I'm going to apply to GW RD and see what happens) is at Catholic with a lot of merit aid in addition to some need-based. But I'm not getting 18 grand in debt each year. That's crazy, especially if I want to swing the cost of law school.</p>