Macalester vs Georgetown

<p>So, I know that it's comparing apples to oranges but there are so many things that I like about each place. I'm just asking people for their opinions on which school would be better for me. I know that it's up to me in the end, but I'm just really looking for any additional insight! Thanks!</p>

<p>Macalester: I really like the liberal, openness. I'm only about an hour from the campus, so it's also relatively close to home-which is a bonus. However, I'm worried I might get stuck here. I also like the small class sizes and everything, but I'm worried its too small. It'd be nice to connect with all the professors individually though. Financially, it's more expensive than Georgetown. It will cost me around $7000 a year in non-government loans. Here, I'd probably major in Economics while on a premed track.</p>

<p>Georgetown: It's just a great school! I have not been on the campus yet (so I'm sure that will help my decision), but I like the allure of going to the East Coast. I'm from the Midwest, and I feel like this could be my break to get out there. I was accepted to the International Health/Premedical Program, and it's basically everything I wanted. I really feel like going to Georgetown will help me go to medical school, graduate school, or wherever I end up. Not to mention, I feel like the connections are endless. However, I'm slightly worried about being so far from home. I do know some people who go to Georgetown, but I'm a bit hesistant as to whether I should go full speed ahead. Financially, it will cost me $2000 (plus living expenses) in non-government stafford loans per year. </p>

<p>There's quite a few pros and cons to each. Even though they're so different, they really both seem to suit my needs!</p>

<p>greenpenguin, much as I think Macalester is a wonderful place, and my own son may well end up there (he is going to visit soon), in your case, it sounds like Georgetown may be a better fit. It sounds like the only down side is that it is farther from home, but part of going to college is getting out of your “comfort zone” and expanding your horizons. Your parents may not thank me for this, and I know how hard it is to be separated from people you love (all my kids have gone far away for college), but I can tell you that the homecomings are wonderful! You will probably know for sure which is the right place when you visit, but in general, my advice is to spread your wings and fly – good luck!</p>

<p>I agree. The next few years are a great time to grow and explore new things. If you really love the Midwest you can come back for grad school.</p>

<p>Once you visit GTown you’ll be able to decide. Just stepping on campus at GTown will engender a quite different experience than being at Mac. The plentiful greenspace, venerable buildings, and favorable climate will be a contrast. As someone attracted to Mac’s openness, pay attention to your comfort level with GTown’s Catholicism. It doesn’t permeate and restrict but it is something of which to be aware…as,too, is the noticeable increase in prep school students there.</p>

<p>One might think the DC metro would make DC itself easily accessible to students, but the subway doesn’t stop in the neighborhood. Like Mac, if you are inclined to see the city you will have to walk, bike, or bus for some way. The weather, however, is likely to be more tolerable of outside activity.</p>

<p>Thank you everybody! I’m just concerned with the difference between Georgetown’s grading and Macalester’s grade policies. I plan on going premed, but I don’t want to get a terrible GPA at Gtown and never get in haha</p>

<p>I really think you should go to Georgetown from what you’ve said. I love Mac–I would have chosen it in your situation but I’m not you. As for your grading question, it’s incredibly difficult for students to compare the relative hardness/easiness of schools for a lot of reasons, and I know nothing at all about Georgetown. However, I can tell you that Macalester is not going to be significantly easier than anywhere in terms of workload/grading. Based on comparing with my friends at other schools, guidebook reviews, etc., it’s fairly intense. Econ/pre-med is going to be a really intense track anywhere, but I know for a fact that the average econ GPA here is not particularly high–it’s very difficult. In a nutshell, going to Macalester over Georgetown for easier grading is very foolish because there will probably be no difference, and Macalester may in fact be harder.</p>

<p>Thank you! I was thinking the same thing, and I shouldn’t make a decision on what school I’ll have an easier time at or anything. I’m definitely waiting to hear from the premed offices at each college, and I’m sure that along with another tour of each will make my decision a lot easier!</p>

<p>Mmm, I disagree on the potential GPA difference. GTown’s 50% SAT range in math is 40 points higher than Mac’s (comparable on critical reading). You are competing against a smarter set of students in the sciences at GTown.</p>

<p>Also, you could hardly have picked two campuses with a more different vibe. You need to go visit Gtown, spend the night and attend a class if you can. You will likely need more spending money at Gtown – it is a pricey shopping/eating neighborhood. And I am not sure what you mean by “plus living expenses” for Gtown. Gtown attracts a very different kind of student that Mac. The “allure” of the East Coast can wear thin pretty quickly, it is not a good reason to pick a school.</p>

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<p>I disagree with your conclusion. You can’t judge a school’s grading culture by it’s SAT scores. Some schools have a rep for being viciously hard when it comes to grading (Swarthmore, Reed) others almost laughably easy, relatively speaking. And grading severity and standardized test scores are not linked. </p>

<p>One has nothing to do with the other. And SAT scores do not measure intelligence or “smarts.” The last time I checked, SATs and ACTs were not IQ tests. SATs are an aptitude test. ACTs more of multi-subject matter test. </p>

<p>For the OP, it’s impossible to guess between Georgetown and Mac which school is “easier” than the other. So many factors like your own motivation, your major, the luck of the draw with professors, even your ability to resist distractions, would have to be factored in.</p>