Negatives of GW?

Colleges and Universities A-Z George Washington University
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<p>Today, my parents asked me (knowing that GW was my first choice) if I'd like to do ED to GW. I told them that I'd think about it and they offered to go visit it again. But really, what more will this show me than the first time I visited it? Probably not much. So, I'm posing this question to all current GW students: What are the negatives of GW? Are some of the dorms nasty? Is it impossible to get into classes that you want? Do Freshman get tripled? Are professors boring? I know that no school is perfect, but I want to make an informed decision before I do ED anywhere.</p>

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<p>it’s extremely expensive if you’re not getting aid</p>

<p>there can be red tape (although the knapp administration is MUCH better at handling it than the trachtenberg administration was) </p>

<p>there is constantly construction…although i’d argue this is a good thing as the school is always improving. but it can be annoying at times. </p>

<p>the school is what you make of it. nobody is really going to hold your hand. it’s a fantastic environment for type A go-getters but if your ideal college experience is super small classes, rolling hills, and introspection about philosophy this might not be the place. it’s common to see your classmates in suits and ties coming to or from internships. </p>

<p>sometimes i’m not sure if i’m on a campus or in the middle of a tourist trap. guaranteed you will see at least one person per day with a map and camera. </p>

<p>hope this helps.</p>

3

<p>To OP</p>

<p>Via my “S” - current sophomore in Elliott. Concur with above post by GW Alum. </p>

<p>Dorms overall are much better than most colleges. Most are converted apartments and have their own bathroom - upperclass dorms have kitchens. Some dorms are brand new and amazing like on Mount Vernnon Campus. Yes, some are triples , quads, and occ 6/room like in Thurston, but the rooms are huge. My “S” was in a double in Crawford 1st year and loved it - he’s in a triple this year in Guthridge. Food program completely revised this year and should be much better - see website.</p>

<p>He’s had no trouble getting his classes - but you have to be prepared for your registration window, and have back-up courses ready. Ususally your advisor helps prepare you for this. Even if the course is not available during your registration window, they open up as you get closer to the semester beginning as upperclassmen change their schedules.</p>

<p>Professors so far have been very good - use “Ratemyprofessor.com” and try and screen for the good ones. Some are experts in their field - speaking from an Elliott school perspective.</p>

<p>He’s very happy and yes he was one of the students in suits coming to and from his internship on Capitol Hill - as a freshman!</p>

<p>Many, many opportunitites for the independant and outgoing students.</p>

<p>Hope this helps - courtesy of my “S”.</p>

<p>CJ</p>

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<p>I chose to go ED as well, and my main list of concerns were:

  1. no $ aid for me - although if u demonstrate a need they are VERY good about hooking u up.
  2. urban environment - and i mean urban. you’re literally encased within a 5x5 city block area.
  3. not a lot of greenery except on the vern, so if you’re into the whole nature thing you have to go for a little walk off campus.
  4. you’re in a little DC bubble - it’s fairly upper class and in the “nice” part of town. </p>

<p>other than that the only concerns were if i got into a better university and i was bound to GW, but since it’s your first choice go ED, plus u get first dibs at the dorms, which is always a plus.</p>

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<p>Hm… Thanks for the responses! I’d consider myself somewhere in between an outgoing person and a shy person, so I’m not entirely sure how well I fit into the “go getter” personality, but I think I’d be okay.</p>

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<p>CollegeJawn, my daughter loves GW. She generally gets her classes but as with any school, you need to register early and be responsible. GW professors are good and have opened my daughter to so many possiblities. Last year she attended the session with 4 ex-press secretaries and the Howard Dean vs Newt Gingrich debate. She also celebrated in front of the White House when Osama Bin Laden was brought to justice. My daughter is having a great experience and if you take advantage of what GW and DC have to offer, you will also enjoy your college experience. I agree with the previous description of the dorms. My daughter is in a suite with 3 other girls and they have a full kitchen and their own bathroom. Best of luck to you!!</p>