Northwestern or GW Honors?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>It's coming down to the wire on this decision and I'm really conflicted. Please help me out!</p>

<p>Northwestern:
I got almost no financial aid except big loans. My family can afford it but life will be pretty tight. It's such a fantastic school and just at the size I want, it has a beautiful campus, and it has the freedom for me to explore other interests in addition to my major. I plan on majoring in International Studies and since that's an adjunct major I'd do Middle East Languages and Civilization as well. My concern is that, while IS offers a "cluster" in Issues in Intl Security, it's simply not that established of a program and may not be as comprehensive as a GW International Affairs - Security policy degree. I visited NU and liked the campus feel a lot, though I didn't get the chance to sit in on classes or meet that many students.</p>

<p>GW:
Much more affordable. The location I prefer over Chicago just because I like DC better and also because it's better for networking in my chosen field. It's not as highly ranked as NU overall but it is in the top five for Intl Affairs and offers a really interesting concentration in Security Policy. I'm in the honors program which seems great, though I'm concerned that the honors program at GW will be the only group/program that is as rigorous as NU's overall milieu. I haven't had the chance to visit. I'd live in honors housing on the Vern which is supposed to be amazing.</p>

<p>Please help me to make this decision; I'm super conflicted and May 1 is tomorrow. Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>A relative started in GW honors, hated it, transferred to NU and loved it.
If you have the brains for NU, it’s possible that you won’t find sufficient intellectual stimulation among your peers at GW. The relative to whom i refer did not.
Purely anecdotal, subjective, and isolated, but it’s all i’ve got to offer.
Good luck whatever you decide!</p>

3

<p>OP</p>

<p>You’ve raised the one question that none of us can answer – Cost.</p>

<p>We don’t know your family situation, how much of a sacrifice it will be, whether it will impact on ability to pay for grad school, etc.</p>

<p>Overall, NU has a much higher rep than GW. However, GW is an excellent school in what appears to be your major. </p>

<p>I think you have to sit down with your folks and have an adult talk about costs. Wherever you go, it speaks well of you that you are considering this. Good luck.</p>