<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>