I am a sophomore transfer student who is interested in politics, international relations, Spanish, theater/music, and human development. I committed to Northwestern’s SESP (social policy major) in May. I was drawn to NU because of its open curricula, liberal student body, robust theater program, and activism opportunities. Additionally, I can intern at the Department of State for credit. I feel comfortable and excited about attending Northwestern.
However, last Wednesday I got off the waitlist at Georgetown’s SFS – my dream school. I am looking to study Culture and Politics. I love Washington, D.C. (although I have not been able to visit Chicago/Evanston because of covid) and have an unwavering life goal of working for the Department of State. I know that given my career goals, Georgetown is THE school. Still, I cannot imagine withdrawing from NU at this point. Georgetown has only given me 6 days to decide; I am feeling overwhelmed and am still missing information from Georgetown.
If you have any feedback on how to decide between the two amazing schools, it is greatly appreciated!
I feel your pain as these are the two top programs that have been considered by several who are close to me.
Are you considering graduate school ? If so, that perspective may help form your decision.
Northwestern’s SESP is a tight group. Somewhat like attending a small LAC with all the benefits of a mid-sized university with a major city nearby. My understanding is that SESP students are strongly encouraged to declare two majors. Triple majoring is not uncommon at NU.
Washington DC is an incredible location for one interested in politics and international relations. Georgetown embodies DC & your interests in politics & IR.
If you want to work in the State Department, then determine whether one school might offer higher likelihood of getting a meaningful internship there.
I love Northwestern, I live within 10 miles, and I am very impressed how beautiful the campus became within the last decade or so.
NU’s climb in rankings, the size of the endowment and its well deserved national recognition has been a source of local pride.
Evanston is such a great little town (calling it a suburb would be offensive), and Chicago is a short train/campus shuttle ride away.
Still, I cannot imagine, considering your dream of working at the DoS, how you’d be able to avoid seeing SESP as a consolation prize.
Now, a different take on it. Do you dream of a Department of State job regardless of who is at the helm, what kind of policies you’ll have to support? Several of my friends had worked there for years - not anymore, and I don’t think I have to explain why.
What a difficult choice…I don’t think I can add anything beyond the two helpful posts above…is the COA similar?
Thank you all for your helpful responses! @Publisher @ArtsyKidDad @Mwfan1921
I am definitely considering graduate school, and Georgetown SFS will be at the top of my list then as well. As for the DoS, you’re right to point out that I would be particular about the administration I am working under; I have considered working for an NGO or moving abroad altogether after graduation. Regardless, I would like to work within foreign development/human rights/Latin America and I hope that one day I feel proud enough to represent the US in addressing these topics.
And yes, the COA is about $3,000 more at Georgetown, but I am fortunate that this is not a make or break decision for me.
If anyone who eventually strolls onto this thread and finds themselves in a similar situation, I ended up staying at Northwestern – due to both personal reasons and COVID circumstances. But I am still very excited, and am looking forward to taking a wide variety of classes. This website scares me so I will not be checking back often, but if you ever need college advice or anything, feel free to PM me :~)
I am glad you stayed at NU. I have spent time at Georgetown and NU with my relatives and NU has a better vibe overall. As another poster also mentioned, the current admin folks have done a great job in the past decade with fundraising/upgrading the programs and are very responsive to student needs.