I am currently a freshman at PSU (main campus), with the intention of majoring in Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts but I got into GWU to transfer for the Fall of 2017. I got into the Elliott School of International Affairs. Looking for some feedback on what would be the better option (also applied to Penn, Georgetown, and Tufts but am waiting on my admissions decisions for those).
@sestaller Penn is the better option imo. Higher ranked political science department, better all-around opportunities, reputation/prestige, more diverse and accomplished student body. Also Penn is very well-connected for internships in DC and has many opportunities for students interested political science and public policy.
https://piw.sas.upenn.edu
https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/about-us/
https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/for-students/students/
Why don’t you just apply to both schools and see how it goes? UPenn is very difficult to transfer into, so you should keep that in mind.
If you want to study international relations or political science, GWU’s location offers more opportunities, but Upenn’s academics and overall benefits are a whole lot better.
Are you asking if you should transfer or stay? Might help if you talked about your reasons for transferring?
@bodangles Yes that’s what I’m asking. My reasons are…
The school is too big (the classes, the campus, the student body)
Academic conversations stop at the classroom door as you leave
Greek life/party scene is too intense
Too rural (I grew up on a farm and am looking for a new experience)
Not too much diversity (study body is so big there is no mixing)
The reasons for staying would simply be academics/degree related
You need to apply, see where you get in, and determine what options are affordable before you think about making a decision.
I am planning to transfer to either GWU (Elliott School of International Affairs) or UPenn to study political science/international relations. Any advice on which is the better option?
@happy1 I am currently attending Penn State. I got into GWU to transfer for Fall 2017 as a sophomore. Tuition is not a factor. I’m concerned with comparing the academics and resources of the schools.