First I want to say that I am beyond grateful to have to make this choice - and its not lost on me that I am super lucky I get to make it at all…
I was accepted to both Georgetown (SFS) and Princeton (junior year I would study at the The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs). International Relations and Public Policy are areas that I want to major in and eventually move on to law school after undergrad. Knowing that Princeton was a reach school I tried to be realistic and I think I already saw myself at Georgetown because I didn’t expect the Princeton acceptance (but I feel so fortunate and grateful that I was accepted). I visited both, GT for a guided campus tour, but only did a self guided at Princeton bc of COVID. I loved both campuses.
I understand the value of being in DC for undergrad bc of its proximity to the Hill in terms of opportunities for internships, etc., but I also understand the gift and value of a Princeton education.
Both great options. Somewhat different places. Personally, I’d choose Princeton. It’s phenomenally resourced and a beautiful campus. And I suspect you’d have a great network to tap into for internships.
Can you attend the April program for admitted students at one or both schools? Spending 1-2 days on campus to get a deeper sense of the schools’ respective cultures and pros/cons might clarify things for you.
Oh, and congratulations on having two wonderful options!
Gtown better known in your areas - but all costs being equal and this is the pedigree snob in me, the Princeton name will resonate forever and if I get in, I’m going there!!
G’Town SFS considers Princeton, Stanford and Columbia their tier 1 peer schools. That was according to a Dean at SFS (H doesn’t really have Undergraduate IR). I think that I would rather be in DC for the 4 years.
