<p>How is the Psych program in AU?
I heard AU is far better for international studies (which i am also interested in) but right now I am a psych major in another school and debating whether or not to transfer here or hunter college in nyc.
I have visited AU before and find it a better environment than where I am right now and I really like the school and campus, but I am worried that the culture here is more “trust fund, rich international students”.</p>
<p>I am a middle class student and would feel uncomfortable around that.</p>
<p>I do not think AU is “trust fund, rich international students”. However, I think it is much stronger in international studies and poli sci than psych.</p>
<p>My D (not international, middle class, has a scholarship and a job) is a Psych major --she came to AU for a very different major, so had no foreknowledge of the department, but has been very pleased with her courses and profs. I agree that international studies and poli sci are the two areas for which AU is best known, but that doesn’t mean the other departments are inferior. If I were you, I would look over the credentials of the AU Psych professors and the course offerings to satisfy yourself.</p>
<p>I don’t really understand why AU has some kind of “rich kid” reputation. Almost everyone D knows has some kind of job and more than one is scrimping to get by. D did meet the son of a multimillionaire freshman year–to my dismay, no romance developed–but he was hardly typical. If you look around the campus, you see very little in the way of conspicuous consumption (far less than at GW, for example). I think this is a non-issue.</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch NewJerseyMom and MommaJ. I am glad your daughter is a psych major, I am really interested in going to American University.
I guess I got that the “rich kid” vibe because I go to a state college right now and feel that because American is a private school, I would feel out of place.</p>
<p>My daughter will be an incoming freshman and we are as middle class as you can get!</p>
<p>Is American University better than a State school in NY? I go to SUNY Geneseo…but I’m not in love with the rural environment and lack of internships.</p>
<p>My niece is at Geneseo and loves it but not everyone would be happy with the location. DC has a lot to offer as far as internships and cultural events. However, if you are a NY resident, the difference in cost I huge. This I something you should consider as well.</p>