<p>I'm going to UGA as an upcoming freshman in the Honors Program and I'm feeling nervous about my decision, because it was all based on saving money. I got into Georgetown, U Chicago, and Middlebury, and really had my sights set on one of them because they're smaller, have no party-school rep, don't have a large focus on sports, have more of a rep of academic rigor, are farther from home, don't have hundreds of people I know, and most importantly had better programs in international relations and foreign languages (if I wanted to be a vet or businesswoman I know UGA has excellent programs for that and probably wouldn't be as worried).</p>
<p>Someone out there who really wanted to go somewhere else but now really loves UGA, or anyone who has something to say about UGA's education/reputation, please help!</p>
<p>Will going to UGA instead affect employers' opinion of me?
What's your impression of UGA students? or specifically of those in the Honors Program?
Do you think I'll have the same level of education at UGA as I would at those other schools?
Will I be able to get into Georgetown, U Chicago, or an Ivy League school for graduate school with an good enough performance at UGA?</p>
<p>I'm sorry if these questions seem ignorant or snobby, I just really have no idea what to expect. Thank you for your help!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your decision! Based on your interests, UGA’s going to set up pretty well for what you want to do. </p>
<p>UGA students in the Honors program are on average on par with those at most top private colleges (i.e. Duke, Northwestern, etc.). And of course you will find a decent number of students who turned town the super-top schools, usually for financial reasons. UGA students are probably more laid-back than at those other schools, but that’s a good thing in my opinion; people are certainly motivated, but they don’t get crazy intense. </p>
<p>UGA’s international relations program is much better than advertised. I’d encourage you to look into trying to get a combined BA/MIP (Master’s in International Policy) or MA degree in 4 years through UGA since that would give you a major boost when applying to top-tier PhD or Master’s programs at some of the schools that you mentioned (and through Honors at UGA, it’s entirely possible to do this combined 4-year program; my roommate’s doing it). If you want, PM me and I’ll give you the rundown on good professors who like to do research with their undergrads (and some who even pay for research assistants). Getting into a top graduate school takes a strong commitment to research and good faculty recommendations, particularly if you can get them from people well-known in the field, so it’s best to start early if you know that’s what you want to do. </p>
<p>People certainly do go on to good graduate schools. I know one student going for a Master’s at Chicago, one going to Law at Georgetown, and another at Georgetown’s security studies MA program (part-time while working in DC). UGA actually has a pretty significant presence in DC and although the name itself won’t open doors, there are plenty of alumni you can get in touch with who can help open those doors. I’d say there are more students interested in law school (we’ve had plenty of placements with large scholarships at places like Michigan, Duke, UVA, Emory, Vanderbilt, etc. in addition to people getting into Harvard and others) or going to work immediately in DC after undergrad, but there are some people who do go on to graduate work. </p>
<p>Foreign languages are foreign languages; in the classroom it depends on the teacher you have, but at UGA you’ll be saving enough money that you can actually afford to go abroad and get fluent. I’m not the biggest fan of UGA’s study abroad programs, but they are pretty good about offering a wide array of programs/classes and you can always go and study abroad on your own or through another program (there’s a group of programs where you can pay UGA tuition instead of the fees for that program specifically- ask the Office of International Education for details).</p>
<p>deutschaktuell- Would highly recommend you read all of vig180’s previous posts - very helpful. His insight into the Honors program was instrumental in my student’s decision to attend UGA Honors instead of Duke, Vanderbilt, W&M, UVA, and other top schools to which she was accepted. Did money play a role in her decision - yes. She knows she will go on to grad school and liked UGA’s generous AP credit policy which will allow her to easily pursue a double major or even a Master’s in 4 yrs. Save the money for grad school or study abroad opportunities. But, was it hard to turn down Duke/Vandy? - absolutely. Feel good about your decision - there will be many other top students there this year with you due to costs. In any case, UGA will give you a very well rounded college experience from football to college town and you can pursue the grad school of your dreams later on. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase 'bloom where you’re planted" -
and I really believe that is central to your happiness. Good luck this fall!</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I feel like I’m getting a huge value in saving with the HOPE now. I also like that UGA has a laid back feel-people are very friendly and cooperative as opposed to competitive it seems. You all have been very helpful!</p>
<p>I’m a current UGA Freshman Honors student and International Affairs major. If you’re worried about graduate school, it’s not really important where you go to undergraduate as an IA majors as opposed to other majors. The top Masters programs for IA are professional schools, and generally take candidates with job experience above those who apply straight out of college. As a result, experience and commitment to the field are weighed above GPA and prestige of undergraduate (At least, that’s what a student working in admissions at Columbia SIPA told me). </p>
<p>Although, I will warn that it’s really hard to get IA classes. SPIA’s losing teachers and doesn’t have enough money to hire new teachers. And if you can get the classes you want, you might not necessarily get the teachers that you want, which is important because some IA teachers are ridiculously hard in comparison to others.</p>
<p>Anyways, if you need anything, feel free to message me or just post your questions on this thread Hope to see you next year!</p>
<p>Though rather large, UGA is an amazing place. H is an alum and has spent the last 25 years reliving and retelling the stories of his Glory Dawg Days. My sister and many friends are also alums. In recent years, the competitiveness of applicants and quality of education has increased exponentially. The campus and town are beautiful. The honors program is certainly on the level with most “very selective” schools.</p>
<p>I can attest to how superb the food is - D & I have attended camps there and go back for the food. The dining service has won awards competing against the likes of Ritz Carlton and similar establishments. </p>
<p>Also, here’s a list of where people in my scholarship class are going next year (many also received scholarships and turned down higher-ranked grad schools to attend these on scholarships):</p>
<p>Duke Law
UVA Law (x2) (One turned down Harvard Law for scholarship here)
Vandy Law
Colorado Law</p>
<p>WashU Med
Harvard Med
Dartmouth Med
UAB Med
Mayo Med
Medical College of Georgia (x2)
UGA Pharmacy
And one other med school I can’t quite remember… </p>
<p>UGA One-Year MBA</p>
<p>PhD in political science from UCSD
MFA from SUNY-Buffalo
Rotary Scholar to Tanzania
Mitchell Scholar to Ireland</p>
<p>Mormon Mission Work
Financial Analyst
State Political Campaigns</p>
<p>While perhaps the name on the diploma affected some of these outcomes, I’d say these are pretty darn good on the whole. I know tons of other Honors students attending law schools from Harvard to Emory to UVA and many others going to excellent med schools like Georgetown and UVA as well. So long as a student can keep a high GPA and do well on the standardized tests, that student will have a fine shot at top grad schools from UGA.</p>
I also like that UGA has a laid back feel-people are very friendly and cooperative as opposed to competitive it seems. You all have been very helpful!</p>