<p>After hearing from all the schools I applied to, I narrowed my decision down to UR and GWU. I am torn between the two and would like some incite before I visit them again and make my decision. I'm interested in political science and while both are good, they offer different experiences.</p>
<p>I love the open curriculum at Rochester and its beautiful campus. However, I'm less attracted to its location. Rochester does have Eastman... and music is somewhat of an interest.</p>
<p>I really like D.C., it's my ideal location. But is GWU as "good?" It seems Rochester is held to a higher esteem, often being compared to Tufts, Wake, NYU, and BC. </p>
<p>What's the academic culture like at these schools?
Is one better than the other academically?
What is the social life like at these schools?
Is Rochester as dull as some have said?
Differences in student life/culture/atmosphere?
Are there things one offers over the other/other schools in general?</p>
<p>I think another visit will definitely help but I am torn. Before receiving acceptance to GW I was leaning towards UR, but now I don't know. Has anyone had to choose between these two?</p>
<p>Although I think UR is a better school overall (and definitely better for engineering and sciences), I would pick GW if I were interested in political science. Being in the heart of Washington D.C. offers all sorts of opportunities. And PoliSci, IR, history, government are GW’s real strengths.
Otherwise, regardless of your major, Rochester as a city cannot compare to Washington D.C.
I did like U.Rochester’s campus better though, since GWU is split into two campuses.
Overall, I would choose GWU for your interests.</p>
<p>Well, DUH.
It is in the nation’s capitol, totally surrounded by government buildings and agencies as well as major international institutions such as the World Bank and foreign embassies. Did you not go the admissions session where they highlighted all their advantages due to their location? We were there to hear about engineering (their weakest area) and even they had good stories to tell about research and internships with the government and companies in the defense sector.
[Only</a> At GW](<a href=“http://www.onlyatgw.com/]Only”>http://www.onlyatgw.com/)</p>
<p>Rochester is very highly regarded in poly sci. It may even be UR’s top ranked department.</p>
<p>Not certain about UR, but some schools offer a Washington term at GU and GW, if you want to check out the DC scene.</p>
<p>Rochester is not know as an international mecca. The U of R is somewhat isolated from the city, which has the second highest crime rate in NY behind Buffalo.</p>
<p>If you google crime rates you’ll see that, overall, Rochester and DC aren’t far apart, but DC has more violent crimes and Rochester more property crimes.</p>
<p>I don’t know that those would apply to respective colleges though…</p>
<p>In the OP’s position I’d probably pick the school I liked more unless finances were an issue. GW is a very urban campus. URoc has its own. Which fits better?</p>