Hi! I was recently admitted to all three of the above universities (McGill, NYU, GWU), and I’m having trouble deciding which uni to attend in the fall. I applied as a PolySci major to all, was admitted to Bachelor of Arts for McGill, liberal studies core program at NYU, and Elliott School at GWU.
I would be an international student at McGill and would opt to be there for 4 years to have time to explore majors and paths. My main concern with NYU is the core program. It wasn’t my first choice (CAS was), and from what I read I don’t have the greatest impressions. I am a bit daunted by the Elliott School at GWU; although I think I want to go into PolySci, I don’t know if I will feel the same after 4 years. I’m scared that I won’t get the opportunity to explore other paths and won’t be able to transfer to another school w/in GWU. Price of education is not really something I am taking into account - I’m more focused on the quality of education, student life, internship opportunities, and what kids do after getting their degree (grad school, employment, etc.)
Any insight into the schools and opinions are greatly appreciated!
Is cost a consideration?
The Elliott School at GW is not political science. The degree will be a BA or BS in International Affairs. The poli sci degree is via the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
You should compare the degree plans at all 3 universities. Obviously, you have 3 quality choices.
No, cost really isn’t of consideration (although NYU is much more expensive, and GW gave me a scholarship)
What might an alternate major be at GWU? Check the website to find out about internal transfers, and email admissions if you need clarification.
Admission into the Elliott School is more difficult than admission into the Columbian College at GW. You can get a degree in IA and double major in poli sci if you’d like or Econ or French or Math, etc The IA degree requires quite a few classes so really look at the degree plan. Look at the actual classes.
NYU is really expensive. If you might want to go to grad school or law school, it might be better to pick a less expensive option but that is a decision to make with your parents.
Thank you! So there is an option to double major and get a degree from Elliott and the college?
I’m not sure what an alternate major might be. I’ve never taken some classes that relate to majors (like econ, business, some science majors, arts, basically anything outside a traditional American edu) so I don’t want to limit myself to what I think I like now.
@eroytberg yes. My son is doing just that. A BS in IA (Elliott) and a BA In a hard science (Columbian). The IA degree requires a lot of classes so you’d have to plan carefully. But this is doable.
The Elliott School just added the BS degree in IA option to make double majoring in a STEM degree easier. Again, really look at the degree requirements. A polisci degree is not the same as an IA degree. You might prefer one over the other.
The GW IA degree requires Econ classes among others and 3 years of foreign language. The requirements are pretty lengthy but provide for choices and concentrations. It is a very good program.
Thank you so much! If you don’t mind me asking, how does your son enjoy GW? The school in general, the students, social life?
My son has enjoyed his time at GW. He has had very good teachers all in all. He has been involved in clubs and goes all over DC. He likes the meal plan and the dorms have been fine. There seem to be many ways to be involved: there is an outdoor club called Trails that is popular, students have radio shows, many seem to get internships, and there is Greek life for those who are interested,
If you haven’t visited these schools, you should. While GW is urban, NYU is on another level of urban. I am not familiar with McGill.
If you haven’t checked, look at the reddit posts for these schools.
OP: After reading this thread, it appears that you prefer McGill & GWU over NYU.
Visit both schools, then decide.