<p>I’m visiting D.C. for the first time next week and will be checking out American University, George Washington, and the University of Maryland College Park (so far…). I’ll be there for 5 and a half days so plenty of time to get a feel of the city, et al. Any suggestions of what to visit/see, etc.?</p>
<p>Also, what can I expect with the visit to American?</p>
<p>hi walt~ i'm sure students will write, but as a parent, who has visited DC MANY times as my d made up her mind :) i'll share what i can...DC is awesome, assuming you love a big, exciting city, ripe with all sorts of opportunities. obviously, there are all the touristy things...the Mall, museums, national cathedral,white house, monuments, etc. see georgetown...cool and beautiful for shopping and restaurants. Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan.
we visited and applied to your 3 schools...all different, especially UMD from the 2 in DC. UMD is not as close to DC as one would think, so if you really want DC, you'll find UMD a bit far. GW and AU are very similar academically, with some big differences otherwise. GW is extremely expensive( most in the country) and contrary to what many say, they don't give as much aid as would be expected. GW is a part of the downtown, and has no campus, or said differently, a campus that's one with DC. AU is on "Embassy Row" in the most affluent part of residential DC, and down the street from the Natl. Cathedral. a quick bus to georgetown. Au(like GW) is not for everyone. it is a lovely traditional campus in DC, with a very focused, career-oriented group of students. don't go there on a Wed. , as that's a day with no classes and kids are off interning usually. altho some are wealthy, the AU kids are pretty regular and unpretentious. PR top 3rd ranking for career and job placement services. hope i've covered enough. i feel like an unofficial DC guru! PM me if you like.</p>
<p>If you have time for sighseeing, I personally recommend the holocaust museum and, of course, the monuments on the national mall. </p>
<p>If you are ever over by U street and looking for a great place to eat, Ben's Chili Bowl (1213 U Street NW) is amazing...</p>
<p>The Smithsonian museums are free - depending on your interests, lots of things there - Air and Space, Natural History, American Heritage, several fine art museums. The Zoo is also free.</p>
<p>Use the metro to get a feel for the city, it's how people really get around.</p>
<p>Visits to the White House and to Congress are also free, as is the Library of Congress, which has great architecture, and a copy of the Gutenberg Bible.</p>
<p>One other thought - check out the online calendars for the schools you are going to visit. When my D and I visited GW, we went to a play on campus. Look for some student event that you'd find fun - they are usually relatively inexpensive, and give you a feel for what the school is really like.</p>
<p>BTW - I realize this post sounds a little cheap, but one of the things about Washington that is great is that it has a lot of free activities compared to many large cities.</p>
<p>chaucers_pal~ haha! cheap! but as you say, that's the best part! and how many college kids DON'T want cheap! also, i remembered something else....since the Metro is the way to get around (with the exception of the buses right on either Massachusetts Ave., or Wisconsin Ave.which go straight into Georgetown) if going to school in DC a Metro Pass is a must. yup, CHEAPER for frequent riders!</p>
<p>If you are SIS, or ever if not this is a little-known tour in DC:</p>
<p>Diplomatic</a> Reception Tours</p>
<p>You might even find AU alums hard at work...</p>