W&M or GWU for IR??

Applying to College
1

Hey guys,

Just got accepted into W&M for my IR major as a Fall 2018 junior transfer with a 3.7 GPA. I am really ecstatic. I am still waiting to hear back from AU, GWU, and Georgetown. Georgetown is a bit of a stretch, but I am currently planning on GWU and AU acceptances. It will likely come down to GWU and W&M in the end. A little about me, which may help offering advice: I am 26, a veteran, and have worked in international security cooperation as I was attached to a Foreign Advisor team in Afghanistan during my deployment there. The Marines later turned around and sent me to school to become said Foreign Advisor. I went to Romania and assisted Eastern European nations with security cooperation on a leadership level, so I’m leaning towards programs strong with security studies.

I currently live in NOVA as well, as does my family and girlfriend. I understand the Elliott School is ranked in the Top 10, however, I don’t overly look at rankings other than the obvious ones like Stanford, Georgetown, Harvard, etc.

So, how does W&M and GWU compare, campus and academics wise? I’ve pretty familiar about the social stereotypes about W&M and GWU, so a rehash isn’t necessary. I am, however, closely scrutinizing the reputation W&M has as an “all study” campus. I work hard for my grades, but I am concerned that the campus doesn’t have a social life balance. If I’m going to move away from my family and girlfriend as an older student, I would like to know if it’s a tight knit community. All comments are appreciated!

2

Congrats, two great choices! I’m very familiar with IR at WM and somewhat familiar with GW. In most cases, my two cents would be that these are very different campuses. Both schools are terrific for IR, in slightly different ways. Would you prefer a larger-scale LAC environment or an urban campus? I"d have a clear preference for the former, but that’s me.

In your specific case, though, you are an older returning student with a lot of great real-world experience. I don’t think WM is an all-study campus, as it is sometimes stereotyped. There’s a lot of collaboration, students are notably friendly, and do have fun. There might not be as much high-end weekend, break trips as at some other peer schools, but there’s lots happening on weekends.

As an older student, I do think some of it may be less interesting for you. You’d find people to hang out with, but I’m thinking a lot of your peers would be too young or seem too young. GWU might have a slightly older student profile, and you might have more contact with grad students there. More will probably be working and going to school. WM has law and business grad students, and a relatively small number in other departments, like history and anthropology. I could imagine DC would be more fun. However, DC is also much more expensive, as you are probably well aware.

Do you know where you would be living if you come to WM? Would you be in WM undergrad housing? Ludwell Apartments is a good, slightly off-campus option. Or would you live in off-campus housing?

Anyway, WM is a very nice place to live; GW’s urban location offers a lot. I wouldn’t be overly concerned with WM being too over the top in terms of academics. Do you see yourself happy with a traditional college experience? Or does it sound more appealing to have internship opportunities and hanging out in DC after class?

Also, and I have personal experience with this, can your girlfriend get out of DC early or late on a Friday to come down to visit? Traffic is bear from about 2 to 8 on Friday afternoons/evenings. If she come down, or you can go up, at times when traffic is not so bad, the trip can be not that much worse than getting into DC in the evening. Good luck with your choice!