Washington D.C. Schools: American vs George Washington

Hi I am a prospective student applying to international relations at both of these schools and was wondering what the difference between the two schools were. If you could elaborate on ranking/reputation, academics, alumni network, and social life that would be great. Thanks

Have you already been accepted by both of these? Are they both equally affordable?

No I have not, havent recieved the decision. I was just wondering based on the rankings and prestige and stuff

@happymomof1 No I have not, havent recieved the decision. I was just wondering based on the rankings and prestige and stuff

Until you have been admitted to both, and know that both are equally affordable, you really shouldn’t worry to much about the other issues. If you convince yourself now that one is The Best, and you don’t get in, or you can’t afford it, you could end up feeling unworthy for a very long time. Either of these places (as well as many others) can help you get to where you want to go.

If I had to choose between the two I would go with American… GW to me had a “rich kids who couldn’t get into Georgetown” kind of vibe to it, while students at American seemed happier with where they were.

They are very different campuses so a visit to both would be very helpful - GW is urban and American suburban. GW is larger and offers more diversity of courses I believe.
My daughter is a junior at AU and very happy, but it is definitely not for everyone so I highly recommend a visit to both if possible.
BTW both have excellent and well regarded international programs. GW is always ranked higher for what that is worth but I don’t think you’d go wrong with an international relations degree at American - both have very successful alumns.

I agree with the above post - they are both good programs, but very different kinds of schools. My daughter is at GW and loves that it is right in the city and easily connected to Metro and bus lines. Most of the students do internships of some sort, often by sophomore year. In that part of the city there is a lot to do and it’s safe (as any urban place is safe). Having less of a focused campus probably contributes to less school spirit than other colleges, but the students get invested in their own activities and going out to DC venues and clubs. I’ve visited American and it’s in a suburban part of DC and less Metro accessible, but the campus is very nice and it had a warm vibe there. As for rich kids, I’d say they are both pretty equal in that - but it was never an issue for my not-rich kid at GW.