I’m nearing the end of my college search process, and I have my list pretty much complete. However, I cannot stop thinking about going to school in Washington D.C. I would like to major in math, and possibly double up in economics (or a math-econ degree if it’s offered). I was considering applying to George Washington and American, but I did not like American’s campus, and I have not heard good things about GW’s math department. I also LOVE Georgetown, but it doesn’t really strike me as a math or science kind of school. So, I guess my question is, are there any other GOOD schools in D.C. that have good programs for my potential major(s)? Also, what does Georgetown have to offer for a math major?
Thank you!
Good is in the eye of the beholder, and you’ve listed the ones that are generally considered the most competitive.
If being near DC, but not necessarily smack in the middle of the city, is good enough for you. U of MD at College Park and George Mason U in Virginia each are only a relatively short Metro ride from all the action.
@happymomof1 I visited UMD, and really liked the campus, however I didn’t really feel like there was much to do off campus as far as I could tell. As for George Mason, I’m really looking for a school that’s pretty competitive.
@mlg0312 - You make good points there. So long as you see DC as a bonus, rather than a necessary factor, you will be able to build a good list for yourself. It may turn out that there really is nothing in DC that meets your needs. That’s OK. You can visit for spring break!
Further out, but still close enough to get to DC pretty easily: U of MD Baltimore County and Johns Hopkins/Goucher/Towson, etc. in the Baltimore area. I’m just thinking about geography here. I have no notion whatsoever about their math programs.
George Washington’s honors college is pretty neat and they offer a lot of merit aid to strong applicants. Georgetown has a lot of very smart students and surrounding area that is incredible. I guess you have to decide if you like DC more than math. Have you looked at “Riggs Recommendations” for strong math schools?
@Wje9164be: I can’t find anything on the internet that goes by “Riggs Recommendations” - what is that?
@Waiting2exhale: Probably “Rugg’s,” but from what I’ve read, I wouldn’t recommend the source.
Yes, it’s Ruggs. Your guidance counselor might have a copy. Just another data point on good math programs. Perhaps merc81 has a more constructive suggestion on how to find good math programs?
Re #8: If you have had good experiences with that publication, please let me know and I will adjust my future comments. From what I’ve read of several national publications, not just that one, their respective methodologies seem so poor that they may be problematic as sources. My own opinion is that if this OP will not graduate from high school advanced beyond BC calc, then 100 or more undergraduate math programs would be suitable for him or her, and that finding a good fit should be of greater concern. Poor math programs, to the extent that they can be identified, should be ruled out of course. Fwiw, I wrote about the topic as it relates to Georgetown on another thread, searchable in this forum, “Urgent!!! Importance of Academic Rankings?”
I’ve read Ruggs and spoke to the author briefly. He attempts to survey a broad cross section of students and professors, He is a former Brown admissions officer
Would you consider Baltimore, which is about an hour from DC? If so, then Johns Hopkins might work for you. But you have to like the vibe.