Hi! I’m trying to decide between these three schools for undergrad. I’m from Massachusetts, I went to boarding school, and I’m interested in studying environmental policy.
I’m stuck because all three schools are similar in some ways (mid-sized, near a city, similar academics) but I see pros and cons to each school. I know Georgetown can have a reputation of being snobby white rich kids from prep school, which I don’t want. Tufts could be too familiar (my older sister went there and I already know Boston well) and WashU is kind of random and much farther away.
If anyone has any thoughts or wants to advocate for any of these schools, all advice is welcome!!
i honestly would recommend georgetown. Its reputation is not true! I know so many students that go there and 1. thye themselves are just normal students, and 2. they say that the campus is super chill! DC is an amazing city to go to college in, and the resources at the school are obviously amazing. The programs they offer that have to do with policy and government are also incredible, and the students there are extremely collaborative and love to hear what everyone else has to say. If you can visit them all I would recommend that so you can see them for yourself and find out how you feel. you have 3 amazing choices for schools and you will do great no matter what school you choose! Good Luck!!
I would give my nod to Georgetown given your interest in environmental policy.
I’m from DC and our student will be graduating from Wash U in May – a STEM Major – then moving off to graduate school. As others point out, you have three great choices. I also attended Georgetown for graduate school. Ultimately, you need to find a place where you will be both stimulated academically and feel comfortable but challenged to grow. Our student found that at Wash U – and grew up blocks from the US Capitol. Frankly – you can do “policy” anywhere – particularly in areas such as environmental policy. Whether it is at the Federal, State or Local levels. If you are interested in having a strong science background then working the policy aspects (grad school or internship) then you need to think about that. Interns and new hires at the Federal level come from all areas of the country – GW and Georgetown certainly don’t have a monopoly!
Bottomline – my suggestion is to go where you feel the best fit. Our student found that fit on the Delmar Loop rather than M and Wisconsin in Georgetown. Good luck!
The last head of the EPA (under Obama) was an alum of Tufts. Tufts was a feeder school into the EPA, but be aware that the EPA has been been severely downsized under the current administration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gina_McCarthy
It would very hard to argue that Georgetown has stronger environmental programs than Tufts.