What's the campus culture like? The social scene? They types of students who are happiest?

Thank you. I don’t much about American, but it looks interesting. Not sure whether it’s a good fit for my D.

Could you tell us a bit about your D? What is she looking to major in? My DS went ED1 at AU but won’t start until the fall. The things he loved about AU are: the traditional campus with a grassy quad, the CLEG Major (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government) that combined subjects that he loves, the kids are passionate about politics and are described as Wonks. It’s a very liberal leaning campus - 26th most liberal in the US. My DS is liberal, Bernie Sanders level, and would not fit in well at a very conservative school. If your D was very conservative then honestly, I think it may be a real issue. I believe one of DS’s friends (a socialist) was looking at the school and his parents (very conservative) told him they would not pay for AU because it was too liberal.

Liberal politics inside the district? Shocking. Please don’t make any decisions based on politics.

AU has an unusually high acceptance rate for early decision. If you can make a commitment like that, it virtually guarantees admission.

@sahmkc Thanks for responding. D is a city girl with liberal views, but I wouldn’t call her political at this point in her life. She’s looking for a pretty campus with lots of trees and grass, small classes, a vibrant social scene, Greek life and a friendly environment. She is thinking she might want to get into public relations, advertising, marketing etc as a possible career, and I hear that American has a strong Communications school. I think she has both intellectual and pre-professional interests ( might want to double major with philosophy and minor in French) Anything you can tell me would help decide if we should visit. GWU sounds good too, but I doubt she would consider it if it doesn’t have that campus she’s looking for. THanks.

@Middleman68 “Liberal politics inside the district? Shocking. Please don’t make any decisions based on politics.”

AU is the #26 most liberal school in the US - in contrast, GW is #137. AU students are known for their political activism. If you are not interested in Politics or are middle of the road to mildly conservative, I would say AU would be a fine choice. However, I think it very important to consider the political climate of the campus if you are interested in politics or politically active. When we visited for a preview day the professor’s could barely contain their contempt for President Trump. I know that my son would never be happy at Liberty University, just as our friends daughter who attends Liberty would be unhappy at AU. As DD 23 is looking at colleges one of her criteria is no very conservative schools, they must be liberal or middle of the road.

@citymama9 AU has a highly regarded communications department- it’s ranked 29th on Niche. I think the campus physical environment is exactly what your D is looking for. Greek life is not huge at AU, but they do have a Greek System. I can’t really speak to the campus social scene since my DS has.yet to attend. I got the impression the GW might have a better social scene. They do have a traditional satellite campus that all students attend at least some classes at. You can also live there. If it’s possible to visit, I would recommend you to visit both colleges. My DS just immediately “knew” AU was for him.

Thanks so much @sahmkc