Why didn't I get into to GWU? *frustrated*

<p>So what you're saying, nymets, is that GW overlooked the lower SAT's, and focused on prestigious science competitions, and being president of the student council. And this is your evidence for saying they're an "SAT whore". Interesting logic. I'd put a smiley face in here, but I've never figured out how to do it.</p>

<p>I believe you misconstrued the post. Nymets' friend was denied, not admitted.</p>

<p>Ah, then you are right, qwilde. I never saw nymets post about his friend, so I shouldn't have assumed.</p>

<p>Anyway, as I posted to harding elsewhere, I was thinking that Catholic might be an interesting school for him to consider. What does everyone else think?</p>

<p>Oh, was he denied? It wasn't clear. I don't really think it's constructive to make judgements on a school's admission decisions. As I've said earlier, we don't have all the facts, haven't read the essays or the recommendations, etc. I can say, my D is a freshman at GW and so far has been treated fairly there, has always received what was promised and has been very satisfied. That's why it annoys me when people make general, unsubstantiated statements about the school. Gwilde-thanks for the earlier link to the faculty senate page. I've read through a lot of that faculty senate information previously and find it very informative. I was just commenting earlier on the admit rates.</p>

<p>Academically: yes. However, if the OP isn't particularly fond of a student body that is primarily affluent, Caucasian, and conservative then it might not be the social Mecca he was hoping for. If the OP doesn't mind that though, then Catholic would be great, but otherwise I would recommend American University.</p>

<p>I will apologize in advance for posing a seemingly irrelevant topic, but I was wondering how your daughter is enjoying her experience at GWU? It seems that I rarely see anyone on the forum with actual firsthand knowledge.</p>

<p>EDIT: researchmaven you are welcome. I thought the information wasn't particularly helpful (in Harding's case that is), but offered some raw insight regarding the growth of the university and its increase in selectivity.</p>

<p>Harding292:</p>

<p>Sorry to hear about your disappointing decision. If it makes you feel any better GWU isn't the only school that rejects good kids. Unfortunately, I don't believe GWU is need blind. They don't have as much money as some other schools. You need to focus on your other schools and put this behind you. You are not in this alone. I dare say all of us will not get accepted to all our schools.</p>

<p>Heavenwood:</p>

<p>GWU snobby. As if any prestigious private school doesn't harbor any snobbiness. Do you think HYP, Amherst , Williams et al are not snobby.</p>

<p>hsseniorlooking:</p>

<p>I don't believe Heavenwood was insinuating that the administration or the school faculty for that matter is snobby. I believe Heavenwood was just merely stating that a large percentage of the school's student population is affluent and sometimes snooty. Personally, I cannot comment as I am applying to GWU, but from the online reviews and certain comments on this site that I have read, I have unfortunately deduced that quite a few students are snobby. I am willing to overlook that; however, as I believe George Washington is a great university. Ultimately, I believe Heavenwood was just trying to console Harding and no harm was intended.</p>

<p>Gwilde-I don't want to hijack this thread, but my D is enjoying GW. It was exactly the type of school she wanted. She loves the city environment and yet the school is not overwhelming since it is physically condensed. The people are no different than anywhere else. At a medium-to-large school like GW there are many types of people and you will find your group. The stereotyping that goes on is, I think, caused by a bit of social insecurity, that really is not warranted. As at any school of it's size, you must have some inititative to obtain the full benefit of all the resources available to you. From yur postings, I think you would have no trouble doing very well there.</p>

<p>Sorry for the confusion. My friend was denied. He got into URochester and hes happy there.</p>

<p>You shouldn't always portend that American U is a slam-dunk safety for GWU applicants: </p>

<p><a href="http://admissions.american.edu/public/contentPage/contentPage.asp?navID=135&parId=2968&docID=2851%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.american.edu/public/contentPage/contentPage.asp?navID=135&parId=2968&docID=2851&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Harding--</p>

<p>So sorry you didn't get your first choice. You sound like a very intelligent, hard-working student who has had to cope with a lot, but has risen to the challenge. The fact that the GW admissions committee didn't see your strengths does not mean that you won't be accepted to an excellent school RD.</p>

<p>First, I want to support the suggestion that you have your GC phone GW on your behalf. It is impressive that you took responsibility and called yourself, but it is likely that GW will give your GC more specific info than they'd give a student. Your GC can also find out more about the appeal procedure and find out if there is some element of your application/essays/whatever that you should change or highlight in that process.</p>

<p>Second, about the appeal, why not go for it? The appeals procedure has to be in place for some reason, and even if there is little chance of success, it might be worth trying.</p>

<p>Finally, do not be discouraged and think that this portends doom in terms of your other applications. Be sure to get your GC or another trusted adult who knows a lot about college admissions to look at your application & essays one more time. Then, do not assume that because GW rejected you, you only have a chance at schools with lower stats. There really is an element of randomness with college acceptance. Many, many students are accepted at some "higher" schools while being rejected or wait-listed at "lower" ones. Take a look at your list, and make sure you have reaches, matches and safeties, of course, but don't be afraid to try for schools if you're in their range. Remember, also, that many schools, including UC's, don't look at freshman grades.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I didn't suggest American because I think it is a safety school, but because it offers many of the programs the OP mentioned he was interested in and it is in the location the OP said he preferred. I also said that Harding could put in for a transfer IF he wasn't satisfied after a year. I don't think Harding should give up on his dreams, but should realize there is more than one path to achieving them.</p>

<p>If the OP eventually considers transferring, he should check to see what kind of financial aid is available for transfers. Not all colleges offer financial aid to transfers.</p>

<p>Harding- I just want to applaud your efforts and if GW doesn't work out, it's their loss. It does seem unfair, but for some unknown reason they did not deem it as a "match". I'm sure you will be an asset wherever you go. Don't give up, you've come so far. What other schools are on your list? Do you have what are called "financial safeties" on your list? There are some excellent CSU's, maybe Carolyn can fill you in on them. And of course don't rule out private schools..have you considered closer to home?</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help</p>

<p>I need quick help however. Where else should I start looking? I'm not so fixated on DC anymore.</p>

<p>I will appeal the decision to GW however, although they gave me or my EA little to no reason of why I was rejected.</p>

<p>I just don't know where else to look and I'm running out of time...</p>

<p>U of Rochester
Trinity U
Northeastern</p>

<p>Syracuse has always had a good poli sci dept.
Also consider colleges that are located in state capitols.</p>

<p>More ideas:</p>

<p>American University
Boston University
Case Western Reserve
Fordham
University of Illinois
Temple U
U of Washington (State)</p>

<p>University of Minnesota
Florida State
Macalester</p>