<p>Hi, my name is George and this question has been boggling my mind for the past few weeks. I've finally decided to make an account here and hear some wise opinions.</p>
<p>I was accepted into GW and W&M two weeks ago, and intend to major in economics/mathematics in college.</p>
<p>I guess the first thing people wonder about is the cost. The cost for these two colleges comes down to 15k (W&M) v. 11k(GW), after financial aid and scholarships of course. As you can see the little difference in cost contributes greatly to my indecision. </p>
<p>The second thing that I've thought about is the study environment. GW is in the heart of the capital while W&M is the exact opposite with a very quiet campus that is more soothing to my taste. But being in the middle of DC and right next to World Bank, which is my life-long goal, GW students probably get a lot more internship opportunities in DC than students from other colleges. So the decision between campus and internship opportunities is another hard one.</p>
<p>Thirdly, the undergraduate economic programs in both colleges are more or less the same. I will have a better chance of connecting with my professors in W&M because of its 11:1 faculty to student ratio. However, I will have the chances of taking more rigorous courses in GW (since GW has a graduate econ program and W&M doesn't). So professor vs. courses is also debatable. </p>
<p>Finally, the reputation. GW definitely is more renowned than W&M world wide, while W&M is ranked 20 places higher in the US. I really don't know what to think.</p>
<p>So my friends, I'd love to hear your opinions on this situation.
Thanks.</p>
<p>About internship opportunities:
W&M has a campus in DC as well. Students who get internships in DC can spend the summer in the apartments W&M owns there. In addition, you can spend a semester in the DC study program, which I believe is a mix of taking classes in DC and interning at the same time. I think W&M may offer you the best of both worlds in these regards.</p>
<p>As for upper level courses, there are plenty of other students like you who will be taking upper level econ classes early. As such, I believe W&M offers very rigorous upper level classes that some recent graduates have said were much harder than their masters classes.</p>
<p>As for working for the World Bank, I have seen many speakers from places like the UN that say they pay attention when they see a W&M degree on a resume because they know W&M grads will work hard and do well.</p>
<p>If you prefer GW, you should go. But you are wrong about reputation-- W&M has a far greater rep. GW does not have that great a rep for undergrad studies at all- it is considered a 2nd tier wanna be by those in the know. W&M, on the other hand, has a long history and tradition of greatness, great professors, etc, and it is top flight.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth …W&M has more cachet. GW has bigger tuition bills! :eek: :eek::eek: GW has vastly more generous FA. W&M has figuratively none. :(</p>
<p>One’s urban maxi, the other small town colonial America …literally. Public vs. private. Substantial grad school vs. boutique programs for post-BSers. These places are about as different as can be. Go where it feels right. You don’t need help figuring this out, and if you do, you may wanna consider a prep school for a year or so. </p>
<p>In a year, it’ll not make a lick of difference. You’ll love _____________! (Fill in the blank.)</p>
<p>I chose WM over GW even tho both offered me an 80000 scholarship. Since I’m leaving the farm (literally) for the first time I decided a smaller town would be an easier adjustment. I too eventually would love to work on the hill. But at 18, I think I’ll take it one step at a time. My mama says its and easier climb that way.</p>
GW has bigger tuition bills! :eek: :eek::eek: GW has vastly more generous FA. 
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