George Washington University

GW is a really unique university. It combines its incredible location in the heart of DC with interesting professors and internships. There's a large range of classes, and the dorms are the best in the country. The students are very hard-working and involved in student organizations. Students are constantly studying and utilizing the university's resources Monday-Friday.

However, come Friday afternoon, the night life is incredible. Not everyone is into partying here, but DC is so much fun anyways! With all the theatres, concerts, restaurants, and festivals, it's impossible to be bored.

Of course, there's lots of university's in great locations. No one should come to GW just to be in DC. It's important to be apart of the campus, and there's lots of opportunities for that. People are extremely busy and intelligent at GW, and it can be intimidating to first-year students. Sometimes it seems that people here are business associates and not casual students. Don't let that get to you, people here are generally nice and friendly as long as you make an effort to meet them in this fast-paced environment.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B+

In my opinion, GW has a great advantage over all the other DC schools such as American and Georgetown in location. The embassies, Capitol Hill, and all sorts of internship opportunities are most readily available around the GW campus.

However, contrary to your concern, this does not at all (in my experience) affect the so-called college experience. I had 2 jobs over fall semester, yet I made friends with a close circle (something very important to have at a larger city school) who I hang, eat, and go out with. These people I've met in my dorm rather than through classes, although a lot of people also meet friends through classes and clubs as well.

Yes, GW is an urban campus, but MUCH less so than a school like NYU. NYU is sprawled out over the city, but GW is located strictly in Foggy Bottom, a residential area in DC. The campus is very insulated and bordered by major streets which signify the borders of the campus. Thus, you KNOW whether you're on GW territory or not, it is very clear just by looking around, as GW students are always out and about within campus and GW signs are plastered over every building and street corner.

The key is to make friends in the beginning- you've got to be really friendly the moment you move in. From there on, there shouldn't be any trouble in making friends- everyone loves meeting new people.

GW also(if you care that much) has plenty of "academic prestige." Due to the fact that it's now rejecting over 2/3 of its applicants, people are raising an eyebrow to its selectivity and competitivness. The law school is really strong here, and so are most programs relating to journalism, politics, international business and public administration.

Although I am a Middle Eastern Studies major in the Elliot School, I am an aspiring journamist. The GWHatchet has been a great outlet for me to get hands on experience while also building a resume. If you're looking to get involved with a campus newspaper, I can't think of a better place to be than GW. The

Hatchet was named the best non-daily in the nation last year and has among its many alumni four Pulitzer Prize

winners. The location is also great for journalism, being so close to major political events, from protests to

hearings on Capitol Hill.
The classes in the Elliot School are incredible-just look at a course bulletin. There's hundreds of courses covering all parts of the world and its many cultural and ethnic differences. I can take classes solely on The Arab-Israel Conflict or buff up on Indian Philosophy and Mysticism.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B+

I like it here. The dorms are quite nice. There's loads to do, especially due to GW's close proximity to Georgetown, all the DC museums(including the Smithsonian), and many theatres. The academics are really strong(at least from what I can see) and The Elliot School is top in the nation for International Affairs. The Journalism School is highly respected.

My professors are really interesting and bring something exciting to the table. One of my friends had a presidential advisor for his class. I want to get him next year. With all of the outlets in DC, there's so much real-life learning. For instance, I went to the Smithsonian with my Anthropology professor. The internships are really good, too.

The students are very hard-working and motivated here. The student body is the most politically active in the nation, which shouldn't be a shock considering that it's 3 blocks from the white house. Student government is a big deal here, and there's lots of outlets for future journalists with The award-winning student newspaper, television coverage of Inside Politics, and a strong student radio. There's so many student associations on top of that.

The campus is really neat. Even if you don't want to go to GW I recommend just touring it. There's trolley rides offered by the university that take you to most national monuments. The quad on campus is pretty when covered with snow, and the many art/DC festivals(Cherryblossom) are so relaxed and enjoyable. I love GWU. I understand it's not for everyone, but I still highly recommend it.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B+