George Washington University

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Surrounding City: A+, Education Quality: F

I stumbled upon this Web site, and after reading other GW student/alumni opinions I decided to put my two cents in. Previous postings are correct, GW attracts an intelligent, opinionated, DC-focused student body.... so some of the comments are harsh. However, overall compared to other schools GW should and does rank high. I loved my experience there, and couldn't imagine going elsewhere, but this is for several reasons: I was very involved in 2-3 student activities, I worked/held internships (always paid!) at interesting places in DC, I wanted an urban setting, and although I come from a working class background, I have high self-esteem (!) and was not put off by the "rich" kids. I drank/went out a lot, was glad I did not need to belong to a frat/sorority to have fun, and felt my overall experience contributed to my transitioning well into an urban, working person's life in a diverse city. I made my best friends at GW, many of whom are very very successful in what they've chosen to do. DO GO TO GW IF: you love DC, politics, urban settings, are outgoing and independent. DO NOT GO TO GW IF: being in DC does not have anything to do with your interests or future career, unless you have a very compelling reason. BIGGEST SURPRISE: I've lived/worked in DC for 7.5 years since graduating and very rarely come across other alumni, or feel there are "connections" in this regard. Most of my friends from GW went back to their home states or moved to NY!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Well, don't come to GW expecting heaven. You have to come here ready to be a grown up, and that means dealing with tough stuff without a social net. If you can deal with life without a lot of friends, then don't worry. You will see people hanging out together here, and they do party; but its all pretty superficial; we are really a bunch of loners. We've had a rash of suicides lately, and I think a lot of its because people have a hard time adjusting to the 'coldness' of the place. Its not a warm, 'family' atmosphere, you know?

As for academics, some classes you take will be great, others will blow big time. Some professors are excellent, others talk in monotone voices. Lots of rich people here who's parents work for morgan stanley. NOT all of them are snobs, though. Some people are REALLY nice. The thing is they think that because they spent a summer w/ Habitat for Humanity, they know what its like to be poor. Lots of liberals too. Lots of Georgetown rejects, (GW is a 'second choice' school;) and boy are they bitterThe city is great; thats the one thing that i would say about this school; if the campus is bumming you out, you can LEAVE and see other people and do other things. I can't imagine going to a school where that isn't possible.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2007

Surrounding City: A+, Faculty Accessibility: D