George Washington University

My experience at GW thus far has been mixed. I love my department, the Elliott School of International Affairs is great. It is one of the Top 5 International Affairs schools in the nation and it is well deserving of that ranking.

Yet, in contrast to my experience with the Elliott School, my experiences with the Math and Economics departments have been horrible. The Math department is geared completely towards engineering majors and if you aren't up to that level or you just happen to think differently, you'll struggle to make it through a class. The Economics department at GW is no better. For a simple entry level micro-economics course there is one professor who practically hands out A's, yet, his students learn nothing. Then, there is another professor who is known for failing as many of his students as possible, yet, he actually teaches if you can handle an F. It's the luck of the draw what class you get into and your choice is between an easy A with no education or an F and a learning experience.

The athletic department at GW is interesting. I am a member of a Varsity Team at GW and I love it, but, I'm not a basketball or a baseball player, so heaven forbid the University throw me any recognition. The school spirit is lack-luster, but it's getting better. Personally, I have fun at sports events on campus, it would just be nice if more students would join me.

I have to put in at least one comment on the price of attending GW. You would think that for $40,000 per year, soon to be more, you would get more than you do. At times I think GW is more of a Real Estate Company than a University.

Housing at GW is great, awesome buildings, awesome rooms, and who can complain about never having to use a community bathroom.

Finally, if you're looking for a school with a "state school" atmosphere, go to a state school, GW will not be the right place for you. The university police department is serious, they'll bust you for just about anything, and they're everywhere. Some of their policies are bull and far to over protective (at times they can be reminicent of the in-loco-parentis rules of the 60's). Just make sure you don't get caught doing something if you're not supposed to be doing it. Get to know people off campus.

All in all, GW is for the student who likes to work hard and play hard, the student who likes to get involved, and the student who wants to truly get a "real life" experience.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Campus Aesthetics: C-

Something Happens here... And so begins the slogan GW uses to entice prospective students. I've found through my first semester experience, most of "what happens here" revolves around drinking. First of all I do not object to alcohol. Quite the contrary, as I occasionally get plastered on the weekends to make the pain go away of how much it costs to go to this University. Seriously though, many of the students drink in their dorms mainly because the nightlife at D.C. excludes those only under 21. Unless you have a fake, your options for going out on the weekends are limited to a handful of mediocre dance clubs. As for the student body at GW, I have found them to be a mixed bunch. Some of these students have never worked a day in their life, and spend their weekends shopping in Georgetown maxing out their parents credit cards. I have also found students to be rather intellectually uncurious and self absorbed in their own wealth that they spend much of their time text messaging their friends in class on their new cell phone as a way to pass the time. Sometimes I sympathize, as some of the professors lack the ability to speak with a passion about their subject. So what is the bottom line here? Well, GW can be what you make of it. Although I have to say for as much as it costs, you will never get your money's worth. Most courses, especially during your freshman year are large, unchallenging, and differ very little from those offered at a community college.

1st Year Male -- Class 2006

Campus Maintenance: A+, Social Life: F