George Washington University

Date: Feb 09 2005
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
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.