George Washington University

Date: Sep 13 2004
Major: Journalism (This Major's Salary over time)
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!