George Washington University

Well, I transferred in- so i have a multi-school perspective. Transferring in to GWU is hard (especially if you live off-campus), as there is little in the way of actual campus life. So that does affect my view of the school some, but i'll be fair.

GWU is expensive- everyone knows it. At the price ($50,000/year) it attracts those that can afford to pay- the school has some financial aid (they say 60%, which i find hard to believe- or they just give out very small amounts). it's not a fully-established school (just rose from being a regional school in the past 10-15 years), so many, including students, see GW as a place that hasn't necessarily earned their reputation yet (a name does get you far, though).

Classes- INCREDIBLY over-crowded. not one or two, but MANY. Professors- generally knowledgeable, and some are quite good.

Campus- not the worst for an urban campus (vs. NYU/BU) but not much going on, either.

Student body: diversity is only skin deep: people of color are there, but most kids are upper-middle class, or better, so the term "diversity" the admissions tours throw around is rather misleading. It is rather annoying to see 19 year old kids walking around in expensive business suits and a leather attache coming back from their internships (i apply the "you're not important until your parents stop paying for your business suits" mentality)- a lot of kids get caught up in the BS culture here, and aren't exactly down to earth.

There are some pretty cool people, however, and they come from all over. And yes, there is also a high-strung, unearned snobiness among a fair share of students too (hey, they go to GW and have nice stuff, right? they can be that way…) It's a trendy place- be prepared to see lots of daddy's (or mommy's) money being spent.

Generally, though, the student body is bright (a few brilliant folks, but it's no M.I.T.)

Some say it's a safety school for Ivy leagues, etc. Maybe for some- but not generally. However, for the price- it may not be worth it for many. Internships are plentiful, and valuable depending on what you want to do- but shouldn't be the sole reason to attend (it's common knowledge that in DC's intern-culture, many firms/groups, and even capitol hill staffers, use the eager, and free interns, to do mindless tasks and dipsose of interns semester after semester- be warned).

DC is a great city- no doubt. doesn't have the culture/character of a boston or new york, but it has so much in terms of job oppurtunities/connections. Again, expensive place to live, though.

Overall- i'd say GW is a love-it-or-hate-it place. If money's an issue, look elsewhere. If you value real diversity, a campus, or a true down-to-earth student body, it may not be for you, either. But if you like the idea the city life, can look past the pretentious BS and can find a good niche while being able to pay for it- go for it.