Student Profile
Annie
- Class: Freshman
- Major: International Relations
- Gender: F
- High School: Academy of Holy Angels
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
The best thing about GW is that students are exceptionally driven and passionate-and if you come here for political science or international affairs (as A LOT of students here are) you're going to have so so so many outlets for that passion and it's a college that is recognized by the field as exceptional. When I tell most people about going to GW the reaction is "Oh, so you go to Georgetown?". This is a response that riles up every GW student. No, we are not Georgetown, but that doesn't mean that we're inferior. We are more in the city than they are, making it a true DC school. You don't need to be super involved in student organizations to have a life. There are so many things literally right outside of our doors that there is never really a dull moment. GW's administration is a popular and aggravating topic of discussion amongst the students here. They really try to reach out to the students, but being so into politics most students are suspicious of their actions and are quick to criticize. This is not without basis though; the school is known for spending excess amounts of money to the point of large debt, even though we pay the highest tuition in the nation. From what I've seen they say they listen to our comments, and frequently send out surveys, but whether or not results actually come about is uncertain.
Academic Life
Since I'm a freshman, most of the general classes that I've had to take are large lectures where the professor won't know your name. But, the TAs here have been exceptional and do know your name. Also, most professors are more than willing to meet with students outside of class, either for questions or just discussion on the subject matter at hand. The worst class I have taken has been my intro to International Affairs course, which I have been told by older students that it is not a reflection of the courses to come and are more than satisfied with other international affairs courses. Students here range from never ever setting foot in the classroom to never leaving the library (most fall into the middle of that range). But, some people here are so intelligent that they really don't need to study excessively, so whatever works for them. Most people here are pretty chill about grades, that is to say they aren't going to be cut throat with other students about them, which makes it a lot easier to focus on how you are doing and enjoy school. The International Affairs school at GW is highly ranked at the national level and its courses definitely reflect that. Not everyone here is going to be a straight-A student, because if it were it could not be considered so rigorous. They want to challenge the students and make the course topics as relevant as possible. It is also helpful that a lot of the professors work[ed] in these fields and have excellent resources for their students to gain access to. All in all, they want you to get a job (GW is a major source of recruitment for public service and foreign service jobs) but that doesn't take focus off of learning.
Student Body
GW is exceptionally tolerant of people of other racial, religious, and sexual orientation differences. There are A LOT of Jewish students for example, and it is a very gay-friendly campus.Unfortunately, I have to admit that those that are of lower socio-economic status usually feel out of place because there is a small minority of them. Usually the discrimination is discrete, but not unfelt by those who end up feeling inferior. Although it is diverse, it still remains rather homogenous which is unfortunate, but everyone finds their place. Most students here are from the East Coast, went to boarding/prep school, have parents of some importance in the financial world, and have many connections. The typical stereotype of girls is that they are here to find a wealthy husband, which for the most part is untrue, but there is some truth to it. Most people here are extremely liberal minded, but the conservatives are not quiet either. It's an interesting place to be for those interested in politics, and even if you come to GW not interested in it, most likely by the end of your four years you will be more informed.
The Best Things
Everything besides the food service
The Worst Things
the food service
