Georgetown vs Brown

[likeafeather54]

<p>I was accepted to both, and really want to go to Georgetown-- I've been uber involved in politics in North Dakota . I staffed on two statewide campaigns last fall, am working on a political action committee for funding progressive candidates for state legislature, organized rallies against a gay marriage ban in ND and against privatizing Social Security... the second one made CNN and MSNBC because it occurred while President Bush was in Fargo, I'm currently interning for my Congressman in Fargo (who was cool enough to do letters of rec for college for me), etc, and I have my foot in the door really well for working in the DC office. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, after some fiasco when Bush was here involving the infamous Fargo do-not-admit list (42 area citizens including me were banned from going in the arena where the president was speaking and it got leaked to the local/regional newspaper and published, which turned into a national story and may have a federal investigation upcoming after a similar incident occurred in CO) my parents want me as far from DC as possible because they kind of hate the fact that I want to stay involved in politics and try to make a career out of it. </p>

<p>Its getting to the point where they are probably going to make me go to Brown (which makes me sound like an ungrateful !#$%, I know, lol), but I want to know if anyone agrees with their reasoning-- They think that brown will give me a "more rounded undergrad experience" and allow me to explore more things, like music and art (which i like, but don't have a real avid interest in) and are positive I can't/won't do that at Georgetown. Going to Georgetown was kind of a dream, and I'm kind of mad they are trampling on it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.</p>

[calidan]

<p>Well it seems silly to make you stay away from your dream school just because of one political incident. I guess they haven't thought about the fact that if you did get into politics, you could help stop that from ever happening again. ;)</p>

<p>Also, it's not like you're ever going to see Bush in DC anyway. So I don't see what their qualm is really about.</p>

[likeafeather54]

<p>Ha ha, yeah... I was with the US Senate Youth Program in February this year when the President greeted our group and took a picture with us-- my parents' main qualm is that they don't want me having anything to do with politics...period. (ND is a small state, and I've ended up in the paper quite a bit for numerous things, I think its starting to stress them out or something. It is silly. Thanks</p>

[ohnoes]

<p>Well, it sounds like the real issue isn't Georgetown vs Brown (which is notoriously liberal and politically active anyway), it's your parents beef with your interests. I'd suggest discussing your interest in politics with them first.</p>

[honest_tea]

<p>My relative turned down Harvard to attend Georgetown due to an interest in politics. It's worked out wonderfully-incredible connections and internships led to an incredible job.</p>

[soliloquy]

<p>Congratulations on your acceptances to these excellent universities. Georgetown and Brown are both excellent schools for political science, with Georgetown being better due to location, among other reasons. However, as ohnoes pointed out, it seems like there are other factors - such as having a discussion with your parents about your involvement in politics in the future and their willingness to let you go to a DC-school - that will turn out to become the deciding factor(s). Good luck with your choosing.</p>

[ivyleaguer]

<p>Not too sound jaded but maybe the reason that you have fought for what you have believe in is because your in NOT a politician. Once you become one, like a feather, you may find yourself listening to your campaign aids and focus groups. You'll be fighting to ban gay marriage rather trying to support it. It happens to most if not all politicians once they throw their hat into the ring. Might I suggest a possible career in a human rights organization like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, or depending on how passionate you are about gay rights: the human rights campaign.</p>

<p>best of luck, but don't let your parents force you to make a decision you're not entirely comfortable with.</p>

[likeafeather54]

<p>Thanks-- I'm still in the process of figuring out "what now" since they pulled the "we won't pay for Georgetown card" this morning - we didn't apply for financial aid b/c we probably wouldn't have received anything, so this could be a challenge.</p>

[iambananasfoster]

<p><em>gasp</em> you posted!!</p>

<p>Anyway, I think it's pretty clear what you should do. I hope support from people all over the country can give you the courage to stand up to your parents and do what YOU want.</p>

<p>Once you start making a ton of money in DC, you won't have to worry too (..as) much about funding--and you admitted yourself it's not so much the paying for it, it's the actual defying your parents. Remember to weigh the stuggle of living them with a couple months after a confrontation vs. Georgetown for 4 years...and the miniscule improvement in your relationship vs. giving it up. also, if you don't stand up to them now, when will their control of your life end? I truly believe that this wouldn't cause the lifelong ruination of your relationship with them, but it would have lifelong effects on your life. </p>

<p>But I think you know that.</p>

<p>Don't give up and call me before you do anything drastic :). I'm pulling for you.</p>

[slipper1234]

<p>Hey man,</p>

<p>I love Brown to death, but if politics are your passion its hard to avoid georgetown.</p>

[CoreyS]

<p>first of all, NDans Represent! Second of all, maybe try to have someone that you work with talk to your parents? Thirdly, I read about that Do-Not-Enter list in the Forum, crazy stuff. Best of luck in the future!</p>

[RaboKarabekian]

<p>May I point out that at Brown, you can take 32 poli sci courses, and not branch out anywhere, and therefore, your parents might be barking up the wrong tree there.</p>

<p>I also love Brown, but man, Georgetown would be irresistable for politics. I don't know what to tell you. Paying your own way for college is daunting, and I'm not sure I would take that route. Definitely try convincing the parents. Find all the articles about the muggings that occured at Brown this fall. </p>

<p>If your parents don't like your interests in politics...maybe you could assure them that interests do change on occasion, and there are lots of things one can do with a Georgetown degree. (Yes, that may be a slight lie...but it's also the truth.)</p>

[godivalove02]

<p>im debating the same schools myself although i'm not nearly as avid about politics as you. i have to say.. if you want to immerse yourself in politics, what can beat washington dc? you'd have amazing internship opportunities during the school year that may be really difficult to find at brown.</p>