GW or UW-Madison?

krocket606
Fri, 12 May 2006 15:22:54 +0000

Although I wouldn’t say my options were exactly the same, I too had to make a hard decision between GW and Emory. Coming to my decision was not easy, but I chose GW because it is more known for IR, like you said, and because of its location (and financial aid). I liked Emory’s campus better and I thought there would be more opportunities if I changed my major, but ultimately I liked D.C. much more than Atlanta and although I might change my area of interest slightly, I don’t see myself making a major change. And if I do… I can always transfer!

Plus, the internships are going to be better in DC, bottom line, especially for IR related jobs. I’m sure UW-Madison has some great internship programs, but nothing compares to being I-N the heart of DC. At Emory people told me that they’d spent a semester in DC interning, but at GW you’re already there! Someone else in this forum told me they already intern for a Senator in D.C. and literally half of the people who work for him went to GW and loved it.

Another piece of advice I found helpful from this person: “After college you can move to any state and work in government…any Senator from any state would recognize Washington experience, whereas it may not work the opposite way (someone in DC not really recognizing experience with a GA senator as significant, for example)”

Ultimately, you have to decide what is more important to you: a more traditional campus in a smaller city with great academics or a dynamic, urban environment that is ESPECIALLY strong in your field of interest… I chose GW. I think you will find your niche at either school… you should try and evaluate which is going to bring you closer to achieving your goals and where you think you will be happiest! Good luck, I know its really tough!