All of the financial aid offers are essentially the same, however I am from Southern California, meaning that transport will be more expensive for GWU and Vassar.
I was admitted to UCSD’s Data Science school and intend to double major in Public Policy as well. At GWU, I was admitted to their Data Science major, and want to do the same double major. From what I know, UCSD has a much better program, but GWU is better built for double majoring and has access to the DC area. Vassar college did not admit based on major.
Although GWU isn’t ranked as high as the other two, I did receive their Presidential Scholarship and get admitted to their Honors College. At UCSD, I was admitted to the Eleanor Roosevelt College.
I want to study abroad, and having a good Drama program is important to me. Additionally, I am LGBTQ, so a supportive campus culture would be ideal! I also want to be able to be well rounded, rather than only be experienced in one field, hence the double major.
Any student experience or advice would be deeply appreciated.
Have you looked at Vassar’s approach? They have a new correlate (basically a minor) in Data Science and Society that sounds sort of like what you are interested in, but then you would likely combine that with a major in either CS or Political Science . . . or possibly something else as your interests evolved.
One advantage of doing a major and minor/correlate as opposed to two full majors is that then leaves you more room to do even more stuff with other classes.
These are three fine options but they are very different from one another. Where do YOU want to spend the next four years? This is a case where three reasonable people could make three different choices.
Take study abroad out of you can do it from anywhere including other schools. And most colleges have affiliate programs.
If you decide on UCSD, you may be able to participate in its DC term - I linked below.
UCSD is big and near La Jolla. Vassar is small and will be harder to get to if that’s a concern. It has an open curriculum which you might like. Vassar uses GW and American for its DC semester.
GW is very urban. Have you been? It has an alternate campus though a few miles away where some first and 2nd years live.
No wrong answer - it’s what’s right for you. But if you fly into Reagan Airport, GW and the area are very easy to get to by train. Fir Vassar, the logistics will be tougher but Stewart Airport isn’t horribly far if you can get a flight. Not close but better than Newark, etc.
Are you ok being so far from home ? Some struggle with homesickness.
UCSD is big and students often have to fight for resources, i.e. large classes, dorms etc., so I would take it out. Kids at Vassar are generally happy with their choice and campus life. I am less familiar with GWU, although if you plan to go into government, it would be a great choice. Good luck!