Hey guys,
My name is Seraphin and am nearing my deadline to decide what college to go to. The deadline as you know is May 1st. However, I feel very torn in terms of what school to go to. I intend to major in political science with maybe a minor in econ or something. I know George Washington university is especially good for poli sci majors because it is in our nation’s capital but it is very expensive as i would be paying 35k a year with the aid I have received so far. At Uconn poli sci isn’t an especially common major but being accepted into their honors program and special program in Law is definitely a driving force. Potentially I would pay about 25k to UConn every year if I were to attend that school. I’m so torn because though George Washington university may be the better school, I would be paying more there which would be annoying as I intend to go to law graduate school after my senior year in college. Can someone please offer me any advice and or guidance in my decision which appears to be split 50/50 so far. Thanks so much!
The difference between the 2 schools is that if you attend George Washington, you would have $40,000 in undergrad. debt. Law school debt would be approx. $250,000, with very poor job prospects unless you attended a top law school. Admission to law school is based mostly upon GPA and LSAT scores. Which school would offer the best chances of a higher GPA? If you said you wanted to go into a field involving a poli sci major, then I would say lean toward GW. I have friends whose children attended both universities and have done well and feel that they received a good education. Remember, once you start college and take more diverse courses, your intended major or law school plans may change. What does the honors program offer to you at UCONN?
Where would the 10K difference come from?
What perks do you get with the special Law program and Honors at UConn?
Monetary considerations aside, I hope you’re also taking into account the very disparate experiences between attending a medium-sized urban school with no real campus versus a very large rural school with the typical big state school elements of sports and partying. GW and UConn are very different places, though if you are a true “bloom wherever you are planted” type, I imagine it won’t matter that much.
On another note, GW’s location will allow you to have multiple internships in your field during your four years there–unlikely you’ll have that opportunity at UConn.
@MYOS1634 @ECmotherx2 the honors program offers more advanced an individualized classes where you are able to have a more face to face education with professors. It also allows for priority when picking classes. The special program in law is helpful because, from freshman year, you are given advisors who help you “train” and give you insight on how to act professionally and like a lawyer. It’s really good for preparing you for the LSAT which is what I plan to take.
OK. Sounds like a major plus for UConn.
Check whether UConn has a ‘Washington semester’ and study abroad in a major city (London? Shanghai? Singapore? Paris?) - you’d have the best of both worlds. Twice, since with your savings compared to gwu you could afford it and still come out ahead.
What about the cost differential for gwu - doesn’t seem that worth it now, but is it even money your parents have Or would they have to borrow ?
@MYOS1634 It would be money they’d have to borrow, and I have talked with someone from the UConn honors program who also majors in poli sci and she said she did a semester internship with a senator from CT (Blumenthal) in Washington D.C.
How do you feel about the schools? Like MommaJ said, these are two very different environments.
Then, there’s no need to wonder: UConn Honors all the way.
Also, if you attend UConn, you can do:
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-honors-congressional-internship-program-washington-d-c-faculty-led/
+
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/the-washington-center-internship-washington-dc-summer-third-party/
+
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-human-rights-in-london-faculty-led/
or
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-politics-of-energy-and-sustainable-development-in-turkey-faculty-led-summer/
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-in-paris-france-faculty-led-exchange/
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-in-cape-town-south-africa-faculty-led/
Although, outside of any major-related interests, spending Winter term on a tropical island (and getting credit for it) sounds pretty good
http://abroad.uconn.edu/program/uconn-winter-in-martinique-faculty-led/