Wake Forest, Richmond, American, Elon...Which one?

College Search & Lists
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<p>I was accepted to Wake Forest, University of Richmond, American University, and Elon University.</p>

<p>I’ve visited all the schools and want to major in Communications. I’m not exactly sure on what concentration I am aiming for, but writing is what I love, so communications seems the appropriate route to head down. All of the schools have programs in both. I know a fair amount about each program except Wake Forest. U of R is adding a film major this coming year, which is a plus. They have a gorgeous campus, but I loved the program at American and being in the city is a plus in terms of opportunities and being able to intern during the school year.</p>

<p>Anyone have pros and cons for either of these schools? Good/bad experiences? I’m pretty sure Wake Forest ranks highest in prestige, but I don’t know how much I want that to play a role in my decision. What are the differences between the schools? Any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>The in-term internship possibilities are hugely greatest at American. It will give you a big advantage once you hit the job market.</p>

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<p>Yeah the internship opportunities available at American are a big plus. Does anyone know how the campus life is at any of the schools? Will the internship experience be more beneficial when looking for a job than the Wake Forest name?</p>

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<p>The campus at American is great because it’s half vibrant city life and half on campus life. You can have as much of each as you’d like. On the other hand, communications is the smallest department at AU. That’s not necessarily good or bad, but you might want to look into the programs at [American</a> University](<a href=“http://www.american.edu%5DAmerican”>http://www.american.edu) and [url=<a href=“http://www.ratemyprofessors.com%5DRateMyProfessors.com%5B/url”>http://www.ratemyprofessors.com]RateMyProfessors.com[/url</a>].</p>

5

<p>From an educational perspective, I don’t think you can go wrong at any of those schools. </p>

<p>For internships, you’ll find them wherever you enroll. </p>

<p>For first job after graduation, you’ll be easier to hire if you live in the city of your college. That is, if you look for your first job in DC, AU will give you the edge. If you look for a job in W-S, then WFU will give you the edge. Same for Burlington/Greesboro and Richmond. I don’t mean that “out-of-town” colleges are negative. I’m just saying that it’s “easier” for employers to notice a “local college” applicant. </p>

<p>You don’t say whether money is an issue. If cost matters, I’d rule out WFU. It’s the most expensive, the one you know least about, and you say prestige doesn’t persuade you. </p>

<p>Good luck. </p>

<p>(BTW, I have a communications degree, actually work in the field, hire interns and entry-level staff.)</p>

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<p>Why is American University held with such high regard on this thread? The clear choice should be Wake Forest.</p>

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<p>Because the in-term professional opportunities are far greater there than in any of the other options.</p>

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<p>Mini im sure thats a fantastic program but you make it sound like he wont have any opportunities at WF which is untrue. WF is an all around better school so i would opt with that.</p>

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<p>He won’t have NEARLY the opportunities he will at AU. Are you sure that the Communications Program (not the school, but the program) is better at WF (I doubt it, but I wouldn’t know.)</p>

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<p>Regarding cost, aren’t WF, AU & UR all fairly similar at the ~$50k level?</p>

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<p>It’s a matter of personal preference, not rankings or prestige.</p>

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<p>There are other questions to answer as well, such as graduate school or professional school. BTW, Elon is known for a fabulous communications program. </p>

<p>Also, what kind of student life are you looking for? AU’s advantage is “the city”, but not much else, it seems to me. Wake has plenty of internships available, both in term as well as semesters overseas and in DC or NYC. Wake has a national reputation. Wake has superb sports teams and for some kids that is also important. </p>

<p>Finally, where do you live now?</p>