<p>Plass,</p>
<p>You are not unique. Plenty of people choose AU without considering other schools in the area. I was one of them…GW and Georgetown never crossed my radar screen as college possibilities.</p>
<p>I think ksabbo makes a good point about AU being intertwined with the city. I think you will find that AU is generally recognized at the DC university that makes the most of the opportunities the city has to offer, and leverages the resources of the university to make those opportunities available to students who actively seek them.</p>
<p>Here’s another observation re: AU academics. There are several contributors to these AU message boards who have noted that AU is a “safety school” for them; so far, at least one has had the courage to report that AU denied her enrollment. AU is not second-tier in DC, and this message is finally beginning to get out.</p>
<p>Finally, re: ksabbo’s daughter’s financial dilemma: NO REPUTABLE COLLEGE is $130,000 better than another reputable college. I am a big supporter of AU, but you just can’t justify that cost difference. Hope your daughter enjoys Richmond!</p>