Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Dear Hoyas,

I am in state for UVA and William and Mary, which run around $10,000 a year versus $40,000 fro GTown, and was wondering if you could give me some compelling reasons about your Georgetown experience that can convince me it is worth all the extra dough. btw I'm an intended international relations major, or something in that area.

By Clipper (Clipper) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 05:35 pm: Edit

My daughter had to make the same decision you will have to make. She was selected as an Echols Scholar at UVA (she also got into W&M but did not want to go there - her dad made her apply).

We went to UVA and had a one on one discussion with the dean of the Echols Scholars and he told my daughter what the advantages of that program were. He also asked what other college she was deciding between and she told him Georgetown. He had nothing bad to say about GT just that GT would give her hands on practical knowledge in a vibrant city. UVA leans more toward "book learning" and they are in the country. At each college she had enough credits to graduate a year and half early so that would save us at least $60K at GT.
She had a tough decision and even though sending her to GT would be a hardship for us we let her decide which college.
She chose GT over UVA for several reasons:
1. She wanted a city with cultural opportunities.
2. Many students from her high school went to UVA and she wanted a more geographically diverse environment.
3. She does not party and UVA is a big frat/sorority party place.
4. GTown has an excellent law school placement (so does UVA).

So far she feels she has made the right decision. She has had opportunities that most kids at other colleges could not - monument tours, Colin Powell lectures, supreme court observations, internships at the White House, Senate etc. (which she hasn't done yet). She also has a roommate from the west coast rather than one from VA.

She did think long and hard but just went with her gut. You will have to do the same thing when it comes time for your big decision. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

By Efs424 (Efs424) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 09:57 pm: Edit

thank you so much, that was very helpful. Which school does your daughter go to, sfs? Did you get an impression how the programs in poli sci/international relations compared? thanks

By Sportula (Sportula) on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 01:32 pm: Edit

Hey, I had to make the same decision as you-UVA vs. Georgetown, and I chose Georgetown. I'm in SFS, which was the main attraction-Georgetown and DC are the place to be if you want to go into IR or politics. I basically went for the same reason that Clipper's daughter went (though even without Greek life Gtown has just as many parties as UVA). If it does come down to the money though don't feel bad about going to UVA or W&M because both are excellent, well respected schools and are stronger than Gtown in certain areas, and both have very strong and nationally and internationally known IR programs.

By Clipper (Clipper) on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 03:39 pm: Edit

EFS - yes my daughter is in SFS too.

I am not really sure how they (IR) compare to UVA other than what the Echols dean said. I never looked closely at the kind of classes she would take at each school. If I were you I would see what classes both offered. I know that at GT the College requirements for Poly Sci are different from the IR classes in SFS. I know that SFS is very big on being proficient in a language - not just proficient but very fluent - enough that you can conduct business in that language.

I guess the reason we let our daughter go to GT (or any college she wanted) over UVA (or state school) is that she is an excellent student and takes school seriously. She would not waste our money by failing/skipping classes or taking the slow route. She is very determined and would only consider a college if she could get out in 3 years using her IB/AP credits.
As far as the partying she knew that GT has parties but so far she has been able to enjoy college life w/o making it a priority.
I totally agree with Sportula that UVA and W&M are excellent schools - we are lucky to live in VA and have that choice.

Good to hear from you Sportula!! How is it going for you?

By Sportula (Sportula) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 02:09 pm: Edit

Pretty good, except for the extreme sleep deprivation.

By Uniquegu (Uniquegu) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 12:22 am: Edit

Hey everyone!

I'm a sophomore at Georgetown and I can tell you its worth the money. The experiences are amazing. So many amazing professors. Our tuition wouldn't have gotten raised if we had had enough in endowment, but our school lacks some money, but its because it spends so much on making sure we have the best education possible. My sociology professor (Daddio) was explaining that most of your professors here have PHDs, there are more professors with PHDs here than say Harvard or Princeton. Georgetown offers a growing experience. It has such dedicated staff and faculty that are literally there to prepare you for your flight into the world. Being near the city gives you many opportunities especially in government. The possibilities are literally endless here. If you want to know more. Feel free to get in touch with me. Good luck in all your endeavors!

By Gtownmom (Gtownmom) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

Sportula, my son is a freshman in the SFS and is suffering extreme sleep deprivation as well. What's up with that???