Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 13:41     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:In the past GW has had the reputation of being for wealthy kids and having a large Jewish and international student population. It is also recognized as a feeder school for Capitol Hill. Our DC area private sends GW one or two students a year.

Our school sends kids to AU, but less reliably. I think an NYC private school kid would feel comfortable at either.

I get the impression that the schools are quite different. That being said, I think there is a fair amount of overlap because of the size of the student body, location and acceptance rate.

GW buildings are mixed into the city (Foggy Bottom) whereas AU has a more traditional campus.

A major benefit of coming to DC is the nice weather (relative to the other areas you are looking at)!

You should definitely come for a visit!


The nice weather compared to Philly?!

A little bit nicer and they are coming from NYC
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 13:06     Subject: George Washington U vs American


AU Park is not remotely urban (and a kid from NYC will realize as much).
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 13:03     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:You guys know AU is actually in the city, right? It’s not a block away from the State Department like GW but it very close to a pretty vibrant commercial strip. Much different vibe than Haverford or ‘Nova which feel like true suburban campuses.


Yeah, I don’t know why people are saying AU is “suburban.“ It’s in Washington DC. Definitely a more residential area and self-contained campus compared to GW but it’s in the city!

It seems like OP student’smain criteria for selecting schools at this moment is location and setting. I would probably get them to start thinking about other factors. For example, GW is around double the enrollment of AU. Any preference as to size?
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:27     Subject: George Washington U vs American
You guys know AU is actually in the city, right? It’s not a block away from the State Department like GW but it very close to a pretty vibrant commercial strip. Much different vibe than Haverford or ‘Nova which feel like true suburban campuses.
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:27     Subject: George Washington U vs American
I’d recommend AU the campus and class profile are on the rise. Also it is really not the suburbs just a nice pocket of the city. Maybe not a perfect comparison but think UCLA/Westwood.
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:27     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:In the past GW has had the reputation of being for wealthy kids and having a large Jewish and international student population. It is also recognized as a feeder school for Capitol Hill. Our DC area private sends GW one or two students a year.

Our school sends kids to AU, but less reliably. I think an NYC private school kid would feel comfortable at either.

I get the impression that the schools are quite different. That being said, I think there is a fair amount of overlap because of the size of the student body, location and acceptance rate.

GW buildings are mixed into the city (Foggy Bottom) whereas AU has a more traditional campus.

A major benefit of coming to DC is the nice weather (relative to the other areas you are looking at)!

You should definitely come for a visit!


The nice weather compared to Philly?!
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:22     Subject: George Washington U vs American
In the past GW has had the reputation of being for wealthy kids and having a large Jewish and international student population. It is also recognized as a feeder school for Capitol Hill. Our DC area private sends GW one or two students a year.

Our school sends kids to AU, but less reliably. I think an NYC private school kid would feel comfortable at either.

I get the impression that the schools are quite different. That being said, I think there is a fair amount of overlap because of the size of the student body, location and acceptance rate.

GW buildings are mixed into the city (Foggy Bottom) whereas AU has a more traditional campus.

A major benefit of coming to DC is the nice weather (relative to the other areas you are looking at)!

You should definitely come for a visit!
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:19     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Agree with visiting both campuses. My kid thought they’d like GWU more, but liked American more after visiting.


American is great as it's suburban vs GWU, but very near urban--it has a city feel with more of a campus and greenspace.



Yes, if your kid prefers a more traditional campus with close proximity to the city, AU. If likes urban campus, GWU. Completely different feel in that regard, but otherwise comparable in terms of academics. Your kid will likely have a clear preference after visiting.
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 11:15     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Villanova and Haverford are both in upper crust white suburban neighborhoods and don’t have the slightest bit of urban feel. They’re also both more selective than GWU and American.


+1. None of these schools are alike (except for GWU and American, which also have some differences). This is a weird list of schools.


Nah only you = weird.
-DP
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:53     Subject: George Washington U vs American
it's funny to me that adults are so put off when kids like - and even apply! - to a variety of schools. I dont get the "how dare you consider Haverford and GW!" drama. Apply! Those admitted students weekends are a long time away from now. Kids mature.

We toured all the DC schools and kids really liked GW the best, but they were specially looking at the IR programs, which is a GW strength.

My kids also like JHU on that same week of tours and our naviance (nyc but private) showed that ED was possible and counselors said "especially for humanities"
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:51     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:Agree with visiting both campuses. My kid thought they’d like GWU more, but liked American more after visiting.


American is great as it's suburban vs GWU, but very near urban--it has a city feel with more of a campus and greenspace.
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:49     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:Similar kids, different preferences: GW is urban, AU is suburban.


I'd add to clarify that AU is suburban but a quick metro ride to urban so
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:47     Subject: George Washington U vs American
PP here. You also suggest Georgetown. Do you really think OP doesn’t know that Georgetown is in DC? And do you really think that if she thinks her kid can’t get into Haverford that she thinks the kid has a shot at Georgetown?
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:46     Subject: George Washington U vs American
Anonymous wrote:University of Maryland, Catholic and Georgetown are also DC area colleges.

Catholic is a safety school for some people. But cute school and generous merit aid if that matters.

University of Maryland is a Big school with lots of sports with good rankings. You can also get to DC quick from there. Not too bad to NY.


And you need to learn how to read. Or at least to focus.

In her very first post the OP suggested the Villanova was too Catholic. If you think Villanova is too Catholic, why would you send a kid to Catholic University? Also, it's pretty obvious to me that the OP doesn't give a shit about merit aid.
Anonymous
Post 07/07/2025 10:45     Subject: George Washington U vs American
What did your kid think of Villanova vs. Haverford? I can't imagine a kid liking both of these.