SwimSwam

RMadrid17- No, unfortunately I was unable to attend a course at GW when I visited this past summer. However, looking over some sample syllabi from the courses offered there did give some helpful insight about whats covered and the depth of reading.

ExponentialDecay, Thank you so much for the thoughts on this! I think its easy to feel a little lost in the information that programs seem to inundate prospective students with and search for what the distinguishing strengths of each school really is, so viewing the respective schools in regards to their natural advantages is extremely helpful. Good point about the costs of living too!

Hi RMadrid17- Are you referring to a class at GW, or a class at Uchicago? I was only able to attend the admitted student day for Chicago and did get the opportunity to sit in on a class there. It was through the law school, so that was a really fascinating perspective. I have also heard many great things from alums at GW from both the IR and the LA programs- it will likely be a difficult decision!

Hello, With the April 15th deadline for decision at GW fast approaching, I have been facing a lot of stress in deciding between two programs for IR. I was accepted into the IR and Latin America and Hemispheric Studies program at the elliot school and also received admission to Uchicago's Committee on International Relations. I was able to attend an online admitted student session for the Elliot School in addition to a campus visit day last summer- I came away from both of these events feeling very encouraged and amazed by the vast resources and opportunities Elliot has to offer, and have recently been in contact with several alums who have had nothing but positive experiences to share with me. However, yesterday I attending the admitted student day at Chicago and now feel torn between the two programs. After comparing both of the academic presentations, I feel as though these programs are moving in different directions; Chicago has a mandatory thesis requirement with intense focus on academics, Elliot seems more geared towards professional development. Are there any alums from either of these programs that could comment on their experiences and maybe provide some more clarity to this decision making process? Anyone else making this decision- what are some of the areas that you think stand out from each program that made you decide to pursue or not pursue one or the other? Of course I feel very lucky to be given a choice between these two great programs and most definitely appreciate any advice/comments about either experience.