apologies to bring this old thread to the light again... well, i've been just told acceptance to GWU phd program. and as i have little other alternatives in this difficult year, my decision is either yes or no to GWU. (i declined admissions from a couple of other lower-tier programs). i've said i'm interested in 'ipe of security in east asia' at my sop, but given the faculty's strenghts, i'm thinking of re-directing my research area focusing on something about US-China. but, as an international applicant, i have virtually no information about the univ itself, reputation etc. would it be worth going? what's their phd program like? (they mention all the good things about their program at the website, but it's difficult to compare with other comparable programs.) are faculty members friendly to graduate students? any comments would be greatly appreciated.
many thanks in advance.