laurbor

Dani, you really summarized everything I was pretty much thinking. The Open House at Georgetown was definitely impressive, which is certainly what they were going for. They really did talk up the "name factor" and the ability to draw in some pretty great faculty. They held two different mock classes - I opted for the International Policy one, and really enjoyed the professor (she works at the World Bank). I was also impressed with the caliber of the other students - everyone just seemed to have such diverse backgrounds. As I am considering the international policy route, Georgetown is clearly the better option for this field. They really encourage you to study overseas at some point during the program -- while this is an option at GWU as well, it doesn't seem quite as easy or as encouraged. The things I did not like at Georgetown - - the separation of the FT/PT programs. I am intending to start the program Part-time, and there is a definite isolation between the two. They certainly stress the whole collegial experience at Georgetown, so it's definitely more geared towards the full-time students. I am concerned that I won't receive the same level of attention, and will be stuck with the same 25 students for three years in most of my classes. - the location - shouldn't be a MAJOR deciding factor, but it's a pain to get to, and I have no intention of moving anywhere closer to the University - the student panels -- The panel of students got caught short, and they wound up fielding our questions for only like 20 minutes. Coming off of the GWU Open House, where there were three separate student panels, I was really disappointed with that. It just gave me the overall impression that they were more interested in promoting their faculty than their students, which was a bit of a red flag for me. Overall, it really comes down to what you are looking for, as I don't see a clear "winner" between the two choices. Personally, I just had a better feel at the GWU Open House - from the faculty, the students, and the program coordinators. I didn't get that feeling at Georgetown. I almost wonder if they don't feel they need to try as hard to get the students, and so they don't. And at the end of the day, I am not sure the pros that Georgetown has are really worth nearly double the cost. So while I still have a week or so to decide, I am leaning towards GW right now!

Anyone at the GU Open house yesterday -- thoughts?? I am more confused now than ever!

Hey Dani! I was really impressed at the GWU Open House.....they had so many students come and speak to us (3 separate panels) which showed me how much the students care about the program. Overall, I just got a really good feel from the professors and students, and I must say that the flexibility of the program is very very appealing. Especially since I am probably going to start out PT, and may want to switch over to FT should a good internship opportunity come about. Not that these should be the reasons to go to GWU, but some other things that really stood out for me: Their career services guy seems to be awesome, and would be a great resource to have when you are looking for help with your job search. And the fact that GWU is right on a metro line is definitely another plus. I'll also be at the GU Open House on Friday, so will probably have a better idea of what I want to do after I see how Georgetown compares!

Dani, I am in the same boat as you. I got the GWU acceptance and was excited, but once I got the Georgetown email, everything has changed. Of course both are great schools, but the difference you are paying in tuition (in my opinion) is for the Georgetown name. I went to information sessions for both programs and GWU was certainly more approachable, and I thought more manageable. I found GU to be a little intimidating, with the ornate class rooms and well-known professors. But I don't want to go somewhere just because it seems easier to me, especially for this much money! At this point I am leaning towards Georgetown.....I think for me, I want to stay in DC, so I will be competing with other MPP people from other schools for the same jobs. If the GU name will get me a job over a GW grad, I think it's worth it. If you plan on going back to CA after, maybe it won't matter as much. Again though, I am just as lost as you! If it helps at all, I will be attending both Open Houses, so I can certainly let you know how the other one (which you don't attend) compares.

Hey all -- I just received word that I was admitted to both the MPP program at GWU and also at Georgetown. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be getting funding from either (super bummed! I graduated from a top undergrad institution with 3.5 GPA, already have one Masters with 3.9 GPA, and 5 years work experience....who got these funds???) I'm an older applicant (29), who is currently working FT in DC, and am nervous about quitting my job to go back to school and incur a huge amount of debt. From the onset, GU was my top pick but as I start realistically looking at the cost, I am re-evaluating. Any one else out there debating between the two programs? I am drawn to GWU not only because it is more affordable, but also because I could go PT and keep working. As I applied to the full-time program at GU, not sure if I would be able to swing that. Would I be passing up a great opportunity if I choose GW over Georgetown? Any one else out there who is debating between the two?