American vs. GW MPA

[BoSoxFanatic245]

I'm still waiting to hear back from some schools, but I have a feeling that my choice will be between the American and GW MPA programs. Any thoughts on the two? From what I've read it seems like GW's program is more highly regarded, but the two are tied in public affairs ratings according to US News and World Report. I've also read that American's program is more quantitative based (which I'm trying to steer away from). Any insight people could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Kreid]

I'm also deciding between these two. I don't have the impression that either one is more quantitative than the other; if you look at their curricula you'll see that their course offerings appear to be very similar. Also, keep in mind that all of the DC universities are part of the Washington Consortium, which means you can cross-register in classes at any of the universities if you find something that appeals to you. I've found employment reports here and here. Again, pretty similar.

For me, this means that more minor factors are important, like lay prestige, etc. GW, of course, has a bit more of that. I also like that TSPPPA is solely for graduate students, whereas SPA is also an undergraduate school. There's also the Google group that GW has provided, which has made it very easy to communicate with current students and ask questions. I just feel like I've had access to much more information from GW, and that appeals to me. I'm still going to try to go to the admitted student events for both, though.

[publicpolicy2386]

I'm also deciding between these two. I don't have the impression that either one is more quantitative than the other; if you look at their curricula you'll see that their course offerings appear to be very similar. Also, keep in mind that all of the DC universities are part of the Washington Consortium, which means you can cross-register in classes at any of the universities if you find something that appeals to you. I've found employment reports here and here. Again, pretty similar.

For me, this means that more minor factors are important, like lay prestige, etc. GW, of course, has a bit more of that. I also like that TSPPPA is solely for graduate students, whereas SPA is also an undergraduate school. There's also the Google group that GW has provided, which has made it very easy to communicate with current students and ask questions. I just feel like I've had access to much more information from GW, and that appeals to me. I'm still going to try to go to the admitted student events for both, though.

I just visited both schools this weekend and am curious to know your thoughts. After visiting both schools, which are you more impressed by? I honestly felt like GW is a better program for me and I felt that they really took a lot of time at the accepted student day to find out my interests and career goals. I also felt that GW had a more community feel than AU.

[Kreid]

I just visited both schools this weekend and am curious to know your thoughts. After visiting both schools, which are you more impressed by? I honestly felt like GW is a better program for me and I felt that they really took a lot of time at the accepted student day to find out my interests and career goals. I also felt that GW had a more community feel than AU.

My flight came in too late on Friday so I wasn't able to make it to American's event. I did go to GW's and I agree with you on all of the points you made. I spoke with Mr. Binkley and a few current students at the reception and was extremely impressed with the breadth of their knowledge and the advice they gave. The happy hour gathering afterward was a lot of fun too; all of the current students seemed really friendly with each other.

I did ask a few people who had also gone to American's event to compare the two and they all said that they were much more impressed with GW. I've definitely decided to go to GW now.

Maybe we met at the event, by the way? My name is Adam.