George Washington Elliot

[bluespark22]

Right now, I am leaning towards GW, barring an unexpected/unlikely acceptance to Georgetown (acceptance are done right?). I need help in deciding whether I should go to GW.

I am coming straight from undergrad, top school, good but not great GPA and 1400+ GRE. I thought I was a very competitive candidate until my first rejection letter from SIPA cited my age and lack of work experience (only about 9 months of internships) and "encouraged" me to reapply. Since then, I've been worried about my applications and GW is the best program I've been accepted to.

As glad as I am for getting into GW, I am wondering if it is the best choice at this point. Another concern is the design of GW's program since I was told a lot of students are professionals who are working full-time and taking night courses. Would it be worth it to decline the offer, TRY (given the depressing job market) to get a job for a couple of years and reapply? Does the difference between the top (Georgetown, SAIS, SIPA, etc) and GWU matter that much? I realize there are definite pros to getting professional experience, but I am having a VERY difficult time finding work in the field as an undergrad (I feel like EVERYONE has a master's nowadays)... Should I just risk being unemployed and living with my parents for a while and try to find a job?

[Leica]

Well, let me start off by saying I know exactly how you feel - it really is a catch-22 in the sense that it's tough to get into grad school without work experience and it's tough to get work experience without a Master's. I see nothing wrong with going to GW, especially if you want to start off your career in DC - it's a great school with a solid reputation and the price tag isn't as scary. All pros if you ask me. Unless you absolutely have your heart set on GT/SAIS/SIPA, go to GW.

P.S. The availability of nighttime classes could actually be a great thing for you, especially if you happen to get a job offer before you graduate. You'll also have more time to do more internships.

Edited March 22, 2010 by Leica