ESIA/AU Information Session and Campus Visit

[jhpigott]

It's been sometime since I've attended school (graduated law school back in 2003) and was looking for a little advice or feedback regarding an upcoming trip I am taking to DC to visit ESIA, AU and Georgetown and their respective security studies programs.

I have applied for the 2012 Fall Semester for each of these programs. During the applicant review period, Georgetown is not doing any formal informational sessions but ESIA and AU allowed me to sign up for their sessions. Generally speaking, what is the dress code for these events - suit and tie, business casual, wear whatever you want?

Are these sessions more about the school walking us around the campus and telling us about their programs or are there opportunities to discuss/ask questions about the programs, classes, professors, financial aid, career resources, etc.?

Even though I do not have anything official lined up with Georgetown, I would still like to check out the campus and poke around the Walsh School buildings and maybe stop by their career resource and financial aid centers to speak with someone. Is this bad form?

For anyone that has recently attended one of these information sessions at either ESIA or AU - what can I or should I expect out of these visits?

Edited February 6, 2012 by jhpigott

[Mal83]

I didn't go to any infor sessions, however I'm currently a grad student at ESIA...regarding the dress code, stick with business attire. You'll probably find a mix at the session, and classes are not so formal, but this is one of things you can't really over dress for. Generally speaking, people around here are pretty well put together whether they're going for casual or business dress. I'm sure you'll have a lot of opportunities to to ask any questions you need to.

It's not bad form to go and explore a campus, but if you want to actually talk to people you should try to set up an appointment, or at least ask when the best time is to come in.

[jhpigott]

Macchiato - Thanks for the feedback. From what I've heard, I figured GWU to be the more formal of the schools I mentioned, if for no other reason than proximity to the capital district. I look forward to checking out the GWU campus. Where do most ESIA grad students live? I'm married with a small child so I'll be looking for a 2 bedroom.

[CalSeeker]

I am also a current ESIA grad student. Students live all over the area, but I know several people that live in Virginia. Living close to the Orange or Blue metro lines is convenient for school. Of course, the whole area is quite expensive, particularly for larger apartments without roommates (I also have a family). If you are going to drive or go on multiple means of public transportation (e.g., bus + subway) it can be cheaper.

[jhpigott]

CalSeeker - I think living in NVa is the route I'm going to end up taking. From what I have been able to find on-line it is going to be expensive to live close to campus, and that is saying something coming from a S. Florida resident. I have family that lives in Fairfax, Centerville and Columbia, MD so I'm hoping they can provide me with some housing tips/leads.

[Mal83]

I live in NoVA, on the orange line...I take a bus to get to the metro station, it's like a 5 or 6 minute drive, it can be walked if absolutely necessary. The area is very suburban, but it's really only about 20 minutes or so on the metro to Foggy Bottom/GWU, which isn't bad at all.