Mateo
I love it. Its the perfect balance of not too much cheesy school activities which allows you to have your independence, yet there is a great community that makes you feel part of a student group.
Daniel
Best thing at the school is the greek life
One thing I would change is more school spirit
Just right in terms of size
They react in a positive way
I spend my most time in ivory basement
Not a college town
Schools administration is somewhat invisible
Biggest Controversy was the recent article that described stereotypes at GW by the washington post
Nothing really unusual
Student complaints are that their is no school pride
Sarah
George Washington is a very strange kind of school, where I can honestly say that FEW students are truly happy. The only students that thrive there are kids who already know others in the city, are very rich and into Greek life, or resign themselves to WEIRD lives on the Vern. Everyone on the Vern is very typical of the Vern, and normal people know to stay away. Almost everyone I know transferred, is transferring, or has thought of transferring. The only people who stay are people who are too lazy to transfer, or had such lame high school lives they don't even know that George Washington doesn't offer a normal college nightlife. The classes aren't bad, the location is fine if you want to live in DC (though I would NEVER recommend living in DC), but the people are what ruin it. Furthermore, most of them are not even intelligent but kids who just worked hard or bought their way in. I was horrified by the incredibly low degree of discussion in the classes. People even in the International Affairs school barely knew ANYTHING about world affairs and struggled with the most simple facts and concepts. It was nothing short of embarrassing. I was honestly embarrassed I had considered George Washington a good school. In the end, the fact is that you're not going to like this school. Basically no one does.
Iris
A lot of lectures
Good political study environment
Sarah
I think GW is a great place for people who are self-starting, motivated individuals with grand aspirations for the future. It is a tough place for kids who need a lot of hand-holding of people who don't like a fast-paced, competitive environment. There is not a strong sense of community in the University as a whole, but that's why students trend so heavily into student activities, groups, sports, Greek life, or internships. Social life revolves heavily around the Greek scene, but this can be avoided by immersing yourself in whatever you are passionate about. The school is a great size, and the Vern campus allows for people who want a smaller-school feel. I would change the presence of Greek life because I do think it dominates the weekends and makes it hard to have gatherings of people that don't get out of control. People react differently to my attendance of GW depending on where they are from-- People from New Hampshire think it's like Harvard, GW professors think it's extremely competitive, but some Georgetown affiliates joke that it's not as competitive as Georgetown. Some people who aren't from the East Coast have never heard of GW. Most DC networks are familiar and impressed with GW as an institution and it will make it easier for students to get internships. It's not a college town (the city itself) but it's a college neighborhood-- GW dominates Foggy Bottom and has a strong campus feel. DC itself even becomes a college city because students spend so much time at the monuments, the museums, and city events. There's not a lot of school pride when it comes to sports except for men's basketball-- having no contact sports diminishes the support for the sports program in general (I think). One recent controversy on campus was moving the Honors Program Townhouse to the Vern campus, and we had town hall meetings to decide what would be done. I think the administration can be quite bureaucratic, but with perseverance it can be navigated and end up pulling lots of strings because it's so well connected. I spend lots of time on campus in the library, which has great study spaces, and I am always finding new places to spend time. One unusual thing about GW is the fact that it is directly in DC, so close to the White House and the Washington Monument that jogging actually becomes a pleasant experience because each run can be a tour of the nation's capitol. Being late for class because you had to wait for the Motorcade puts your own life in perspective. You meet politicians and celebrities on the street. I will always remember seeing Obama looking out the window of his Suburban as the motorcade went by one night. The most frequent complaints are about J Street food, though it's much better than in the past, and about the abundant construction on campus.
Mira
Overall, I am happy with GW. The best thing for me is the location. I am able to experience so much in such close proximity. I can visit the Smithsonian, the monuments, and take can classes at the GW hospital. Even though GW is not an enclosed campus, it owns everything in this area, and I never feel as though I am not surrounded by GW students. The school is also the perfect size for me, as I always pass people I know just walking to class but I also meet new people all the time. People typically react favorably to the school as it has a good national standing. One thing I would change is the amount of school spirit. I was on the cheer team my freshman year and watching people leave halfway through the basketball game because the team isn't doing well is depressing. The administration is great at working with you although they aren't particularly expedient. Usually any need that you have they will try to accommodate. The biggest controversy on campus is often hazing in Greek Life, and some fraternities and sororities have gotten kicked off of campus for it. I am part of a sorority, however, and have never experienced that. We are often surrounded by national controversy given our location, however, as rallies and such often happen in this area. That I see as a positive because it usually is not difficult to find people passionate and willing to fight for the same things you are. The experience I will always remember is a counter protest against the Westminster Baptist Church where hundreds of students were wearing shirts that said "I'm Gay for Today." I think it showed GW's willingness to be involved beyond the scope of their own environment. The most frequent student complaint is usually the food. It is extremely expensive and the dining plan usually runs out.
Kaitlin
GW is a great school for those who are not interested in the typical college environment. School pride is not based upon an all-star football team - we don't even have one - but on our location in downtown DC and the awesome internships and city life available right at our fingertips. We are minutes away from the monuments, Georgetown, the White House, and the Potomac River. Since it's an urban campus students not only enjoy campus life - with hundreds of students organizations and many on-campus events (including one concert each semester) - but everything the exciting city of DC has to offer, from awesome concerts to extremely delicious restaurants to events at the Kennedy Center. In my opinion, GW is an amazing school that has offered me the best opportunities and given me the absolute greatest memories.
Kaitlin
GW is a great school for those who are not interested in the typical college environment. School pride is not based upon an all-star football team - we don't even have one - but on our location in downtown DC and the awesome internships and city life available right at our fingertips. We are minutes away from the monuments, Georgetown, the White House, and the Potomac River. Since it's an urban campus students not only enjoy campus life - with hundreds of students organizations and many on-campus events (including one concert each semester) - but everything the exciting city of DC has to offer, from awesome concerts to extremely delicious restaurants to events at the Kennedy Center. In my opinion, GW is an amazing school that has offered me the best opportunities and given me the absolute greatest memories.