George Washington University is a private, co-educational university primarily in the Foggy Bottom section of Northwest, Washington, DC. Its proximity to various important governmental and financial landmarks such as the White House, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the headquarters of the United States Department of State makes it one of the top 3 schools nationwide for political involvement, international affairs, and diplomacy. Named after George Washington, he had a vision before his death and the founding of the school in 1821 of building a school in the heart of Washington, DC dedicated to providing quality education for many young students from all over the relatively young nation.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
As a prospective student, I would say to make multiple visits to the university before and after the admissions decision. As a campus located in the Foggy Bottom section of Northwest, Washington, DC, there are many things to see and explore. The aforementioned White House, as well as the Lincoln Monument and Washington Monument are literally minutes away by walk. In terms of making connections, especially students of minority background, look for information on organizations and programs that fit you and can be pertinent to your future success. As a student who is of Nigerian descent, the MSSC (Multicultural Student Services Center) was a community and a presence on campus looking for students of multicultural or minority origin. This community was a big part of my success at the George Washington University because it kept us together based on our common backgrounds, interests, feelings, and ideas. Another form of advice could be to consider which campus fits you: Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is drastically different from Foggy Bottom, as it is located in a more suburban area behind Georgetown University and the Georgetown shopping area. This makes for a more tranquil and homely experience. For those who prefer the fast-paced living of urban Foggy Bottom for their freshman year, Foggy Bottom is right for you. However, if you prefer a more homely, modern experience (and the shuttle bus between campuses), then Mount Vernon is right for you.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
As a Biological Sciences major, I am somewhat biased on the rigor of the undergraduate curriculum of my school. Biology, by the vast majority, is believed to be within the top two or three hardest majors offered at the George Washington University. Engineering, as a whole field (computer science, civil engineering, etc.), is often considered to be the hardest. Never mind about just those two majors though. As a whole, the curriculum of my school is relatively difficult, as many of my friends and colleagues in various majors and disciplines have complained about the difficulty of their coursework, despite loving what they are learning. Majors geared towards the humanities, political science, and international affairs tend to have lectures supplemented by a colossal amount of readings (books, articles, videos, etc) weekly. Majors geared toward the life sciences and engineering tend to have lectures with several exams (in addition to midterms) supplemented by hands-on lab sessions and problem solving (labs also tend to have exams and quizzes). The way other schools have, for example, government as a major, is consolidated within political science, or international affairs at the George Washington University. In essence, other schools offer majors for more specific topics in other schools than at my school.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
GW has consistently been ranked in the top 10 by the Princeton Review for Dorm Like Palaces Many of the top dorm names on both campuses include South Hall (Seniors only), Ivory Tower, West Hall, Lafayette Hall, City Hall, Amsterdam Hall, etc. Many of these dorms I have lived in (Amsterdam, City Hall) and many more I have been in countless times. Utilities are efficient and have a low failure rate. The rooms are spacious and range from doubles to quads. Many also have vast laundry facilities, study rooms, gym facilities (City Hall), balconies, and even a pool (City Hall). There are also many small parks and corridors between and within dorms (South Hall, West Hall, Somers Hall) that are perfect for relaxation during the spring and summer months. There are also lobbies and lounge rooms (basement, roof, and floors) that are equipped with comfortable seating and entertainment utilities (flat-screen TVs and cable boxes) that also impose a homey feel to students. There is also current construction on a new super-dorm that will take the spot of three outdated dorms that were in operation until the end of my junior year. This dorm will help to alleviate the growing population of incoming freshman with each acceptance class. It is also believed that it will be the largest, most modern, efficient, and updated dorm on campus For all students looking at dorm structure and quality as one of their main variables in picking their school of choice, GW is at or near the top of the pile for schools in the country.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The main spot for dining and food on campus is located at the Marvin Center in the middle of campus. Its dining area includes many non-brand restaurants and food stands that serve delicious and respectable dishes and recipes. However, there are some stands that I do not favor, mainly because it serves foreign food from a specific culture that does not taste good to me (forgot the name, but its right next to the Chinese restaurant stand in the left corner of the entrance on 21st street). There is also an Auntie Anne's within the dining area, and it has quickly become a student favorite in the first year it has been there. For those looking for a healthier option, there is also a food line in the middle that serves fruit, greens and vegetables (especially useful for those who are vegan or vegetarian), and cold food. Pita Pitt, Dunkin Donuts, Potbellys, and Gallery in the Ivory Tower dining area are also options. There is also a deli called GW Deli that is just like a regular deli for those looking for a humbler and genuine eating experience. Whole Foods, Roti, and Burger Tap and Shakes, 7-11, and Sweetgreen are all across the street from GW Hospital. Chipotle, Bertucci (Italian restaurant), and Johnny Rockets are in 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue. Fridays, Panda Cafe are also on Pennsylvania. CVS is also located in 2000 Penn. and E Street NW, respectively. Fobogro is a GW-owned sandwich spot that is also a popular spot on campus. Starbucks is also located in Gelman Library. Then, you have Carvings (located in Potomac Hall and is like the Deli), Subway, and 7-11 on the other edge of campus. For Mount Vernites, students have dining in Ames Hall and West Hall, as well as off-campus places such as Panda Cafe and Safeway.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There are various things to do for fun on campus. There is a recreational fitness facility on campus called the Lerner Health & Wellness Center, in which students can work out in the Fitness Center, play basketball, soccer, badminton, squash, swim in pool, run track, etc. For campus nightlife, there are various Greek townhouses that provide parties and things to do for many students. Dorms are also areas in which students can create safe and healthy fun for themselves. Just off campus are bars and lounges such as McFaddens and Camelot for those older students who are eligible to access it. Beside partying, there is also great fun in taking a tour of nearby attractions such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, National Mall, the Smithsonian Museum, Dupont Circle (many places to eat as well), and so on. The Woodling Zoo is also an area of fun. Prime areas such as U Street and Gallery Place-Chinatown are seen as the cultural centers of DC, where everything from restaurants to movie theaters to sports stadium (Verizon Center) are also available. Adams Morgan and Georgetown are also other prime areas in the city that provide fun for students outside of campus. DC nightlife is among the most varied in the country and many students never run of things to do for fun.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
GW is top 3 nationwide in Most Expensive Schools. As a school located within a prime section in the capital of the United States (minutes away from the White House and the monuments), it is almost a no-brainer that the tuition is that high. However, if you can afford to go there (through scholarships, grants, parents paying, or even loans), GW does not disappoint with the various opportunities available to you, as well as the various things you see and who you meet. Students receive a unique educational experience as well as being taught by many respectable professionals in the medical, government (House and Senate members), and public affairs field. The positives seem to outweigh the negative, and you more likely than not, receive bang for the buck.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greek life is huge at GW. I, myself, am Greek. However, I am part of the Multicultural Greek Council, which is under the supervision of the Multicultural Student Services Center. As a result, we are not represented hugely on my campus, which means we are to an extent, marginalized. Within the MGC are several Greek letter organizations that are multiculturally distinct in origin, practices, and membership. My own fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma) does not have a house on campus, despite the fact that our chapter was chartered on campus. However, we try to make our presence felt as much as we can. In terms of commenting on the Caucasian frats and sororities on campus, I couldn't comment on their programs, structure, and practices much because of our lack of integration with most of them. I do, however, know that they do hold most of the townhouses devoted to Greek organizations. The way they garner membership as well is through a process known as rushing in which they host a variety of events publicly (like a large cookout) and promote their organization, while providing paper and pen for interested students. Then for several weeks, they have their prospective members engage in several activities openly to become members. Among my favorite Greek-letter organizations beside my own include Tau Kappa Epsilon, Chi Omega, Pi Detla Psi, Sigma Psi Zeta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, etc. Greek life is a great way to engage in campus life, make connections, and provide services to the community.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus safety is excellent at GW. I know that personally because I worked for the GWPD for almost two years. GWPD is the main form of security at GW, equipped with patrol cars, a main office, and hundreds of employees who regularly patrol dorms, office buildings, and other facilities on a regular basis. Most dorms are also equipped with various forms of surveillance cameras that are constantly monitored. In addition, dorms can only be accessed by its residents with a valid GWorld. All buildings on campus during late hours can only be accessed by valid GWorld holders, or with the case with some buildings, only authorized personnel. Visiting GW students and outsiders (not staff or students), must be signed in by employees of the GWPD and accompanied by residents of the residential dorm. The location of campus also makes it regularly safe because of its proximity to important government and financial buildings. In addition for those females (and less likely, males) that are out at late hours on campus, many of them can call 4-Ride, which is an escort service that is free of charge, that can take you anywhere on campus and certain areas off campus. This escort service is in service 7 days a week from 7pm-5:30am.
George Washington University is a private, co-educational university primarily in the Foggy Bottom section of Northwest, Washington, DC. Its proximity to various important governmental and financial landmarks such as the White House, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the headquarters of the United States Department of State makes it one of the top 3 schools nationwide for political involvement, international affairs, and diplomacy. Named after George Washington, he had a vision before his death and the founding of the school in 1821 of building a school in the heart of Washington, DC dedicated to providing quality education for many young students from all over the relatively young nation.
As a prospective student, I would say to make multiple visits to the university before and after the admissions decision. As a campus located in the Foggy Bottom section of Northwest, Washington, DC, there are many things to see and explore. The aforementioned White House, as well as the Lincoln Monument and Washington Monument are literally minutes away by walk. In terms of making connections, especially students of minority background, look for information on organizations and programs that fit you and can be pertinent to your future success. As a student who is of Nigerian descent, the MSSC (Multicultural Student Services Center) was a community and a presence on campus looking for students of multicultural or minority origin. This community was a big part of my success at the George Washington University because it kept us together based on our common backgrounds, interests, feelings, and ideas. Another form of advice could be to consider which campus fits you: Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is drastically different from Foggy Bottom, as it is located in a more suburban area behind Georgetown University and the Georgetown shopping area. This makes for a more tranquil and homely experience. For those who prefer the fast-paced living of urban Foggy Bottom for their freshman year, Foggy Bottom is right for you. However, if you prefer a more homely, modern experience (and the shuttle bus between campuses), then Mount Vernon is right for you.
As a Biological Sciences major, I am somewhat biased on the rigor of the undergraduate curriculum of my school. Biology, by the vast majority, is believed to be within the top two or three hardest majors offered at the George Washington University. Engineering, as a whole field (computer science, civil engineering, etc.), is often considered to be the hardest. Never mind about just those two majors though. As a whole, the curriculum of my school is relatively difficult, as many of my friends and colleagues in various majors and disciplines have complained about the difficulty of their coursework, despite loving what they are learning. Majors geared towards the humanities, political science, and international affairs tend to have lectures supplemented by a colossal amount of readings (books, articles, videos, etc) weekly. Majors geared toward the life sciences and engineering tend to have lectures with several exams (in addition to midterms) supplemented by hands-on lab sessions and problem solving (labs also tend to have exams and quizzes). The way other schools have, for example, government as a major, is consolidated within political science, or international affairs at the George Washington University. In essence, other schools offer majors for more specific topics in other schools than at my school.
GW has consistently been ranked in the top 10 by the Princeton Review for Dorm Like Palaces Many of the top dorm names on both campuses include South Hall (Seniors only), Ivory Tower, West Hall, Lafayette Hall, City Hall, Amsterdam Hall, etc. Many of these dorms I have lived in (Amsterdam, City Hall) and many more I have been in countless times. Utilities are efficient and have a low failure rate. The rooms are spacious and range from doubles to quads. Many also have vast laundry facilities, study rooms, gym facilities (City Hall), balconies, and even a pool (City Hall). There are also many small parks and corridors between and within dorms (South Hall, West Hall, Somers Hall) that are perfect for relaxation during the spring and summer months. There are also lobbies and lounge rooms (basement, roof, and floors) that are equipped with comfortable seating and entertainment utilities (flat-screen TVs and cable boxes) that also impose a homey feel to students. There is also current construction on a new super-dorm that will take the spot of three outdated dorms that were in operation until the end of my junior year. This dorm will help to alleviate the growing population of incoming freshman with each acceptance class. It is also believed that it will be the largest, most modern, efficient, and updated dorm on campus For all students looking at dorm structure and quality as one of their main variables in picking their school of choice, GW is at or near the top of the pile for schools in the country.
The main spot for dining and food on campus is located at the Marvin Center in the middle of campus. Its dining area includes many non-brand restaurants and food stands that serve delicious and respectable dishes and recipes. However, there are some stands that I do not favor, mainly because it serves foreign food from a specific culture that does not taste good to me (forgot the name, but its right next to the Chinese restaurant stand in the left corner of the entrance on 21st street). There is also an Auntie Anne's within the dining area, and it has quickly become a student favorite in the first year it has been there. For those looking for a healthier option, there is also a food line in the middle that serves fruit, greens and vegetables (especially useful for those who are vegan or vegetarian), and cold food. Pita Pitt, Dunkin Donuts, Potbellys, and Gallery in the Ivory Tower dining area are also options. There is also a deli called GW Deli that is just like a regular deli for those looking for a humbler and genuine eating experience. Whole Foods, Roti, and Burger Tap and Shakes, 7-11, and Sweetgreen are all across the street from GW Hospital. Chipotle, Bertucci (Italian restaurant), and Johnny Rockets are in 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue. Fridays, Panda Cafe are also on Pennsylvania. CVS is also located in 2000 Penn. and E Street NW, respectively. Fobogro is a GW-owned sandwich spot that is also a popular spot on campus. Starbucks is also located in Gelman Library. Then, you have Carvings (located in Potomac Hall and is like the Deli), Subway, and 7-11 on the other edge of campus. For Mount Vernites, students have dining in Ames Hall and West Hall, as well as off-campus places such as Panda Cafe and Safeway.
There are various things to do for fun on campus. There is a recreational fitness facility on campus called the Lerner Health & Wellness Center, in which students can work out in the Fitness Center, play basketball, soccer, badminton, squash, swim in pool, run track, etc. For campus nightlife, there are various Greek townhouses that provide parties and things to do for many students. Dorms are also areas in which students can create safe and healthy fun for themselves. Just off campus are bars and lounges such as McFaddens and Camelot for those older students who are eligible to access it. Beside partying, there is also great fun in taking a tour of nearby attractions such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, National Mall, the Smithsonian Museum, Dupont Circle (many places to eat as well), and so on. The Woodling Zoo is also an area of fun. Prime areas such as U Street and Gallery Place-Chinatown are seen as the cultural centers of DC, where everything from restaurants to movie theaters to sports stadium (Verizon Center) are also available. Adams Morgan and Georgetown are also other prime areas in the city that provide fun for students outside of campus. DC nightlife is among the most varied in the country and many students never run of things to do for fun.
GW is top 3 nationwide in Most Expensive Schools. As a school located within a prime section in the capital of the United States (minutes away from the White House and the monuments), it is almost a no-brainer that the tuition is that high. However, if you can afford to go there (through scholarships, grants, parents paying, or even loans), GW does not disappoint with the various opportunities available to you, as well as the various things you see and who you meet. Students receive a unique educational experience as well as being taught by many respectable professionals in the medical, government (House and Senate members), and public affairs field. The positives seem to outweigh the negative, and you more likely than not, receive bang for the buck.
Greek life is huge at GW. I, myself, am Greek. However, I am part of the Multicultural Greek Council, which is under the supervision of the Multicultural Student Services Center. As a result, we are not represented hugely on my campus, which means we are to an extent, marginalized. Within the MGC are several Greek letter organizations that are multiculturally distinct in origin, practices, and membership. My own fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma) does not have a house on campus, despite the fact that our chapter was chartered on campus. However, we try to make our presence felt as much as we can. In terms of commenting on the Caucasian frats and sororities on campus, I couldn't comment on their programs, structure, and practices much because of our lack of integration with most of them. I do, however, know that they do hold most of the townhouses devoted to Greek organizations. The way they garner membership as well is through a process known as rushing in which they host a variety of events publicly (like a large cookout) and promote their organization, while providing paper and pen for interested students. Then for several weeks, they have their prospective members engage in several activities openly to become members. Among my favorite Greek-letter organizations beside my own include Tau Kappa Epsilon, Chi Omega, Pi Detla Psi, Sigma Psi Zeta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, etc. Greek life is a great way to engage in campus life, make connections, and provide services to the community.
Campus safety is excellent at GW. I know that personally because I worked for the GWPD for almost two years. GWPD is the main form of security at GW, equipped with patrol cars, a main office, and hundreds of employees who regularly patrol dorms, office buildings, and other facilities on a regular basis. Most dorms are also equipped with various forms of surveillance cameras that are constantly monitored. In addition, dorms can only be accessed by its residents with a valid GWorld. All buildings on campus during late hours can only be accessed by valid GWorld holders, or with the case with some buildings, only authorized personnel. Visiting GW students and outsiders (not staff or students), must be signed in by employees of the GWPD and accompanied by residents of the residential dorm. The location of campus also makes it regularly safe because of its proximity to important government and financial buildings. In addition for those females (and less likely, males) that are out at late hours on campus, many of them can call 4-Ride, which is an escort service that is free of charge, that can take you anywhere on campus and certain areas off campus. This escort service is in service 7 days a week from 7pm-5:30am.