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What I like about this College:
Academics: Work is very hard, but worth it. Getting used to all of the reading and paper may take adjustment, but isn't too hard. You'll have homework every night, but still have your weekends to relax and get ready for the week.
Academics at Georgetown University: My professors have been consistently invested in the material they are teaching. While the courses are hard, I am learning a lot. The physical workload is not bad, but it requires that you do 2 hours of reading for almost each class. The registration process is simple and ratemyprofessor is always a great web tool. All of the professor have office hours and are available by appointment.
Academics at Georgetown University: Every single professor I've had has been extremely bright, knowledgeable and passionate about their field. The professors here are truly at the heads of their profession. Otherwise, registration is a pretty painless process and there are plenty of varied study spaces all over campus.
Athletics at Georgetown University: BASKETBALL SPIRIT. The majority of people here are really into basketball; people love to go downtown to the games to show their spirit and attend pep rallies. Hoya basketball can always be relied upon to start a conversation!
Athletics at Georgetown University: Georgetown has a terrific basketball program and there's a lot of fan support. The club teams on campus, crew, ultimate frisbee, etc., have their own core fans. Georgetown has a fairly athletic student body.
Administration at Georgetown University: There are many off campus parties but you must be invited or know someone to attend. As you meet people, that gets easier but at first, it's difficult to get in. I guess when I talk with friends at other schools, most colleges are pretty strict about underage drinking now and maybe Georgetown is in line with most. Underage drinking is certainly prevalent on most campuses and it seems silly that the legal drinking age is 21. Georgetown is taking steps to improve the social atmosphere for all students with a new student center and even a club for over 21s.
Campus Food at Georgetown University: Downside: there's only one dining hall, and it's located in a far corner of campus. The food is mediocre. Upside: the dining hall is a buffet-style, privately-run establishment, which means that you can eat as much as you want and the company that runs it actually listens to your complaints and suggestions. So there's room for improvement. Also, there are a few other places to get food, such as the somewhat upscale Epicurean on the opposite side of campus, an Einstein Bros, a Cosi Cafe and the student-run convenience store Vital Vittles (which sells decent sandwiches). If you're still unsatisfied, M Street is a five minute walk away.
Campus Housing at Georgetown University: Housing selection is a very painless experience; the university provides lots of information about the process and tries to give students as much freedom as possible while trying to be fair to everyone. Freshmen choose roommates through CHARMS and are randomly assigned to freshmen-only dorms. Sophomore and beyond, you may apply to the lottery for certain housing options that are generally better than freshman dorms. Many people group up and apply to live together. Junior and seniors can live in campus-owned townhouses - Village A, Village B, or Henle - if they want. The housing itself? Simple, functional, brick-walled public-school 60's/70's utilitarian. Nothing has been recently renovated apart from New South. Each dorm has its own advantages (for example, Village C West has its own bathrooms, Village A has a view, Southwest Quad dorms are in the middle of everything, Darnall Hall develops super-tight floor communities, etc.). Convenience varies, but the clustered campus makes even the walk from Darnall (no man's land) manageable. You'll see rats outside at night, but rarely in a dorm. Cleanliness is essential to keep cockroaches out. In summary, Georgetown dorms are fine. The differences in quality aren't that drastic (even if you get Darnall, you'll be fine, take it from a current resident). They are livable and work for everything you need from a dorm. However, visiting your friends at GW may make you die a little inside.
Campus Quality at Georgetown University: Georgetown has beautiful buildings and spaces for students to gather and study. We have an excellent athletic facility and membership is included in tuition. There are constantly numerous campus events each day to be involved in and 200+ student groups and clubs to join. The library is one of the oldest buildings on campus, however it has a great amount of resources and is a popular spot for student work.
Campus Quality at Georgetown University: I study at the Georgetown University downtown campus on Chinatown. It's all white, a state-of-the-art building. Really, good. I went to the main campus is gorgeous. It feels like Harry Potter. The library is amazing, the dining hall too although the food is not very good there. The events and traditions like going to the Verizon Center to the Georgetown Men bastketball game is awesome.
Campus Quality at Georgetown University: At this school, we tend to have a very close bond and sense of togetherness with each other. It does not matter whether you know a person or not, they will always greet you with a smiling face and a warm heart. Also, being in the nation’s capital has its advantages. We are able to go to events such as the inauguration and even visit tourist attractions on a daily basis. Washington, DC is a lovely home to have.
Diversity at Georgetown University: Georgetown is a very international university, so there is a high level of ethnic heritages and national origins. It's cost, however, reduces the amount of economic diversity. At the same time, the University is pretty good about giving financial aid which brings it above the level of others (George Washington, for example). The campus is pretty overwhelmingly democrat with a small, but vocal, group of republicans. Sexual orientation can be a more controversial subject on campus due to the presence of some religiously conservative elements. However, the campus is overall very accepting. The last student body president, for example, was openly gay.
Drug Safety at Georgetown University: Alcohol is the drug of choice. The freshmen know it. The upperclassmen know it. The university knows it. The local bars know it. Most parties take place off-campus (i.e. right outside the university gates) and beer flows free for whoever shows up. Most students drink, but many don't, and those who don't will not experience peer pressure to go and party every weekend. GERMS is a free, student-run emergency medical service that treats students on an anonymous basis; it reflects a general campus policy that Georgetown knows its students will drink and prefers they simply drink safely. Other than alcohol, smoking has a presence on campus, but carries the same stigma as it does elsewhere. In addition, students of all ages will go to hookah bars on weekends. Other drugs like marijuana are probably available, but you'd probably have to do some serious digging and elbow greasing for it. The campus police do enforce the drug policy; once when my dorm started smelling of pot, officers came and searched every floor.
Greek Life at Georgetown University: Not really very much Greek activity at Georgetown which I actually like.
Greek Life at Georgetown University: This is not a greek-life school, which I personally enjoy.
Greek Life at Georgetown University: The university doesn't officially recognize any fraternities or sororities. Those that exist aren't especially relevant.
Guys & Girls at Georgetown University: It might just be me, but I think girls at Georgetown are generally more attractive than guys. There's definitely a hook-up culture at Georgetown, but there's also a small, strong group of religious kids. Also, kids are preppy dressers.
Guys & Girls at Georgetown University: Prep on prep on prep with a side of prep to go; that's the only defining feature of a Georgetown guy or girl. Otherwise, it's a pretty average bunch. There's a sporty atmosphere so quite a few students hit the gym often; however, the library is never empty (and the 2nd floor study space's coffee shop makes it a social hangout). Most social interactions take place through clubs and campus groups (ask any Georgetown student what they're involved in on-campus and you'll get a list of at least 4 clubs and/or a sports team). The campus groups are often the ones hosting the parties, but at the same time, they give you a chance to know guys and girls pretty well through daytime activities. So, on one hand, the party scene is pretty large and relaxed, so hookups happen often. On another hand, couples are not uncommon or actively discouraged on campus. And on yet another hand, you'll find that most of the Georgetown populace have friends of the other gender without difficulty. Note: Freshman boy syndrome is present (the theory is that girls date up the ranks, leaving freshman guys the least desirable species on campus), but they are not actively excluded from the party scene.
Health & Safety at Georgetown University: I genuinely feel very safe on and around campus. Campus security is visible. The dorms are almost too protected with having to sign visitors in and out each time you enter . While I know this provides security it is sometimes inconvenient!
Local Area at Georgetown University: There is so much to do in Georgetown and the greater DC area, from politics, to shopping, to restaurants you're never bored. Also the location helps Georgetown attract great political speakers, the college democrats have a senator here every two weeks.
Local Area at Georgetown University: You can't beat Washington, D.C. as a place to live and work. It has all the amenities of a major metropolis without feeling too overwhelming. The career opportunities are unparalleled if you're interested in government or public policy. The main downside is the high cost of living.
Local Area at Georgetown University: Georgetown is a great place to live- there are tons of fun restaurants and shops. And of course, DC is your backyard! Lots of opportunities for internships and research, no matter what your interests.
Off-Campus Dining at Georgetown University: The quality of the food is excellent. There are plenty of diverse options downtown, within walking distance from campus. The atmosphere is wonderful; however the menus are pricey, especially for students.
Off-Campus Dining at Georgetown University: If you're looking for low-cost nearby options, there are quite a few places to go–Chipotle, Shophouse, Subway, and Wisey's to name a few. If you want to go out on a classy date, there's definitely that option. If you want to explore D.C., it's really not too hard to get down to Dupont or U Street and explore what those areas have to offer.
Off-Campus Dining at Georgetown University: Great food options, especially late-night dessert places. Definitely would not complain, though many options are incredibly expensive.
Off-Campus Housing at Georgetown University: So much fun. There's a tough market to find good off campus housing, but if you are willing to pay (yes, it's very expensive) then you are fine. The really nice townhouses are amazing though. Great for throwing parties and you are located in an awesome part of Georgetown with close access to everything you need including being right by campus.
Off-Campus Housing at Georgetown University: Off-campus housing for upperclassmen is one of the Georgetown traditions practically. The quaint and narrow houses in the Georgetown neighborhood really are just picaresque. They are often expensive, but when students get housing there they split the cost with several others making the costs affordable.
Overall Experience at Georgetown University: I've had an absolutely amazing experience at Georgetown and recommend it to all. Georgetown is full of brilliant but approachable students. Everyone is driven and generally support and help each other. Professors and employees are willing to help you.
Overall Experience at Georgetown University: Getting a job after college doesn't seem too difficult coming from here. There are always internship opportunities available.
Party Scene at Georgetown University: There are on campus parties constantly, but the typical Georgetown party is standing around talking to people while drinking as music plays. There isn't usually any dancing, but always a room for drinking games. On campus parties also tend to get shut down. The parties are good if you know what you are looking for, but a fun night is always hit or miss. However, the nightlife at clubs around campus is great!
Party Scene at Georgetown University: The nightlife is tricky at Georgetown. You really need to have a plan on where you are going before you head out. It helps to be over 21 of course. The bar scene is very good. If you are underage, there are 18+ clubs in DC and there are also parties near campus in townhouses. My advice is to make friends and just ask around.
Scholarships at Georgetown University: The paperwork is cumbersome, though no different from any other college! I have not yet had any problem with the Financial Aid office and they stood by their promise this year to continue the aid promised me.
Scholarships at Georgetown University: The financial aid here for me was extremely satisfactory. My school is listed on the more expensive side for universities nationwide and I received a substantial amount for the year. I would advise anyone applying to get required materials early as well as search for outside scholarships. Make sure to be in constant contact with the school's financial aid office!
Transportation at Georgetown University: The campus is clustered but hilly, with stairs galore. The walk to Yates (the gym) forgoes the need for a warm-up. Many students bike, but most just walk. Don't even think about owning a car, or even renting a zipCar if you live on-campus. Parking fees are ridiculous, driving on-campus is unthinkable, and DC is much more walker-friendly than driver-friendly. If living off-campus, zipCars are easy to get but you will face the perils of DC traffic. To get off-campus is easier than you think. On weekdays, there are 5-6 GUTS buses that shuttle between various areas of DC like Dupont Circle and the Rosslyn metro. They are free, clean, and go until late at night. Very convenient and often used when going to the basketball games. DC transportation is a bit tricky to figure out, but once you get it, you get it. Metro buses stop right outside the gate, but they require a bit of skill and research before you go use them. There is no Metro train-stop in Georgetown itself, but the walk to Rosslyn is not terrible for the moderately ambitious, and the DC Metro is very clean and easy to use. Taxis stop right outside the gates and are no different from any other taxi. All in all, however, the simplest, cheapest way of transportation is walking.
Transportation at Georgetown University: You have shuttle buses from the main campus to Dupont Circle, plus the circulator and the DC buses. Also there is the metro. Really, you don't need a car in DC and to get to college unless you want to paid for really expensive parking.
What I don’t like about this College:
- Deflated grading- certain percentage of students get A’s
- Specializes in international degrees
Academics at Georgetown University:I'm in the business school and there's this thing called the curve whereby only a certain percentage of students can get A's. I think it’s stupid, but the point is to make you work harder. Overall, people here complain a lot about the difficulty of classes and how much homework they have. It's manageable, but barely. One thing you should know about Georgetown is that it's probably not for everyone. Everything here is intense - competition for grades, getting work experience, the social scene, and especially becoming involved in clubs and organizations (even community service). Clubs are very selective - to a fault in my opinion.
Campus Food at Georgetown University: There is only one dining hall on campus with limited options and the school makes little effort to expand your ability to use your meal swipes at other locations. Epicurean is great, but only takes flex dollars and is definately way overpriced...
Campus Food at Georgetown University: Georgetown has only one main dining hall, with additional restaurant and fast food options across campus (Epicurean, Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Cosi, Einstein Bros.) Food at the main dining hall is varied with multiple stations (Italian, wok, burgers, salad bar) but is often bland or overly spiced, and when the place is at its full capacity the staff cannot handle the crowd.