Hi all! I got accepted to George Mason University (GMU) and Saint Louis University (SLU) and I'm having trouble choosing between them. What sets each school apart? What should I consider when making my decision, including academics (class sizes, strength of departments), social scene, location, etc.?
Congratulations on your acceptances to both George Mason University and Saint Louis University! It's great that you're weighing your options carefully. Each school has its distinctive features, so let's break down the factors you mentioned for both GMU and SLU.
Academics:
- Class Sizes: GMU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while SLU's ratio is 9:1. This means you might generally expect smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors at SLU. However, this can vary by department.
- Strength of Departments: Both universities have strong programs. Investigate which departments align with your academic interests and future goals. For example, GMU is known for its programs in public policy and economics, whereas SLU has strong programs in nursing, health sciences, and aerospace engineering.
Social Scene:
- Campus Life: Both campuses have vibrant student communities and a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events. What's important is to gauge which university's atmosphere is more suitable to your personality and preferences.
- Greek Life: Greek life is present at both campuses, but tends to have a larger presence at GMU. If that's something you're interested in, consider the extent to which it might factor into your college experience.
Location:
- GMU: Located in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb close to Washington, D.C., you'll have fairly easy access to countless professional, cultural, and entertainment opportunities in the nation's capital.
- SLU: Saint Louis University is an urban campus located in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. This gives you access to a less crowded metropolitan atmosphere with various entertainment and cultural experiences within reach.
Additional Considerations:
- Cost: Compare the financial aid packages you received from both schools as well as the cost of living in each area.
- Atmosphere: Research and consider the campus culture at each university, as well as the resources and support they offer in terms of mental health, diversity, and inclusion.
- Post-graduation network/resources: Investigate the networks and resources each university has for post-graduation employment, internships, research opportunities, etc.
Good luck with your decision, and I'm sure whichever university you choose, you'll thrive and succeed!
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