Georgetown and Vanderbilt: Which is better for me?

Hey everyone! I got accepted to both Georgetown and Vanderbilt, but I'm having trouble deciding which school to attend. Can somebody help me weigh the pros and cons of each? My intended major is International Relations.

Congratulations on your acceptances to both Georgetown and Vanderbilt! They're both great schools, but choosing between them will depend on what matters most to you. Let's dive into some of the important factors to consider when making your decision.

Academic Strength/Focus:

Georgetown is well known for its international relations program (the Walsh School of Foreign Service is consistently ranked in the top tier). If you're solely focused on studying IR and want access to internships and networking opportunities in Washington, D.C., Georgetown may have a slight edge in this respect. On the other hand, Vanderbilt also has a strong political science department, with a focus on international relations as well.

Location:

Georgetown is located in Washington, D.C., which, as mentioned earlier, offers a wide range of opportunities for internships, research, and networking in international relations and other government-related fields. Vanderbilt is located in Nashville, Tennessee, which is a vibrant city with a thriving music scene, but it's not as focused on international relations as D.C.

Campus Culture:

Georgetown tends to have a more pre-professional atmosphere with a strong focus on academics and global issues. On the other hand, Vanderbilt is known for its balance between academics and other aspects of a college experience, including an active Greek Life and strong school spirit. Take some time to reflect on which type of atmosphere suits your personality and preferences.

Size:

Both universities have similar undergraduate enrollments, but Georgetown's campus is more urban and less spacious than Vanderbilt's, which boasts a larger, more traditional campus.

Financial Aid:

It may be helpful to compare financial aid offers from both schools to see if one package is significantly more generous than the other. Sometimes, the financial aspect can be a deciding factor.

It's important to consider where you feel you would fit in best, excel academically, and thrive socially and emotionally. If possible, try visiting both campuses or reaching out to current students to get a sense of the environment and culture at each school. Good luck with your decision, and congratulations once again on your achievements!