Georgetown vs Dartmouth: Pros and Cons?

I'm trying to decide between Georgetown and Dartmouth for my top choice. What are the main differences in terms of academics, campus vibes, and extracurricular opportunities? Also, how would you weigh the pros and cons of each school? Any insights would help!

Georgetown and Dartmouth are both excellent institutions but differ significantly in terms of academics, campus vibes, and extracurricular opportunities. Here's a comparison of the two schools:

Academics:

Georgetown: Known for its strong programs in international relations, political science, and business (through the McDonough School of Business). Georgetown emphasizes a global perspective in its curriculum and has connections to many internships and career opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Dartmouth: Part of the Ivy League, Dartmouth is renowned for its undergraduate focus, providing students with close interactions with professors. Dartmouth is strong in various fields, including economics, computer science, and engineering, as well as the humanities.

Campus Vibes:

Georgetown: Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the urban setting allows students to take advantage of city life, cultural events, and internships. The campus is diverse and political involvement is prominent, with many guest speakers and policy-related discussions.

Dartmouth: Known for its picturesque campus in rural Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers a more intimate setting. The environment fosters a strong sense of community and outdoor activities are popular, with access to the Dartmouth Outing Club and the Appalachian Trail. The Greek life and social scene are also quite active.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

Georgetown: Offers diverse clubs and organizations, focusing on areas such as politics, service, and cultural affinity groups. Students can make use of Washington, D.C.'s resources for internships, research, and networking.

Dartmouth: Has an array of extracurriculars including sports clubs, arts programs, and community service opportunities. The D-Plan allows students to customize their schedules, opening up more possibilities for internships and off-campus experiences.

Pros and Cons:

Georgetown:

Pros:

1. Internship and networking opportunities in D.C.

2. Strong programs in international relations, political science, and business.

3. Vibrant, urban setting with cultural events and attractions nearby.

Cons:

1. Potentially less focus on undergraduate teaching compared to Dartmouth.

2. Limited campus space due to its urban location.

3. Less intimacy in the overall campus environment.

Dartmouth:

Pros:

1. Strong undergraduate focus with close interactions with professors.

2. Diverse academic offerings.

3. Tight-knit community, beautiful campus, and access to outdoor activities.

Cons:

1. Rural location may limit some internship and networking opportunities, especially outside of the summer term.

2. The social scene can be centered around Greek life.

3. The remote location may not be suitable for those who prefer urban environments.

Ultimately, the choice between Georgetown and Dartmouth depends on your personal preferences and academic interests. If you thrive in an urban setting with strong international-relations-focused programs, Georgetown might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you value a close-knit community and a diverse range of academic offerings in a picturesque rural setting, Dartmouth could be the right choice for you.