BU vs. GW Forum

[vitapup]

I'm currently torn between two schools (assuming I don't get into any of the ones I'm on a waitlist for) - GW and BU.

BU's estimated cost of living/tuition is about $15k less than GW's. Plus, BU is offering me $15k a year. However, the idea of spending winter in Boston is terribly unappealing and I don't plan to work in the Boston area after graduation. Regardless, I was very impressed with the school's preview day and walked away feeling like I already connected to a number of the current students there. Everything BU did had a personal touch to it, and the head of the school's CDO actually knows all of the students by his or her first name.

As for GW, I think I would be much happier in DC, compared to Boston, and GW seems to have access to numerous government agencies and international organizations. I'm afraid that if I attend BU, I'd miss out on this opportunity. While GW also put on a great preview day, BU's was better (though GW's facilities were top notch).

I'd like to work in New York CIty after graduation (though DC also seems like a great city to work/live in) and am most interested in studying international law - specifically regarding China and other Asian countries.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[justhockey31]

Well BU is definitely cheaper and gives you the ability to make it to NYC after graduation. As for the winters, DC has actually been hit pretty hard by winter storms the past few years and when it snows there EVERYTHING shuts down because they are unable to deal with it. At least in Boston the snow would be managed properly. Both are good schools though so I would definitely go with the one you feel best at which sounds like BU. Good luck!

[Cupidity]

For NYC BU$>GWU Sticker

Boston is a great place, not sure why you don't like it.

[jonillson]

boston winter = nyc winter

--ImageRemoved--

edit: more or less

[elm84dr]

You want to work in NYC, but you don't think you can survive Boston winters??? The average difference in temp between Boston and NYC is about 2 degrees...So yeah, I don't think that should factor in.

[reverendt]

You're THAT worried about Boston winters???? You need to toughen up a bit!
Anyway, Boston is an incredible town....way, WAY better than DC.

[Attorney]

boston winter = nyc winter

The Boston winter highs are only about 1 or 2 degrees lower* than those of the NYC winters. So similar in temperature. BUT, Boston (~40 inches) gets twice as much snow as NYC (~20 inches). I don't love the cold but do love the snow... so Boston has better winters than NYC as far as I'm concerned.


EDIT: corrected for imperceptibly lower temps in Boston, not higher.

[dood]

i would go to GW b/c its better. objectively.

[coldshoulder]

Everything above is TCR. Winter in the northeast is winter in the northeast...

[Attorney]

i would go to GWBU b/c its better. objectively.

[Blindmelon]

i would go to GWBU b/c its better. objectively.

If you want NYC, take BU. If DC, retake and get some $ out of GW. By your estimates, BU is 60k cheaper. Thats a lot when you compound interest.

[bk1]

1. BU places better in NYC.

2. BU has better employment prospects generally.

3. BU is 90k cheaper.

Go to BU, but understand that international law is a pipe dream.