Academics

As a Biological Sciences major, I am somewhat biased on the rigor of the undergraduate curriculum of my school. Biology, by the vast majority, is believed to be within the top two or three hardest majors offered at the George Washington University. Engineering, as a whole field (computer science, civil engineering, etc.), is often considered to be the hardest. Never mind about just those two majors though. As a whole, the curriculum of my school is relatively difficult, as many of my friends and colleagues in various majors and disciplines have complained about the difficulty of their coursework, despite loving what they are learning. Majors geared towards the humanities, political science, and international affairs tend to have lectures supplemented by a colossal amount of readings (books, articles, videos, etc) weekly. Majors geared toward the life sciences and engineering tend to have lectures with several exams (in addition to midterms) supplemented by hands-on lab sessions and problem solving (labs also tend to have exams and quizzes). The way other schools have, for example, government as a major, is consolidated within political science, or international affairs at the George Washington University. In essence, other schools offer majors for more specific topics in other schools than at my school.

Classes at George Washington University are pretty balanced between large lectures and small classrooms. I have three large lecture classes and two smaller classroom experiences. I have a double major in International Affairs (concentration in Latin America) and Political Science with a minor in History. My favorite class is American Politics, Professor Deering is hilarious and explains everything personally! I registered for Legislative Politics with him next semester. The academic requirements are annoying, for example, I have to take a Math and two Science courses, and my AP credits can't count towards those courses. But the general education requirements are very easy to accomplish nonetheless. There hasn't been a class I haven't enjoyed, including those general education courses!

The school is well known for its academic rigor.

It is not really difficult if you manage your time well and listen to professor (go to the lecture). I recommend going to the office hours if you are confused or not doing well in the class. Professors are willing to help if you ask for help. Midterms and finals can be difficult, but if you study in advance and not cram in the end (sometimes it works though, but I don't encourage you to do that), you will succeed in all of the classes. Usually there's midterm and final. Some classes have additional quizzes and essays.

It's one of the top schools in DC and it's location in Foggy Bottom enhances the academics. You are literally two blocks from the White House, the State Department, embassies, etc. Also, many of the professors teach at both GW and Georgetown, so the academics are comparable.

The classes are small and personal, so students have a real relationship with teachers.