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How is AU's reputation in DC?What do employers think of the school and how is the alumni network? Also, how does American U compare to GW, when it comes to jobs, internships and overall reputation. I am interested in studying Political Science. Thanks.
AU has a very decent reputation around DC, and there are definitely a good number of alums who stay to live and work in the area. GW definitely has a better reputation, though, both locally and nationally. In terms of reputation I would rank the local universities thusly, based on local perceptions (I didn't include Gallaudet because of the obvious):
Georgetown
GW
American University and Howard about even
Catholic/Trinity
UDC
George Mason and U. of MD are pretty local and I'd rank them both about even with American and Howard- good, solid middle-of-the-road schools with very good local alumni systems. Catholic probably suffers a bit in my estimation because of their religiosity and all the implications therein (and yes, I know Georgetown is a Catholic school, but they aren't so serious about it, trust me).
I was a political science (Government) major at Georgetown, and I would highly recommend it. It's the best you're going to get in the beltway. GW also has an excellent poli sci program. My boss went to AU though, and he liked it a lot so you wouldn't be going wrong there, either. Good luck, DC is definitely the right place to come to study poli sci- you will love it and probably graduate with a job if you intern strategically!
Deservedly or not, AU undergrad has a "Rich Kid U" local reputation among many. The hard sciences and technology are thought to be particularly bad there, and pale in comparison to the many good and more affordable state school options kids in Maryland and Virginia have (UMCP, UMBC, GMU, Tech, UVA, JMU). My company (finance industry) routinely hires interns from all the schools in the area, and the AU kids always seem to be the least ambitious. Just a random sampling no doubt, but it seems consistently so every year.
In all fields, poli sci or not, I'd first comb through Gtown resumes and if I couldn't find anybody (highly unlikely), I'd then move to GWU...then to AU last...which means that your chances of being hired highly depends on deep contacts/favors more than school rep, since AU really doesn't have one. I'd possibly even hire UMaryland ahead of AU - I've known Maryland students to have a "work for it" mentality - they didn't come from the best economic situations but plenty smart and many of them are on scholarships. Nothing against AU, but it's the USC of DC - rich kid school that couldn't get into the other top two.
In all fields, poli sci or not, I'd first comb through Gtown resumes and if I couldn't find anybody (highly unlikely), I'd then move to GWU...then to AU last...which means that your chances of being hired highly depends on deep contacts/favors more than school rep, since AU really doesn't have one. I'd possibly even hire UMaryland ahead of AU - I've known Maryland students to have a "work for it" mentality - they didn't come from the best economic situations but plenty smart and many of them are on scholarships. Nothing against AU, but it's the USC of DC - rich kid school that couldn't get into the other top two.
I'm an alumni of American University and beg to differ about your view of AU. Yes, it is an expensive school and yes there are many students from wealthy families. However, this is not a reason to have a negative attitude just because the students have money, it comes off as just sounding a bit jealous. But I digress. As an alumni, I have done very well for myself and I've held very prominent positions in Washington. I've gained tremoundous respect among my peers and I've held jobs on Capitol Hill and rubbed shoulders with many world leaders. In addition, the list of promiment AU alumni is quite impressive. AU has turned out hundreds of people that have contributed tremendously to all aspects of society. Here's the list for your viewing: List of American University people - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
And further, I've had a "work for it" mentality since I started in my career with a job answering phones. It is important to get the facts right before passing judgment.
When I'm looking at resume's I value GW and Georgetown the highest, then AU/Mason/Howard after them for DC area schools. It's pretty close though. GW has the best alumni network in the city in my opinion, and Georgetown carries the most weight if you're looking to leave DC.
It seems clear that while AU may have established itself as a solid university in DC, GW and Georgetown have a better reputation. So I guess I would also ask, how important is the reputation of your DC area university? And how does the reputation of your alma matar compare to other factors such as internships when it comes to getting a job?
It's important to remember that while your alma mater will matter some when you first graduate, as you establish your career, it will matter less and less. Your grades and portfolio matter too. So while yeah all things being equal, a GU/GW degree is better than AU, by no means are you at a serious disadvantage if you go to AU, or really any ranked school.
In fact, most people I know in DC either went to Midwestern State U like myself or one of the many Virginia schools.
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