Hey everyone, I'm considering applying to George Washington University for their economics program. Can anyone share their experiences or opinions about the program? Are there any special opportunities or resources available for econ majors there? Thanks in advance!
Sure, I'd be happy to give you some insight on the economics program at George Washington University (GWU). As you might know, GWU is located in Washington, D.C., which provides a unique advantage to its students, particularly those in the economics program. Due to its location, the program offers numerous internship and networking opportunities in governmental and non-governmental organizations, think-tanks, and international institutions in the city itself. Some popular internships for econ majors include positions with the U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve, and the World Bank.
In terms of academics, the economics program at GWU is well-regarded and offers rigorous coursework with a combination of theoretical and practical approaches. As an econ major, you'll have the choice of either the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The BA provides a more liberal arts-based education focusing on qualitative approaches, while the BS offers a more quantitative and methodological focus. There's also an option to pursue honors in the major, which requires you to complete additional research-focused coursework and write an honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty member.
Another thing worth noting is that GWU's economics program has a strong faculty, many of whom have real-world experience working in or consulting for governmental agencies and organizations, which can provide you with valuable insider perspectives and strong mentorship opportunities.
Lastly, GWU economics students have access to a number of events and speaker series on campus, where prominent figures from the field might address current economic issues or policies, giving students the opportunity to learn from and interact with these experts.
In summary, GWU's economics program offers a strong curriculum, knowledgeable faculty, and valuable opportunities for experiential learning through Washington, D.C.'s plethora of organizations involved with economics. It should provide a solid foundation for your future career or postgraduate studies in the field.
If you end up applying and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle GWU's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-george-washington-university-essays/. Especially when applying to a popular, well-regarded program like economics, you want to be sure you showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible, and the essays in particular are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another.
Good luck with your applications!
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