George Washington University Top Questions

Nice and active

GW isn't a super heterogeneous school. All sorts of ethnic groups and socioeconomic groups are represented, but you get an overall feeling that the student body is affluent, from the northeast, and politically active, more commonly left leaning (but there are definitely conservatives too). You rarely see GW students showing up to class in sweats, except for the athletes.

While not the most diverse school, GW definitely has a nice blend. The stereotype is upper class, preppy, Jewish students. However there are kids from every different economic and ethnic background. Additionally, GW has a very prominent LGBT community.

George Washington students are defined by their ethnicity, religion, and political standing. Many students identify with their ethnicity and create friendships based on their involvement in organizations such as the South Asian Society. The Jewish population is large at GW, so religion is another identifier for students here. Finally, everyone is distinctly divided by their political affiliation. George Washington is settled in the heart of Washington, DC and attracts hundreds of Political Science majors worldwide. Thus, the Republican vs. Democrat debate comes up often and can be heard from every corner of the dining halls. Most students are Democrats, but the Republicans are just as vocal, trust me!

The students are great! Honestly, you'll get a much better answer out of me if we talk, I'm really bad at writing these little narratives!

I would say the majority of students at GW are very, very motivated, to the point where it can be overwhelming if you're more unsure about what you want to do with your life. Given our location, it's no surprise that students are overall very politically active, and that politics play a large role in and outside of class. I would say a greater number of students are liberal rather than conservative (Obama's inauguration was a BIG. DEAL.), but both Democrats and Republicans have a strong presence on campus and are really good about hosting events and recruiting new members.It can be a little tough if you're not as politically enthused (I wasn't!), but at the same time it's a dynamic atmosphere to be a part of – probably the only one in which "I was late to class because I had to wait for the president's motorcade to pass" is a legitimate excuse. What students wear to class is always really interesting. Because we're in the middle of a city, it's not unusual to see girls (and guys, for that matter), dressed nicely/stylishly for class. We're not just crossing a quad, after all, but passing a main Metro stop, or 23rd Street, etc. On the other hand, it's still college, and if it's not unusual to see a girl in a nice dress, trench coat and leather boots, it's equally normal to see a student in sweats and a sweatshirt in the same class. Clothes vary, and neither too stylish nor too slouchy is unacceptable. Finally, while there certainly is a good portion of students who come from a very privileged background – and who show it – there's also a large chunk who are here on scholarship, whether that's merit or need-based. As in most social groups, people tend to stick with those of similar means, although that's not to say there's a rigid class hierarchy at GW. You find the people you're most comfortable with and, luckily, there seems to be a wide enough spectrum of backgrounds at GW for most students to find where they fit.

Students at GW are definitely diverse. There is a large international population, and of course a great number of students from all over the United States. The school is relatively racially diverse (although the majority is white) with vast number of religions represented. It would be rare for someone to feel out of place at GW because there is probably someone for everyone. GW is known for its large LGBT population, so future students should be prepared to meet people from all different walks of life. Students are comfortable with who they are and aren't afraid to show it. That being said, no one forces you to believe or be anything other than what you want. Most of the time, students dress very nicely. Most students dress "city-chic" for class, and rarely wear baggy clothing. Once again, that does not mean that no one does. Those who prefer to be comfortable, wear what they please, not afraid of what others may think of them. Since GW is in DC, most people assume that everyone is politically active, where in fact, the opposite is true. While you might see the occasional student wearing a College Democrats or a College Republicans shirt, the political scene is there for those who want it, and not for those who don't. Most students at GW are from more wealthy backgrounds, but there are also a number of students receiving aid to attend school. This difference in financial background does not serve as a barrier for friendships in the least.

There is a wide mix of students but everyone is accepting. You can literally make friends with anyone... granted once the years pass, you will automatically filter your friends, but it's natural in any school setting

The student body is really diversified, pro-politics, and dynamics. We have people from everywhere, with all different family and education background. Most of international kids have lived in at least two different countries. Even though, most students have pretty well financial background. A lot of them still take on-campus part-time job or internships at around the city. Everybody seems determined and have their plan about life. Indeed there are parties all the time, but students are busy in studying and experiencing their college life at the same time.

There is not one adjective that can be used to describe the students that go to GW. For the most part, the student body is pretty diverse. Most of these students can be grouped together with others but there are a lot of different potential groupings. GW has a relatively high amount of international students that help to diversify the campus. As far as US students, most of them are from the east coast, specifically the northeast. GW has students of all races, religions, and sexual orientations and does not discriminate against any of them. In fact, GW has many student organizations that were created around these different groups and any student is welcome to join. At GW you do not often see the average "just rolled out of bed" college students. Instead, most of the students dress up for class and only wear sweatpants when they are heading to the gym. Of course, the athletes at GW are an exception as you can usually see them wearing their team gear. Since GW is in the nation's capital, D.C., a lot of people wonder if you have to be politically active to go here. Overall I would say that many students at GW are really into politics but at the same time there are many that have absolutely no interest in it. You do not have to be a political science enthusiast to fit in here.