Georgetown University Top Questions

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My favorite class this year was Play Analysis taught by Christine Evans. If you Google her, you'll understand why I chose to take her class. A former circus performer, an accomplished playwright, and a saxophonist, Christine was an incredible lecturer and shared such a wealth of experience. We covered everything from Aristotle's Poetics and Greek Tragedy to Brechtian and Noh Drama. I walked into Christine's class a naive kid, but walked out as a (relatively) sophisticated audience member. My least favorite class was a Core requirement, Political and Social Thought. It was as difficult as it sounds, with long, dense readings assigned every Tuesday and Thursday. I disliked PST not for the subject matter (I was intrigued to learn about Plato, Marx, Mill, etc.) but because the grading was inconsistent. I found it difficult to understand how to write about philosophy, something I am still working on. How hard do students study at Georgetown? It's Georgetown. We study hard. Some classes are rife with discussion and others have crickets chirping. Most of my classes have fallen into the former category, especially those with fewer students (e.g. seminars and literature classes). As a student in the SFS, I am currently finishing my core requirements - an extensive list which you can find on Georgetown's website. Some of the features include: 4 Economics classes (just two short of a minor in the College), 2 Philosophy Requirements, 2 Theology Requirements, 2 Humanities/Writing Requirements, and Proficiency in a Foreign Language, among others. I am most impressed by Georgetown professors' ability to make links between subjects. Their interdisciplinary references and connections make learning fun.

Choosing classes carefully is the most overlooked strategy to succeeding in college. I dedicated several hours each semester to choosing the right classes with the right professors. As a result, I had an awesome first year. My teachers knew my name and I did pretty well during my freshman year. My favorite class this year was Play Analysis taught by Christine Evans. If you Google her, you'll understand why I chose to take her class. A former circus performer, an accomplished playwright, and a saxophonist, Christine was an incredible lecturer and shared such a wealth of experience. I had never taken a drama/theatre class or acted in my life, but Christine made me want to star on Broadway. We covered everything from Aristotle's Poetics and Greek Tragedy to Brechtian and Noh Drama. I walked into Christine's class a naive kid, but walked out as a (relatively) sophisticated audience member. My least favorite class was a Core requirement, Political and Social Thought. It was as difficult as it sounds, with long, dense readings assigned every Tuesday and Thursday. I disliked PST not for the subject matter (I was intrigued to learn about Plato, Marx, Mill, etc.) but because the grading was inconsistent. I found it difficult to understand how to write about philosophy, something I am still working on. How hard do students study at Georgetown? It's Georgetown. We study hard. Some classes are rife with discussion and others have crickets chirping. Most of my classes have fallen into the former category, especially those with fewer students (e.g. seminars and literature classes). My major is Science, Technology, and International Affairs. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what that entails. As a student in the SFS, I am currently finishing my core requirements - an extensive list which you can find on Georgetown's website. Some of the features include: 4 Economics classes (just two short of a minor in the College), 2 Philosophy Requirements, 2 Theology Requirements, 2 Humanities/Writing Requirements, and Proficiency in a Foreign Language, among others. I am most impressed by Georgetown professors' ability to make links between subjects. Their interdisciplinary references and connections make my learning fun. Right now, I feel as though I am being prepared for my upper level courses more so than for a job. Until I figure out my emphasis, I can not say whether my degree is geared toward getting a job or learning for its own sake.

Professor knows each person's name. And the class size is 20 people per class.

Academics at Georgetown depend largely on the school and major you choose (there are four schools on campus; the McDonough School of Business - MSB, School of Foreign Service - SFS, School of Nursing and Health Studies - NHS, and the College - the liberal arts division). The MSB and SFS are specialty schools, and academics largely depend on the teachers you take and majors you choose. Students in the business school are usually able to double major with a minor if they schedule time appropriately, while the schedule for the SFS contains more requirements and students often either have one major or a major and a minor. The SFS is notorious for some very challenging courses, but each school has various majors and classes that continuously present challenges to students. Work load in the College depends entirely on choice of major (ranging from Medieval Studies to BioChem to English). The NHS is the smallest school, and thus most students are close with their teachers and able to maintain strong relationships with both teachers and fellow classmates - the drawback is there are more limited class options and more intensive requirements for some of the majors. In general, professors are highly willing to meet with students outside of class, and are usually quite helpful. Requirements are challenging but not overwhelming. Students are sometimes able to incorporate internships and jobs into their schedule, but your time commitments depend on extracurricular. Students are competitive, but against their own personal standards not usually each other. I have found that in classes where there is no mandated bell curve, students are very helpful and collaborative. Work at Georgetown is geared towards future employment, especially in the specialty schools (professors are very willing to help students acquire internships and jobs as necessary, and write very helpful recommendations).

Academics at Georgetown depend largely on the school and major you choose (there are four schools on campus; the McDonough School of Business - MSB, School of Foreign Service - SFS, School of Nursing and Health Studies - NHS, and the College - the liberal arts division). The MSB and SFS are specialty schools, and academics largely depend on the teachers you take and majors you choose. Students in the business school are usually able to double major with a minor if they schedule time appropriately, while the schedule for the SFS contains more requirements and students often either have one major or a major and a minor. The SFS is notorious for some very challenging courses, but each school has various majors and classes that continuously present challenges to students. Work load in the College depends entirely on choice of major (ranging from Medieval Studies to BioChem to English). The NHS is the smallest school, and thus most students are close with their teachers and able to maintain strong relationships with both teachers and fellow classmates - the drawback is there are more limited class options and more intensive requirements for some of the majors. In general, professors are highly willing to meet with students outside of class, and are usually quite helpful. Requirements are challenging but not overwhelming. Students are sometimes able to incorporate internships and jobs into their schedule, but your time commitments depend on extracurricular. Students are competitive, but against their own personal standards not usually each other. I have found that in classes where there is no mandated bell curve, students are very helpful and collaborative. Work at Georgetown is geared towards future employment, especially in the specialty schools (professors are very willing to help students acquire internships and jobs as necessary, and write very helpful recommendations).

Professors are a hit or miss. Either they are good or bad. You can definitely find a professor who has written 248572938572 books or journals on a particular subject and have 9875697 degrees from different prestigious schools but talks more to hear themselves talk, brags more to build up their ego, or has to be right at all times and doesn't do well at actually teaching. Certain departments are great! I love the sociology department, the theology/ catholic studies department, the theater department, the art department, and multiple others because I have had the best experiences with them. Georgetown has the reputation for being difficult which is completely true. Certain classes only give out X amount of As per semester making them extremely competitive. Overall, georgetown definitely is known for grade deflation which makes a B- extremely depressing but in comparison to some other schools it may be the equivalent of a B+ or A-. Students are always having intellectual conversations outside of class. You can be at a crazy party at one of the townhouses and sit with a group of people discussing the most recent republican debates while being "slightly" intoxicated. Students are always studying/ working, partying, or working out. Studies are almost everybody's main focus.

Georgetown is undeniably a lot of work. Students study a lot, but the majority of people find a good balance between school, a social life, and extracurriculars. Georgetown is a liberal arts institution, so there are certain course requirements that all students have to take--such as theology, philosophy/ethics, history, english, and science/math--but there's a large variety of choice within each department. Class size depends on your major field, but they tend to be on the smaller side. In my experience, professors emphasize learning for its own sake, but usually connect the material to the "real world." I'm an English major with minors in Theology and French, so I've been lucky to have small classes. Professors usually know your name and are more than willing to help in office hours--but it is up to you to take the initiative.

Georgetown is undeniably a lot of work. Students study a lot, but the majority of people find a good balance between school, a social life, and extracurriculars. Georgetown is a liberal arts institution, so there are certain course requirements that all students have to take--such as theology, philosophy/ethics, history, english, and science/math--but there's a large variety of choice within each department. Class size depends on your major field, but they tend to be on the smaller side. In my experience, professors emphasize learning for its own sake, but usually connect the material to the "real world."

The professors in my classes know my name by the second week of classes. I'm fortunate in that, as an English major and as a student who continues to pursue liberal arts, I get the advantage of having more intimate relationships with professors due to smaller class sizes, less lecture-style teaching methods, and professors that I continue to take again, after a class has completed. My favorite class, for these reasons, would have to be my Italian language course; I have only had two different professors over the course of five semesters. I have, therefore, fantastic relationships with these two professors, and I feel comfortable coming to them about anything. This has allowed me to seek mentorship within my professors and to establish deeper, stronger bonds with them - both based on academic and personal levels. In other classes, however, where there are more students in a larger lecture hall with one professor and about six T.A.'s, I feel that students a) miss out on the opportunity to have a strong, fulfilling relationship with such a strong, knowledgeable mentor, but they also tend to become more competitive and treat classes less personally; they don't get to know one another as peers or as friends, and many students also take the larger lectures as opportunities to zone out, a bit - and get away with it. I must say, however, that regardless of what you study at Georgetown University, it is ultimately up to you how you walk out at graduation; YOU are the one who should take initiative to form relationships with peers and instructors alike, and YOU are the one who must now apply what you have learned to the real world. In most cases of graduated Hoyas, I believe that our education - regardless of the teaching style or of the major - has led us to great success in the workforce.

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

Georgetown is one of the top academics schools in the country and world so obviously academics here is challenging. You just have to know how to pick the right classes and professors. Talk to your friends and classmates. Ask around to see who has taken the classes you're looking into and their professors. Use ratemyprofessor.com, but don't rely completely on what you read. And know that you are going to have to take hard classes. It's just a fact. The thing you have to remember is that the professors are here to help you as long as you ask for it. If you want your teacher to know your name then I recommend taking seminars or other classes with fewer students. Most of the classes, besides the gen ed's, are on the smaller side so it shouldn't be hard for you to get to know your professors better. Try not to procrastinate with your school work and don't get too stressed over classes. Life will go on if you get a B.

Georgetown is divided into four colleges: the College (liberal arts, sciences), the Business School, the Nursing School, and the School of Foreign Service. All of these share a core curriculum of courses in science, theology, philosophy, and history. Additionally, each college has its own specific degree requirements. Georgetown academics are challenging. Students are expected to take five courses at once, which means a lot of juggling and the need for good time management. students balance their coursework with extracurricular activities and internships, which adds to the challenge. This is not a hand-holding institution. It is up to students to seek out their professors and deans to shape their educational journey and get the academic support that they need.

The professors are very accommodating and, due to our size, have the opportunity to get to know you on a personal level in class sizes that hover around 20-30 in the majority of classes after freshman year intro level courses. As an English and Government double major, I can tell you that Georgetown is very flexible and allows you to take electives in a wide-range of courses, many of which will surprisingly go towards your major(s). For example, last year I took a course entitled "The Sociology of Hip Hop" and Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco visited one class period - that class went toward my English major. Being in the location we are, famous political scientists and artists alike visit as guests and professors all the time. Students here are eager to learn but they're not so intense that you feel as though everyone's competing against each other - rather, you'll find a lot of students work together. It's not uncommon to be at a house party and overhear students simultaneously drinking heavily and having an intellectual conversation or debate on politics, and for this reason you feel a part of a prominent academic community.

The professors are very accommodating and, due to our size, have the opportunity to get to know you on a personal level in class sizes that hover around 20-30 in the majority of classes after freshman year intro level courses. As an English and Government double major, I can tell you that Georgetown is very flexible and allows you to take electives in a wide-range of courses, many of which will surprisingly go towards your major(s). For example, last year I took a course entitled "The Sociology of Hip Hop" and Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco visited one class period - that class went toward my English major. Being in the location we are, famous political scientists and artists alike visit as guests and professors all the time. Students here are eager to learn but they're not so intense that you feel as though everyone's competing against each other - rather, you'll find a lot of students work together. It's not uncommon to be at a house party and overhear students simultaneously drinking heavily and having an intellectual conversation or debate on politics, and for this reason you feel a part of a prominent academic community.

As a new student, it can be overwhelming to hear professors say no one gets an A. Most are coming from high school where they were straight A students, so this news seems threatening. The thing to understand is that Georgetown professors set their bar high in order to push their students. Those who do excel can receive a real A (4.0), but it takes a lot of hard work and a higher knowledge of the information. That being said, Georgetown is competitive, but certainly not in a detrimental manner. Students work together to facilitate higher learning without being cut-throat or vindictive. It's actually very common to find yourself at a gathering or party where you get into a deep conversation with someone about religion, politics, government, etc. We thrive on those kinds of discussions! Class size depends on the type of class. Requirements tend to range from 65-250 people, while electives average around 16. Most language classes are even smaller (12 or so). In larger lecture classes, professors don't bother learning everyone's names. In smaller classes, though, they most certainly do. If you are assigned a recitation section (outside of class discussion of texts or concepts), your Teaching Assistant (TA) will definitely learn your name. Georgetown requires every student to take 2 philosophy and 2 theology classes. Following the Jesuit tradition, the university wants the students to be well-rounded, cultured intellectuals. Each of the 4 schools (School of Foreign Service, Nursing and Health Studies, College, and Business) have different core curricula that need to be fulfilled along with any requirements for the chosen major. I am an English Major in the College (the biggest school, with the most variety of majors). My core curriculum consists of 2 English classes, 2 History, a Math or Science, Language (through the intermediate level), 2 theology, and 2 philosophy. In high school, I took a few Advanced Placement tests, and received credits for some of the requirements. Most people in the College complete their required core by the end of their sophomore year. The college also has a variety of minors available. I chose to minor in Linguistics and Russian Language. There are really so many choices, it feels like you are building your own degree.

As a new student, it can be overwhelming to hear professors say no one gets an A. Most are coming from high school where they were straight A students, so this news seems threatening. The thing to understand is that Georgetown professors set their bar high in order to push their students. Those who do excel can receive a real A (4.0), but it takes a lot of hard work and a higher knowledge of the information. That being said, Georgetown is competitive, but certainly not in a detrimental manner. Students work together to facilitate higher learning without being cut-throat or vindictive. It's actually very common to find yourself at a gathering or party where you get into a deep conversation with someone about religion, politics, government, etc. We thrive on those kinds of discussions! Class size depends on the type of class. Requirements tend to range from 65-250 people, while electives average around 16. Most language classes are even smaller (12 or so). In larger lecture classes, professors don't bother learning everyone's names. In smaller classes, though, they most certainly do. If you are assigned a recitation section (outside of class discussion of texts or concepts), your Teaching Assistant (TA) will definitely learn your name. Georgetown requires every student to take 2 philosophy and 2 theology classes. Following the Jesuit tradition, the university wants the students to be well-rounded, cultured intellectuals. Each of the 4 schools (School of Foreign Service, Nursing and Health Studies, College, and Business) have different core curricula that need to be fulfilled along with any requirements for the chosen major. I am an English Major in the College (the biggest school, with the most variety of majors). My core curriculum consists of 2 English classes, 2 History, a Math or Science, Language (through the intermediate level), 2 theology, and 2 philosophy. In high school, I took a few Advanced Placement tests, and received credits for some of the requirements. Most people in the College complete their required core by the end of their sophomore year. The college also has a variety of minors available. I chose to minor in Linguistics and Russian Language. There are really so many choices, it feels like you are building your own degree.

The academics at Georgetown are obviously top-notch, though I think something that separates us from most elite universities is accessibility of our professors. All of my professors have known my name and most know my personal interests and background. Professors often invite students to lunch or even over to their house for dinner. I've have very little courses at Georgetown that I didn't love. The courses I have taken are fascinating. Though I'm an English major, my English courses are not the stereotypical Dickens and Faulkner (though we have those too!). Some of my major courses are titled: Human Trafficking, Narratives of Violence, Cultural Constructions of Motherhood and Ghost Stories just to name a few. We also have classes like Philosophy of Star Trek for all you trekkies reading this. There are no shortage of interesting classes to take at Georgetown. Being a Jesuit liberal arts university, all students are required to take 2 philosophy, 2 theology, 2 history, 2 social science, 2 math/science, 2 humanities and up to advanced level in a foreign language. While the core requirements are sometimes frustrating (I'm looking at you history requirement) there are generally so many classes offered that people generally enjoy the variety. Another option to get those pesky requirements out of the way is during study abroad. A large, large majority (emphasis on the large) study abroad. As a matter of fact, I am writing this review from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Georgetown has great study abroad programs on all 6 major continents, and...financial aid covers them all if you qualify. All in all, academics at Georgetown rock. While finals and midterms are never fun, students generally like going to class and learning from the proffessors...generally.