NSCS Chapter School
UNIGO SUMMARY
American University was named the most politically active school in the nation, but undergrads here aren’t all majoring in international relations and political science.
Located in suburban Washington and just a short train ride from DC, students are drawn to American University for its small-school feel and the internship opportunities the Nation's capital offers. AU is renowned for its law and government programs, but students are also required to enroll in core liberal arts classes. Undergraduates here are extremely politically aware and take full advantage of their school's prime location. They are constantly immersed in DC's political environment and are just minutes away from bustling Dupont Circle nightlife and historic museums. The majority of undergrads hail from out of state and half live off campus, but it’s easy to make friends since practically everyone is part of a student club or activity. An overwhelming majority of the 5,500 undergrads are members of College Democrats, and regularly voice their opinions on WAMU, one of the top 5 NPR stations in the US. The environment here is definitely competitive - almost everyone completes an internship before graduation and 23% of students double major. Unlike sports, Greek life is definitely prevalent here and the party scene is usually at the off-campus fraternity houses.
UNIGO REVIEW
American University students proudly declare their campus one of the most politically aware in the nation. The school's competitive students place great emphasis on academics and getting an internship early on in their college careers. “The best thing about American is the opportunities that are available to students. I am a freshman and I already have an internship with a congressman,” says one student. Indeed, the 6,000 undergraduates are favorably located a short train ride from the White House, but far enough from the bustle of the city to for a safe, suburban campus experience. American is the best of both worlds. You get the opportunities of the nation's capital along with the close knit community of a small campus. I see people I know every time I walk to class (which is never more than a seven minute walk)," says a freshman. School pride stems from the frequent political speakers at AU, rather than sporting events. About 15% of students join fraternities and sororities, which are central to typical college parties even though they’re located off campus. Although the major complaint is the inadequate food in the dining hall and the high cost of tuition, most students agree that the new president Neil Kerwin has changed the university for the better.
Students joke that contrary to popular belief, the whole school doesn’t majors in politics and international relations. Although AU offers 59 undergraduate majors in the liberal arts and sciences, international relations and political science/ government are indeed the most popular, as is business, fitting for a university located in the nation's capital. Though often considered to be in Georgetown’s shadow, driven students are getting their money’s worth, with AU’s career center ranked one of the best in the nation. "American has great career/internships opportunities," writes an international relations major. Recently, more funds have been allocated for the renowned Kogod Business School, and undergrads compete for a position in the prestigious honors program that accepts 10% of the student body. Classes are small, with the average largest freshman course totaling 40 students, which allows professors to develop personal relationships with students. “My professors in 90% of my classes know my name,” says a sophomore. Discussions often carry on after the class is over, and it’s not uncommon to see the NY Times and Wall Street Journal open during breaks.
American University students tend to be middle to upper middle class, very accepting of the LGBTQ community and are mostly Caucasian. "American definitely lacks diversity. While a lot of students are here on scholarship, most have wealthy parents," says a freshman. A junior disagrees, "With a tuition of $40,000 a year, there are some wealthy kids here, but many people I know are on scholarship, so I don't feel like you need to be a member of the country club to fit in here. We are something like 80% white, but there's not much prejudice and we have a large percentage of abroad students here, so I don't feel like it's a problem." While Greek life plays a major role in the party experience of those under 21, it is not central to campus life. Neither are athletics, though the teams are in the Division I Patriot League."I think students who go to college for the stereotypical frat boy reasons of being crazy, partying a lot, and going to sports games in full body paint would not fit in here. It's not that AU students don't have fun. But, a lot of kids here are very driven and put academics before everything else." says a freshman.
Sixty-two percent of the university is female, which accounts for the lackluster dating scene. Someone who has no interest in politics will most likely feel out of place on this very alert campus. Students are definitely politically active and perhaps two of the most popular shows on campus are The Daily Show and Colbert Report. While most students tend to lean to the left, the College Republicans have a major presence here as well, and it is uncommon for any party to be ostracized. AU has a dry campus, so a car is necessary to get to fraternity and sorority parties. If Greek soirees aren’t your thing, the METRO goes to smaller clubs and bars, although some close pretty early. The largest club on campus is the Kennedy Political Union, with sporting events and theater productions slightly less popular options. The atmosphere is very different depending on which part of campus you’re on. "Southside holds more students and for the most part Greek Life. It's busy, loud, and has an affinity for parties. Northside is quieter, and better for people who have early classes," writes a sorority member. Some freshmen are disappointed with the fact that although during the first couple of months students leave the doors to their rooms open, circles develop fast and groups of friends can be reluctant to admit more people once they’ve formed.