Stanford PoliSci Program - Pros and Cons?

Hey, I've been thinking about political science as a prospective major, and Stanford is one of my top choices. Anyone here who's in their PoliSci program? What do you like or dislike about it - classes, professors, research opportunities? I'd really appreciate any information!

Stanford's Political Science program is generally well-regarded, but there are definitely upsides and downsides that current students and alumni have mentioned. Here's a summary of what I've heard:

Pros:

1. Faculty expertise: Stanford has a highly knowledgeable faculty in different subfields of Political Science, including American politics, international relations, and political theory, among others. Many professors are leaders in their respective fields, so you can benefit from their expertise.

2. Research opportunities: There are numerous research opportunities available to undergraduate students, especially through centers such as the Freeman Spogli Institute and the Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. You can work closely with faculty on research projects or develop your own ideas under their guidance.

3. Interdisciplinary approach: The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, which allows you to integrate knowledge from different fields, such as economics, sociology, and even computer science. This can give you a more comprehensive understanding of political issues and develop skills that are valued by employers and graduate schools.

4. Small class sizes: Many of the upper-level political science courses tend to be smaller, allowing for in-depth discussions, personalized attention from professors, and opportunities to build relationships with your classmates, a great way to network with like-minded people.

Cons:

1. Core requirement rigor: The program's core requirements, particularly the methods course, can be challenging for students with limited backgrounds in quantitative analysis. While it's intended to build skills for research, it can be a bit overwhelming for some students.

2. Limited course availability: Some popular courses may be oversubscribed or not offered every quarter, making it difficult to get into classes that align with your interests. Additionally, specific courses on less common topics might be harder to find, so you'll need to be proactive in seeking out those opportunities if you're passionate about a niche area.

3. Competitive environment: As with many top-tier institutions, the PoliSci program at Stanford can be competitive. But this can also serve as motivation to work hard and push yourself academically.

In summary, Stanford's Political Science program offers numerous benefits, such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary learning. However, there are some challenges, including the rigor of core requirements and potentially limited course availability. Overall, whether the pros outweigh the cons will depend on your individual goals and priorities.