Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior and planning on majoring in political science. I've been doing a lot of research to find the best schools for my major, but the information is overwhelming. What factors should I prioritize (e.g. location, size, research opportunities, etc.) when choosing schools? Is it better to choose a prestigious school for my major or a smaller school where I can stand out more? Thanks for the advice!
Hey there! It's fantastic that you've already figured out your major and are researching schools. Choosing the right school requires a balance between several factors, keeping in mind your preferences and future goals.
Location can have an impact on the type and variety of opportunities available to you – both during your college years and post-graduation. Larger cities might offer more internships in politics-related fields, but don't discount smaller locations as they may provide valuable experiences too, such as the opportunity to work on a local candidate's campaign.
University size plays a role, as well: smaller colleges often have a more tight-knit community and personalized attention from professors, which can help you get involved in research earlier on, while larger institutions might offer more diverse course choices and a wider variety of research opportunities, even if maybe you have to wait to get involved. Prestige can make a difference, but it's not the only measure of a school's quality. There are probably quite a few schools out there without famous names that still have excellent political science programs.
If you want a list of the top political science schools to get you started, you can check out CollegeVine's blog post on this topic: https://blog.collegevine.com/best-colleges-for-political-science-majors
Ultimately, your personal preferences and goals should drive your decisions. You may want to research specific faculty and program offerings at each school, and don't forget to consider the overall campus culture and environment. Best of luck in your search!
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