College Rankings for Political Science Majors?

Hello, I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been thinking about studying PoliSci when I go to college. I was wondering, is there a specific list of colleges known for their excellent political science programs? Where can I find a reputable ranking for Political Science majors? I know rankings aren't everything, but they would give a good starting point. Thanks in advance!

You're correct that rankings can be a good starting point to identify schools with strong programs in your intended area of study! For Political Science programs, a few top-ranked universities that consistently come up are:

1. Harvard University

2. Princeton University

3. Stanford University

4. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor

5. University of California--Berkeley

While these rankings can vary from site to site based on the weightage of different factors such as faculty publications and citations, institutional reputation, etc., the aforementioned institutions often rank highly due to their robust curriculum, renowned faculty, and rich learning opportunities.

Additionally, schools like Georgetown University and The George Washington University benefit from their location in Washington D.C., which gives students unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities in the political arena.

Another school worth noting is Columbia University with its strong focus on international politics.

However, remember what you mentioned yourself: rankings aren't everything! Consider other factors such as the college's location, size, social scene, potential internships, faculty-student ratio, and the variety of courses on offer. Also, make sure to evaluate whether the teaching style of the courses aligns with your learning preferences.

Moreover, think about the kind of experiences and networking opportunities that the program would offer you: would there be opportunities to engage with politics hands-on, such as internships, fellowships, semester in Washington programs, etc? All of these aspects are very important for a Political Science major and can significantly influence your educational experience and future career opportunities.

The colleges you apply to should be a good fit for you as an individual, not just because they are ranked highly. All the best!