Hi! I've been in love with political science since taking AP Gov and I'd totally like to major in it. I need some suggestions though, what colleges do you think I should target that are strong in political science?
It's fantastic to see your interest in Political Science! A few universities are renowned for their stellar Political Science programs.
Firstly, Harvard University has one of the strongest Political Science—or as they call it, Government—departments in the U.S., consistently ranking highly in the discipline. The program is renowned for faculty research and high-level internship opportunities, such as the Institute of Politics, which can greatly augment your study.
Stanford University is another top-notch choice. The Political Science program at Stanford has a strong emphasis on research, which gives students ample opportunities to work closely with faculty on projects. They offer multiple tracks within the major to allow specialization in an area of interest.
At Princeton University, the Politics department offers extensive resources and networking opportunities. Princeton’s Center for the Study of Democratic Politics, for example, fosters political science research.
University of Chicago is also well-known for its Political Science department. The diverse courses are taught by accomplished faculty and the University offers students access to top research centers, like the Chicago Project on Security and Threats.
Dartmouth College offers a Government program, with promising research institutes like the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and Social Sciences where students can gain meaningful experiences.
Yale University, Columbia University, and UC Berkeley also have globally recognized Political Science departments that provide broad-based knowledge and internship opportunities.
Finally, consider smaller liberal arts institutions like Amherst College, Williams College, and Swarthmore College. They also have excellent Political Science programs with smaller class sizes, which gives students opportunities for more one-on-one interaction with professors.
Each of these schools carries with it a distinct culture and atmosphere, so I'd encourage you to conduct some research beyond just academic strength for a more comprehensive decision. Academic fit is undoubtedly important, but personal fit is crucial too.
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