Good colleges for political science?

I'm passionate about studying political science in college, but I'm not sure where to start. What are some good colleges for political science that could help me achieve my career goals?

Absolutely, there are several colleges that are renowned for their political science programs. At the top, you may want to consider Harvard University, Stanford University, and Princeton University, which are often recognized for their strength in this field. They offer rigorous programs with a variety of sub-disciplines such as international politics, political theory, and American politics, with an opportunity to conduct independent research as well.

However, keep in mind these universities are highly competitive, so you’ll want to have a strong academic profile such as good grades and strong SAT or ACT scores (only Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech require these standardized test scores).

There are also other excellent choices for political science that not only have strong programs, but may be slightly less competitive like Georgetown University, University of California—Berkeley, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, and the University of Chicago.

If you're interested in policy work, you might want to consider schools in close proximity to centers of political activity. For instance, Georgetown University and George Washington University in Washington D.C. offer opportunities for internships and networking within the governmental landscape, which can be beneficial for your future career.

Make sure you also consider your fit with the university in other aspects, like location, size, campus culture, financial situation, and other factors that might be important to you. Have a diverse list which includes safety, reach, and target schools to increase the chances of an acceptance that aligns with your goals in political science.