Best colleges and universities for History and Political Science major

To specify my requirements: I’m particularly interested in European political and socio-economic history (the modern state, its evolution, religious tolerance, international politics, especially in the early modern period), as well as the history of political thought, ideologies and economic doctrines (history of capitalism would suit me well). I’m planning to earn a PhD after my undergraduate studies, therefore I’d like to have the possibility to publish in some magazine/journal at my college and meet people with shared interests and hear experts’ opinions on these topics. If someone has similar interests and could recommend a college, I’d be very grateful.

For a sampling of excellent (general) history programs, research Bates, Bowdoin, Williams, Hamilton, Colgate, Trinity (CT), Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Haverford, Kenyon, Oberlin, Grinnell, Georgetown, UVA.

What are your stats? Many of the above mentioned schools are not easy to get into. If you have an excellent GPA and SAT score then these are good schools to start your search.

Add UChicago to the above list (if you think you have a shot at admission and any FA you might need). Ditto for Stanford and Johns Hopkins. Unless your family is rather wealthy, run the online net price calculators for any schools of interest.

I like small liberal arts colleges but the average LAC may not cover all those areas too well. You may need to consider some large state universities (starting with your own state flagship) especially if you are not a strong candidate for Ivies/NESCACs and peer private schools. Michigan and UVa seem to have strong programs and relatively good FA for OOS students, but may be about as selective as some of the top private schools for OOS students. Berkeley and UCLA may be good for what you want, too, but forget about FA if you are not a CA resident.

I haven’t taken SAT yet, my GPA is around 3.5-6, so I’m not very competetive. Yet I excell in subjects of my interest (nationwide achievements and outstanding grades compared to my class) and I also want to declare the fields I’m keen on and planned majors in the personal statement. Does anyone know what college would possibly recognize such type of student as a good fit?

Lots of colleges could be open to you. Though some might be reaches, look into Trinity (CT), Holy Cross, Wooster, Furman, Centre, Drew.