Advice for a poli sci major?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I just finished up my first quarter at a California community college, where I got all As (aside from one A-minus - which, while I'm on the topic, does it matter, really, aside from the slight drop in GPA?). I'm hoping to earn similar grades for the next two years, until I transfer as a junior.</p>

<p>I chose to go to community college partly because of the tuition, but also because my high school grades weren't the best and I wasn't completely happy with the colleges I had to choose from. I thought a fresh start would be better, and I think I'm doing well so far. My question is, what exactly are my options from here? I'm applying to the UCs, just it would be stupid for a CCC transfer not to, but if I have any shot at any private colleges with strong political science programs, I'd really like to go for it. </p>

<p>I scored a 2110 on the SAT when I took it junior year of high school, although I'm willing to retake it if that isn't high enough. I'm hoping to maintain straight As (or almost straight As) at my community college, and I know I can get at least one strong recommendation from a political science professor I just had and am taking again next quarter.</p>

<p>Basically: can anyone recommend any good schools for political science that are friendly toward community college transfers, and friendly toward average high school transcripts? I'd really appreciate any advice. Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>Well, URochester is very well ranked for political science (top 5), but lower average admission stats than most top schools, meaning you'd have a good shot if your grades stay high. Obviously, the expectations are higher as far as gpa goes for community college students, because of the general discrepency in academic quality, as compared to traditional 4-year schools, where your competition will be coming from. </p>

<p>Truth be told though, Political Science is the sort of discipline that rankings are hard to formulate, and any list is or little importance. Most good schools will have a fairly strong department. Look for schools that fit you, and then take a gander at their course offerings for the past few semesters. That should tell you most of what you need to know.</p>

<p>Personally, as a political science transfer, my list is: Claremont Mckenna, Cornell CAS, Emory, Penn CAS, Rice, WashU, and perhaps Rochester if the above don't work out.</p>