<p>These figures seem to me somewhat misleading. Though these rankings do exist, why compare graduate rankings when undergraduate education is a completely seperate issue. Sure the same faculty are used. But, graduate rankings are about who brings in how much $ and article publications and size. These are hardly the hallmarks of a good professor for an undergraduate education. Undergraduate education is far more big picture concepts than graduate-level specialization. Naturally, Harvard with its' large graduate schools will rank above Brown who has a tiny graduate school. The fact is that most undergrads who end up doing public policy or poli sci concentrations [emphasis on undergrad] have very similar career opportunities to those that exist for Harvard grads. Certainly, Brown is not 122 paces behind Harvard as far as post-BA career options as Brenner implies. Before you sign off on the Harvard deal make sure that Harvard's culture is a good fit for you. It very well may be. But, it very well may not be and you certainly owe it to yourself to look at it as being four years of living and learning and more than a line on a resume which is a very easy (and costly) trap to fall into. </p>
<p>I know that something that concerned me as a prospective student which confirmed my suspicion was a fact reported in the Crimson:</p>
<p>In a 1999 survey given to graduating seniors, 34 percent of government concentrators said yes to the question of whether they were advised which courses to take. Only 31 percent of economics concentrators said yes to the question of whether their academic interests were discussed. </p>
<p>I mean the Kennedy School certainly must be a nice resource. However, I question how accessible help and coordination are. To me, it seems like if you are very sure of what you want to do at Harvard and you are very proactive about making it happen you will be okay. But, if you are unsure of your plans, Brown seems more adaptable.</p>
<p>I could be mistaken but my impression is that you are only allowed one concentration [though it can be joint] and it must be declared at the start of Sophomore year at Harvard. Whereas Brown allows for multiple concentrations which need not be declared until the end of Sophomore year. Harvard also has 7 or 8 distribution requirements which The Crimson and Larry Summers feel widely vary in terms of effectiveness and quality.</p>
<p>All of you who are OBSESSED with rankings may want to consider the one USNews did which is ACTUALLY ABOUT UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION. In 1995, US News editors asked university administrators to select 10 institutions that have exhibited "an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching"...If you look at some of them, you will note that the Ivies with the smallest graduate programs ranked highest. Connection?</p>
<p>In that ranking,
1.Dartmouth College
2. Brown University<br>
10.Yale University
17.Harvard University
24. Tufts University</p>
<p>Trust yourself before any ranking. We all want to rationalize our life choices (Note my citation). But, what is the point of living if you don't trust yourself enough to make your own decisions. For example, I may love salmon. What good is my guide ranking salmon-serving resturaunts if you only eat Cod? Do you agree with the methodology of the rankings you consider?</p>
<p>Go with what works for you and where you feel most comfortable -- You know you better than any of us do!</p>