Dartmouth or Princeton for poli sci?

<p>Student plans on law school.</p>

<p>How can one go wrong with those two universities? Princeton is one of the "Big 5". Dartmouth is a top 10 university. Unless one is stuck with the minor details in life, the difference between those two universities is negligible where quality is concerned. I would recommend one chose petween those two schools based on overall fit. From a Political Science point of view, Princeton does have a larger faculty and as such, will probably have a broader range of courses, specially with the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. However, an undergrad can definitely find many opportunities at dartmouth too.</p>

<p>Here are my specific concerns:</p>

<p>How much should a student take into account the Wilson School at Princeton? I know the competition to get in is tough (and tough at Princeton must really be tough!), so if you don't get in does that cut you out of a lot of the best courses?</p>

<p>At Dartmouth, govt., history and econ. are the biggest departments. Should that be viewed as a sign that they are strong departments, though, or just popular? One poster on the D. forum talked about the large class size in those majors and the fierce competition for internship opportunities. Can anyone else comment on that issue?</p>

<p>Does anyone have any idea of the size and strength of the politics and econ. depts. at Princeton? Competition for internships? I'm assuming there are no weak depts. at Princeton, but would you say that any dept. at Princeton would probably be better than any dept. at D.? In rankings (like Gourman), Princeton seems to always be in the top 4 of most everything. Bottom line questions is how much should a student consider Princeton's better overall reputation? Dartmouth seems a better "fit" for the student, but Princeton is Princeton and they do put higher numbers of grads in the top law school.</p>

<p>Princeton is the better school, but Dartmouth is more than good enough to choose if you find its rural and friendly environment more appealing.</p>