<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>As the May 1st deadline approaches, I am trying to finalize my college decision. I am from Southern California. My top choice schools as of now are Duke, Georgetown SFS, and Berkeley. I want to go into politics, so I am interested in political science, public policy programs, and political internships. Of course, Georgetown is seen as best for these, but I am also looking for the overall best university. </p>
<p>Where should I go!!??</p>
<p>If you are interested in politics, then you answer may be more obvious than you think. Georgetown will offer the opportunities in government that the other 2 simply cannot offer due to location. And, as someone who loves Georgetown, I would argue that it is just as academically inclined as the other 2, regardless of a certain magazines ranking.
Since you are in state, if money was at all a concern, than Berkeley might be the best buy for in state residents in the country.</p>
<p>Berkeley is the best overall university- followed by Duke. However, connections/networking are important in policy circles, especially in securing much coveted DC internships, so if I were out of state (non CA resident) and quite set on politics, I would choose SFS. In state, Berkeley would probably make the most sense (see if you can apply for a semester in Washington DC maybe through an outside program). Once there, network like crazy.</p>
<p>I would call all of these schools very close in quality and selectivity. For undergrad, Cal would be my last choice of the three. For your interests and the advantages having school year internships will bring, Georgetown hands down.</p>
<p>Just the speakers alone you’ll get at GTown…</p>
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<p>Berkeley has a very strong graduate program. Their undergrad is marginally better than UCLA</p>