<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>In state fees at Cal sound good to me.</p>
<p>Duke and Berkeley are roughly equal for political science; Georgetown is significantly weaker in political science but still decent. </p>
<p>Both Duke and Berkeley are very good for public policy. Berkeley’s public policy department is primarily aimed at graduate students (it only offers a minor), whereas the [Sanford</a> Institute](<a href=“http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/undergraduate/]Sanford”>http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/undergraduate/) at Duke is great for undergrads.</p>
<p>In terms of the “best,” either Duke or Berkeley – depending on whether you prefer a relatively small private or large public university.</p>
<p>Duke campus is pretty and tidy. But I don’t think you’d like the environment in the outskirts of the campus as well as the weather. But it’s at least on par with Berkeley in terms of overall best university especially for undergrad level.</p>
<p>[Edmund</a> A. Walsh School of Foreign Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_A._Walsh_School_of_Foreign_Service]Edmund”>Walsh School of Foreign Service - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>if you are seriously interested in entering politics, the Georgetown School of Foreign Service is the epicenter of the world for national and particularly international politics. Georgetown gives you the opportunity to learn your trade from European Community Heads of State, former US Cabinet officers and Senators such as Chuck Hagel. You will be at the doorstep of all the major policy think tanks and can intern on Capitol Hill.</p>
<p>No university anywhere in the world is even remotely or tangentially competitive with the opportunity provided by SFS. A description of the program is set forth above.</p>
<p>I’m a bit biased since I’m heading to the SFS next year, but I can tell you I was amazingly surprised to find out how many students at Georgetown were involved in political internships. When I visited for the GAAP weekend all of the students were talking about how they had lunch with high ranking government officials, leaders of NGO’s, and other groups.</p>
<p>Over 80% of all students in the SFS travel abroad for a year. And if the country you want is not on the list, you can always propose it to your advisors.</p>
<p>If you want politics Georgetown and DC is unmatched in opportunity, IMO.</p>