<p>Hello. I am in a bit of a dilemma. I am trying to eliminate between these schools before the May 1 deadline to reach a decision. I am a prospective Politics or IPOL student who would eventually like to get a masters degree and work for a related international organization. I am trying to decide which school is the better option for me. I know that Georgetown's SFS is known for its success in international politics, but for some reason when I mention my options to other people, they tend to favor either the University of Chicago or Columbia's Dual BA program. Between these three programs which one would provide better global exposure and language opportunities? Which one would have the stronger academic program? I am also an international student, and most people don't know about the US universities in my home country so name recognition does matter hence the last ugly question: Which one do you think would look better on my CV? Comments about the social environment is also appreciated.</p>
<p>The opportunities you would get in DC are incomparable, and Chicago and New York cannot offer these things. If you want a job on the Hill or in DC, Georgetown is your best bet. But, you are going to get biased opinions, this being the Georgetown forum…</p>
<p>There are a lot of students who ask for other people’s opinions on their choices in this forum, I don’t see why anyone would feel the need to be biased. I think Georgetown students or applicants would be educated and enlightened enough to have the ability to form unbiased and sensible comments. I see what you mean by the opportunities, but keep in mind that I am an international student who can’t intern at the goverment departments or agencies. The consulates/embassies could work. In terms of international organizations or NGOs, how would Washington compare to New York? Thanks for the response.</p>
<p>If you want name recognition, the Ivies are big in your country, and you can’t benefit from most of the political opportunities in DC, the choice seems obvious if you haven’t made it already. Plus going to Sciences Po would be rad. I’m SFS '18, I got rejected from Columbia (and HYPM), if I had your options that’s where I would go. </p>
<p>Something that might help your decision is that SFS has a dual degree 5 year program that you apply to like junior year. It’s extremely competitive, but it’s there.</p>
<p>Have you visited the schools yet? For name recognition, it really depends on whom you are speaking to. No matter what country you are from, the international corporations and the well educated individuals with global exposure, will know of all of the schools you mention. IIf you speak with an average local employer or your Mrs Smith from next door , Columbia can have a much higher name recognition( maybe because it is an international film company??).</p>
<p>Anyway, if name recognition is your major concern, just go for the most recognized school( sounds like Columbia or Chicago in your case). In reality, you cannot go wrong with any of the schools you mention. Georgetown, on the other hand, due to its location and connections, can offer more opportunities for your intended major. If you are not so sure about your major, the other schools can have a wider range of programs in case you change your mind.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Would you like to share your final decision?</p>
<p>Would really like to know your ultimate decision. I’m currently in the midst of application season and to be perfectly honest, I’m literally all over the place. Think Columbia, Sciences Po, Chicago, Gtown SFS & LSE, with the common denominator being potential major in IR/Linguistics. W my I international applicant status, I highly doubt I’d be receiving aid from any of the aforementioned institutions any time soon. GTown & Chicago would be a whooping 100k over UK and Dual BA. Nonetheless, I’m not predominantly eliminating choices solely on COA. I’ve been making a list of factors such as Job placement, internship opportunities etc. Take GTown for instance, it has one of the states’ unparalleled IR programmes and it’s location in DC makes securing internships at think tanks and govt. organization (DOS) much less of a hassle. Without a green card or citizenship status, I know I wouldn’t be able to reap these benefits, rendering the exorbitant tuition pretty much unnecessary. Would love your 2 cents on this matter!</p>