Let’s say I’m a high scoring top 30 student, where should I look to go if I want ro go into politics?
Georgetown, GW and American would be common schools to look into for a student interested in politics; Claremont McKenna would be excellent; Hamilton offers a public policy major and D.C. term; NESCACs such as Amherst, Bowdoin, Bates and Trinity all could make strong options; Holy Cross and Dickinson should be considered. Note that some of these colleges are extremely selective, however.
What do you mean “go into politics”? Do you mean work as a campaign manager, lobbyist, political journalist, cabinet department, think tank? or White House job? Or do you want to be a candidate — are you thinking mayor, state senate or house, state auditor, governor, US house member, Senator? Many start in local (mayor. community council, school board) or state house or senate type races. It is hard to waltz in without roots in a community and get elected, you may have to pay some dues.
About 40% of the members of Congress are lawyers, and over half are millionaires.
You could go to school in DC and work at internships in various govt agencies or for politicians (stuff like answering phones, giving Capitol tours to constituents, filing the candidate’s press clipping, etc), and maybe work yourself into a job post-graduation. GTown, American, GWU are all full of students with some aspirations in the politics related world. Or you can pick a college in a state Capitol, and get experience at that level via internships. It could help you build a network in that state’s party to help you later. Or you can work on ballot initiatives or campaigns in any college town.
Some future politicians get experience via student government on their college campuses.
Politicians come from a lot of different colleges.
If you are looking for elite positions in the civil service and public policy (things like the White House Internship Program, White House Fellowship, Presidential Management Fellows, Congressional Internships with close access to the legislator and/or their chief of staff, etc.), it would be best to go to as elite of a school as you can for undergrad (and grad, depending on the program).
I agree with the suggestion to go to college in a state capital. UW-Madison is an example. You’ll be close to the action (literally; the university begins at one end of State Street and the capitol building is at the other end).
Good list in #1, would just add William and Mary and Tufts to Holy Cross, Dickinson, and NESCAC schools as being very strong in government/political science. Or, as noted, any really elite school. GWU, AU, and Georgetown if you want good opportunities in DC. And agree that colleges in state capitals, like Willamette University, directly across the street from the Oregon State Capitol, or VCU or the University of Richmond in VA, offer other opportunities to participate in politics/government in college. And Wisconsin and many others. A lot of political work is actually out in the states, not in DC. Or just volunteer and work your way up. I know a recent grad who did that and now has a high-paying job with a prominent political organization. So there are different approaches, whichever suits you the best. Good luck!
You do not need to attend a super-elite school or a college in D.C. to get involved in politics. Wherever you go, get involved in the local political scene. I know a student who did that in spades (and his school was not in the state capital) and he currently has a paid position working for a House Rep candidate in an entirely different state. What matters is your involvement, and the letters of rec you will get because of that involvement.
If you go to Grinnell you’ll be in Iowa in the 2020 election or if you go to Dartmouth you’ll be in New Hampshire. Could be interesting way to cut your teeth in politics with a lot of up close and in personal campaigning. I’m sure there would be interesting volunteer opps galore!
Any swing state has volunteer opportunities in presidential election years on the presidential campaign. But any election year at all has opportunities in local or state elections, too. You might get to shake the hands of more candidates in Iowa or NH. But I don’t believe your volunteer experience would be markedly different.
Ronald Reagan went to Eureka college. You can go anywhere. Politicians come from every school in the land.
If you want to be a political staffer in DC. Then the usual group of DC schools. Liberal Arts giants and top 50 National research unis all will give you a chance to break through.