Hi all,
In college I am planning to study International Relations. I have been admitted to George Washington (Elliot School of International Affairs), University of Michigan (LSA) and St. Andrews in Scotland (School of International Relations). At this point I recognize the campuses are completely different, but I am having trouble comping the rankings of the schools for undergrad study. As far as academics/reputation which school would have the highest rankings?
I think this is where you discover the limitations of rankings - because this completely depends on who you asks, and I’m not sure it even matters. According to U.S. News, for example, Michigan (#28) is ranked higher than George Washington (#56). But GWU’s international affairs program is widely recognized as an excellent place for people who want to get into that career field - Foreign Policy magazine ranks it at #8 and Michigan at #14. International schools are rarely ranked alongside American undergrad schools, because the majority of American students don’t consider international universities, so it’s hard to say where St. Andrews would sit along this.
The thing is, though, that you don’t have to put much stock in rankings - each ranking system may value different criteria than you do or put heavier emphasis on things that aren’t important to you. Moreover, the absolute numbers aren’t as important as the general quality. George Washington and Michigan and St. Andrews are all excellent universities with worldwide recognition; any of these would be a good choice for undergrad study for you in terms of getting career opportunities afterwards.
The choice you’ll make is just which one you prefer - they’re obviously very different, and in St. Andrews’ case has a completely different style of education.
What do you want to do with your education?
Have you been educated in Europe or in the us?
What’s the net cost for each?
@MYOS1634 I was raised in the US. I know I will most likely have to go to grad school or law school but the eventual dream is work at the UN or at an American embassy in another country. Umich and St. Andrews aren’t too different in cost, but even with the scholarship I received for GW it is still far more expensive.
Congratulations! Great choices! All of these programs will get you where you want to go. I agree with the above comments about rankings: all are outstanding, which is most outstanding is in the eye of the beholder. I’d suggest weighting environment pretty heavily. If you really want the international experience, and fish and chips, then St. Andrews. If you are really a big political junkie/policy wonk, then DC. If you want more of a traditional college experience, then Michigan. I’d advise not paying extra for GWU for the academics (since comparable), but maybe for the experience, if the price difference is not impactful. In the end, it’s what appeals to you (and is affordable). I know which one I’d attend, and the one I definitely would not attend, but that’s me. Let us know what you decide.
GW is not worth the premium cost over Michigan.
I agree with not paying extra for GWU, especially if you will go to grad school.
All 3 would be very respected for IR. UMich would offer more/better options if you switch majors. And between St. A’s and UMich, it should come down to fit and environment as the two are very different.
Here’s what I said in a thread comparing UW-Madison and St. A’s:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/2068347-wisconsin-vs-ucsb-vs-st-andrews.html
“But they are very different.
Gigantic American public flagship vs. smaller ancient Scottish uni.
Beautiful but freezing (in the winter) prototypical college town vs. small (and some say lovely) Scottish village/city (but stays dark in the winter for a very long time; Scotland is as far north as northern Labrador).
Big Ten sports and Greek life vs. ancient Scottish traditions.
American-style continual assessment (akin to what you are use to in HS) vs. virtually all marks coming down to big tests/essays at the end of the year.
GPA system vs. whatever system St. A’s uses (I know that at some UK unis, your final exams in your last year determine a disproportionate amount or even all of the marks you graduate with).”
@FranksTrack : are you any closer to a decision?
GWU is a good university, but not worth paying more than Michigan or St Andrews. Between Michigan and St Andrews, the edge goes to Michigan when it comes to academic offering (large curriculum and faculty), flexibility (you can switch majors to PPE or a completely unrelated field like CS, double major, take classes outside of your major, none of which is possible at St Andrews), resources (Michigan’s endowment per student dwarfs St Andrews), and reputation. That being said, St Andrews is an an excellent university, and if you wish to have a smaller, more intimate experience in a foreign country, St Andrews is ideal. In other words, go for fit.
for anyone who may come across this, I ended up choosing to attend the University of Michigan. I move in today and I can’t wait!
@FranksTrack : Were you aware of the joint program between the College of William & Mary & St. Andrew’s in Scotland ? Students spend two years at each school.
@FrnaksTrack – Thanks for checking back in. Congrats to you and enjoy every minute of your time there! Go Blue!!
Thanks for checking back in!
How did you make your choice?
Great choice - Go Blue!