<p>I've been accepted to three schools and I'm trying to figure out which one would be better for IR. I seriously have an undying dedication to the subject, so I'm not going to change it. </p>
<p>The three schools are Furman, Miami, and FSU. Furman doesn't have a international relations/studies/affairs major, so I was thinking of crossing that one out. This leaves me with choosing between FSU and Miami. My problem is that besides the top ten in the country, there are no rankings for IR at all that I've seen (If someone finds a national one, could the show me). My original goal was Tufts, but that was quickly erased April 1st. (As a side note, Someone has a really sick sense of humor for putting college denials and acceptances on April Fools.) Money is not that huge of a problem, as I have enough for undergraduate for both. I'll probably transfer out to a better IR school if possible or I'll wait till grad school. Either way, which school would be better to go to? </p>
<p>My options are basically limited to these three and I can't/won't take a skip year (Even though I've always humored the idea). Also, I'd prefer to avoid fanboy answers and replies (like go to FSU, be a nole. You know the other places suck since they aren't in Tallahassee). It' also be nice if someone could give me a feel of the major at the college if they go there. Thanks!!
(P.S. am I the only one who finds the death of the Polish President a little suspicious? or am I just completely paranoid with a case of red scare? lol)</p>
<p>you can just major in political science and take the more international-focused classes. then if you choose to apply to IR grad programs you get an extra copy of your transcript, and highlight all the international courses</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ve actually changed my mind a little bit after finding a few answers from someone I know about FSU. I’m now deciding more between Furman and UM now. Lol, now i’m having a tougher time deciding between them. But at least I’m content now that I can always transfer with those classes.
Thank you very much</p>
<p>Furman and Miami are really quite very different—size, location, undergraduate academic experience, diversity of students, range an depth of course offerings, etc. I think you need to give consideration to what type of environment most appeals to you, and is the best fit for you.</p>
<p>Forget about whether one has an IR major and the other doesn’t. You can recreate that major through your choice of electives.</p>
<p>Some more important things to consider for your interests–# of international students, how do the study abroad programs compare, internships, what world regions interest you (Asia=Furman; Latin America=Miami), etc.</p>
<p>One of my good friends just got into Furman. He is thinking about applying for some kind of Chinese start they have- something about going oversees(for FREE!) and then having to take Chinese classes when they come back. I heard that Furman is trying to build a solid Asian Studies program. I wouldn’t let the fact that they don’t specifically have an IR major deter you too much; im sure you could build your own.</p>
<p>Furman does have a strong Asian Studies program. I am a graduate. The Political Science department is quite strong and many students have won fellowships out of there. Also Furman has a superior Mock Trial team and Forensics tradition. </p>
<p>Obviously, Miami and Furman are very different experiences. In my experience, Furman is much easier to get in than it is to make As in…it is rigorous in the classroom, relationships with the Profs are quite intimate, and they will go to bat for you senior year… and Furman is respected at graduate admissions time which is worth a lot in my book. </p>
<p>You should probably go where you feel the most happy and the most likely to be pushed and challenged. If you think you will grow from very high contact with full professors in smaller classrooms, then I can recommend Furman. </p>
<p>Perhaps Poli Sci would not suit you but take a look at that department’s webpage and where the Alum are now. Also, if I were to choose any LAC, I would also recommend early planning to simply be abroad at least two semesters if possible.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice everyone! I’m still stuck with the decision between UM and Furman, but I’m coming closer to deciding. </p>
<p>Just to give you some background, i live in S. Florida and go to a really conservative school. However, part of me wants to experience more than that and see the most of the world that I can. My focus in international affairs would be European or Asian. At the moment, I have taken 2 years of private Japanese lessons and have for about half a year begun studying French by myself. Due to having taken two years of Latin, i’m not foreign to the Romance languages or language learning itself. While I wasn’t really trying during high school, i’d definitely give it my all in this subject. My dream that I’ve been humoring now would be to spend a year/go to the Institut d’etudes Politiques de paris or “Science Po” eventually. My final goal would be to work for the government in a different country.
Also, I’m not afraid of a change of scenery. I’ve been to Japan, Belize, and Honduras so it is not like I’ve never stepped foot outside of my hometown. </p>
<p>basically, I’m trying to figure out which one will most optimally get me to my goal. I am firm in my standing of this goal.</p>
<p>P.S. I’m sorry about my indecisiveness and for not replying as quickly as I should. I’ve been insanely busy lately. Sorry for the wall of text, you can disregard this post if you find it after May 1st. I’d have already made a decision by then.</p>
<p>good luck with your choice! Very different colleges, but it will be exciting to begin your next chapter in life. Give your heart to our school is my advice, once you arrive. Your college will return to you all you put in.</p>
<p>I just wanted to say that I have decided upon Furman University! thanks to all that have answered my questions and have helped me through this decision.</p>
<p>I know some very happy current students there who have very fine graduate school options coming up. They worked very hard. </p>
<p>I guarantee you that you will love the faculty, and I hope you enjoy Greenville. Downtown is quite charming and fresh and exciting now with the Reedy River Bridge and so much to do and Greenville has such great access into the beautiful Pisgah Forest and the arty towns in the foothills that are scattered between Greenville and Brevard and Asheville.</p>
<p>The best thing about Furman is that I find we are still very close to many students who were there with us 30 years ago. People are very sincere and thoughtful and my friends all grew up to be interesting people: 5 have taught at the university level, novelists, many lawyers and doctors, clinical psychologists, musicians and builders, a Bishop and a minister, a journalist…just in my circle.<br>
Furman can be a very good place to get your foundation. </p>
<p>I am sure they are thrilled to get you as well. Make sure to go abroad for a full semester.</p>