<p>It’s as good as any other rating system out there - certainly better than the peer assessment system in USNWR, but as I say, take with two fist*fuls of salt. What you are essentially saying is that, of the schools with dedicated IR programs, the DC schools have the highest ranking. That’s true, but what the article justly points out is that the prep for IR can indeed go beyond where there is a dedicated IR program.</p>
<p>So what you’ve actually pointed to, strangely enough, is the STRENGTH of the Foreign Policy magazine ranking. It took into account prep that can occur at either kind of school.</p>
<p>Having said all of that, Colby is stronger in the liberal arts. Period. American’s strengths are in international relations/service, business, communications, public affairs. It’s USNWR ranking represents a bifurcated program, where sciences, arts, and to some extent the humanities are weaker than its overall ranking, and the above-stated programs substantially stronger.</p>
<p>If you want IR, internships (many beginning the first year, and many paid), resume building, contacts in DC with thinktanks, institutes, multinational corporations, government agencies, lobbying firms, and non-profits, American wins hands down. If you want a fine liberal arts education, go to Colby. And, if you’re waffling, Bedhead’s advice is pretty good.</p>