<p>Hey guys i had recently been rejected by MSU but i wrote an appeal letter and i kept calling and really pestered them until they just accepted me. I paid the Purdue safety deposit but now i don't know where to go. I got accepted at both places in the Political Science department. Michigan is convenient for me because my sister goes there and next semester my dad's probably buying her a car and she might be renting and apartment, so a year later when she graduates it'll be passed on to me. Plus Michigan is really close to Windsor where i have alot of friends and it'll be good for me whereas at Purdue i don't have anyone nearby and i've heard Purdue is in the middle of nowhere so will it be better for me to go Michigan ? Also the school atmosphere is something i really am taking into consideration and I don't like to be around people who study all the time. Parties are a big plus. So what do you guys think with all these factors in mind ? Studies, convenience, school atmosphere, etc. Please i really need help i just have a day or two left to pay MSU.</p>
<p>IMO Michigan State sounds like the best option. </p>
<p>Studies--equal I think. I don't really know much about the poli sci department at either school. Purdue is thought of more as a science/engineering school in Indiana though. If one wants to study liberal arts they go to IU. </p>
<p>Convenence--sounds like MSU has that advantage. </p>
<p>Atmosphere--can't help you there, but I'm guessing it is similar at both places. Both are Big 10 schools and large state schools. </p>
<p>Based upon your criteria, it sounds like MSU is the way to go. Even your post sounds as if you prefer MSU. </p>
<p>Are you in state at MSU? That would make it really easy.</p>
<p>rrah, I do actually want to go to MSU but people here are telling me that Purdue's a better school. Since i cant find any rankings for political science programs(Undergraduate) it has not been any easier for me. Im basing my decision mostly on other factors. I really wanted to go to IU but they rejected me based on not having science subjects in my 'O' Levels ! I really dont get it. Anyone who's at Purdue or MSU for poli science, help ?</p>
<p>bump bump.. could someone please help !</p>
<p>Purdue is mainly an engineering school (at least that is what they are best known for). I'm pretty sure Michigan State would be a better school for political science, especially since it's right next to the state capital.</p>
<p>Michigan State has the James Madison College, a residential program in political science that I hear gets good reviews. I'm not sure about the protocol for getting placed into it, but it's something to check out if it interests you.</p>
<p>James</a> Madison College</p>
<p>James</a> Madison College @ Michigan State University</p>
<p>Bee3 is correct, James Madison is an outstanding small LAC-like residential college with political science programs... Aside from that, Michigan State's regular political science department has, for sometimes, been highly ranked -- usually, no lower than top 25 and I've seen it, in one source several years ago, ranked as #6 in the nation. Enhancing the atmosphere are many Poli Sci research institutes on campus that draw famous guest lectures from around the world. </p>
<p>One major such permanent lecture forum is the LeFrak Forum or the Symposium on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy, which has had many of its lectures broadcast live on C-SPAN. The Forum was founded by late real estate mogul Samuel LeFrak (it probably says a lot about the quality of MSU's PoliSci dept that Sam bypassed his own alma mater, U. Maryland, and established his famous “Forum” at MSU instead). LeFrak features the top political thinkers in the nation and world and has a balance of liberal and conservative lecturers. It's 3 directors include 2 profs from the PoliSci dept and one from James Madison... See the below link. </p>
<p>General</a> Info about the LeFrak Forum</p>
<p>I would think MSU is superior to Purdue in political science as Purdue's focus is engineering, hard sciences and business – which are highly respected. Liberal arts and social sciences at Purdue have generally been regarded as mediocre to weak.</p>
<p>Quincy4,
Do you have to be admitted to James Madison as a freshman or can you transfer into it as a sophomore? If so, what are the criteria?</p>
<p>I find East Lansing more appealing than West Lafayette, but that may be a minor factor in your decision-making. Another plus in terms of cities is that East Lansing is next door to the state capital, which may increase the kinds of hands-on, real-life poli-sci related things available to you.</p>
<p>Overall, Michigan State is excellent; not to discout Purdue. MSU is very committed to the residential college concept for some areas of study.</p>
<p>I chose MSU, just paid my enrollment deposit ! Thankyou so much everyone.</p>
<p>Good decision!</p>
<p>"Quincy4,
Do you have to be admitted to James Madison as a freshman or can you transfer into it as a sophomore? If so, what are the criteria?"</p>
<p>GoBlue, I believe you can transfer up until the start of junior year. I think JMC is like most MSU majors in that sense.</p>
<p>Yay congrats, another CC'er to MSU!</p>
<p>fa-la-la-lena, where are you going to be living ? Brody or South complex. I really can't make my mind up on what to apply for !</p>
<p>I'll be living in case hall (south complex) as I'm required to (James Madison College).</p>
<p>^^GoBlue,</p>
<p>let me clarify. Transferring to James Madison College is both different and tougher than the avg MSU major... You may transfer to JMC up to junior year IF there's space available, which is a particular problem because James Madison is so popular and, I believe, the school favors incoming freshman over transfers as they'd prefer students get a full 4 years there -- at least, that's what I think.</p>
<p>Thanks for your clarification. I browse through the JMC website but there is no mention of internal transfer, hence my question.</p>