I’m a junior in high school and I’m trying to figure out how I should start my college search. I want to study Political Science and International Studies, possibly join ROTC. Any perspective/guidance you can give me would be awesome!
Gender: M
Location: Maryland
College Class Year: 2021
High School: Public
High School Type: sends many grads to top schools
Will apply for financial aid: Yes
Scores:
SAT I Math: 550
SAT I Critical Reading: 620
SAT I Writing: 600
SAT II U.S. History: 690
Significant Extracurricular:
President of Student Government Association, former VP and Class President
President of Rocketry Club
Co-Chair of school community service and spirit committees
Leadership positions: Co- Leader of High School Leadership Class sophomore and junior year.
Athletic Status: Varsity Runner in Both Cross Country and Track, freshman, sophomore, and junior year. Went to states twice.
Volunteer/Service Work: Intern and volunteer at local organization that provides furniture for the homeless.
Co-founder of school’s food pantry for poor students and their families
In charge of month long fundraiser for blood cancer research
Honors and Awards: National Model Rocketry Meet Champion for people age 13-18 in 2014.
Size: Small (Under 2,500), Medium Small (2,500 - 5,000), Medium (5,000 - 10,000)
Can you give us a little more information about what you’re looking for? What part of the country? In a city or the suburbs or totally rural? Is there anything specific about environment that you’re looking for (or not looking for) like Greek life or sports emphasis or religious affiliation? Are political leanings important to you? Are you going to need schools that provide good financial aid (need-based or merit-based?)
Most likely Northeast or Midwest (I know that doesn’t help much). Rural schools and definitely looking for a politically active campus that has liberals. Looking for somewhere with lots of stuff to do on the weekends including parties but I’m not personally planning to jon a frat. Really want engaging professors and lots of internship oprutunitys. I know this all doesn’t narrow things down too much but thats all I can think of right now. Thank you for the poly sci rankings website!
Look into Knox College, it has everything you say you are looking for, except ROTC, and they will love your ECs and volunteer work. They are test optional which is also a plus and on the trimester which is helpful because of their location - less commuting time. Highly recommend it.
Some suggestions for not terribly selective, private, medium sized schools, not directly in a city and have ROTC programs
-Providence College
-St. John’s University (MN)
-Creighton University (outskirts of Omaha)
-Ithaca College (one or two miles from Cornell, which has an ROTC program)
-Saint Bonaventure University
-Syracuse University
There is also Wofford College and a few other schools outside of your geographic preference area which still meet the other criteria you specified.
Bryant University has an ROTC program, is in a rural area, and has 3,177 students. Definitely check it out.
Providence College is in Providence, so I’m not sure if you’d be interested. From what I’ve seen online, though, the surrounding area seems suburban, not urban.
