<p>I’m a freshman trying to transfer to Barnard. I’m really passionate about domestic politics, especially elections, and think that I want to be a campaign manager. I AM applying to Georgetown, but I like Barnard as well, and my problem is I feel as though if I write about domestic politics, the ad com will just think that I should be in DC. So for my “if you could work for any organization…” essay, I wrote about the Council on Foreign Relations, which is in NYC. I like international relations, and could see myself wanting to be a foreign policy advisor to a candidate, but prefer domestic politics. Can anyone tell me anything about political programs at Barnard or in NYC, either domestic or international, so I have more to sift through when I write my essays? Thank you!</p>
<p>i live 10 minutes outside of dc and when i was applying to schools i thought i wanted to be an international relations major. so of course no one could understand why i refused to apply to any dc colleges (too close to home). honestly, i think it's kind of better to go to school, at least for undergrad, in new york than in dc even for politics because dc is so saturated with it. <em>everyone</em> there wants to do something political - PR, become a senator, a lawyer, etc.
the political science departments at both barnard and columbia are quite strong and popular. you can always take a semester in dc (i know american offers programs, georgetown and gw probably do as well) or intern on capitol hill during the summer. there are tons of political activists here, and columbia just had this big world leaders forum where people like the president of venezuela came to speak. the united nations is here and it's the base for lots of nonprofits. also, it's not like dc is the only place for politics - new york has elections too some of which can be quite close and interesting. i mean, hillary clinton is the governor of new york. and she went to a women's college not in dc. like barnard. so, there is definitely interest and opportunity to be active and learn a lot.
i don't think it would have hurt you if you'd written you wanted to work for the u.s. state department or someplace else not in new york. people come to american politics from all backgrounds and it might make you more attractive if you didn't come from the same georgetown sfs training as everyone else. and barnard has alumnae everywhere, i wouldnt be surprised if there are strong beautiful barnard women on capitol hill.</p>
<p>Excuse me, Hilary is the GOVERNOR of NY??
That doesn't sound right...</p>
<p>She does it in her spare time when the Senate is in recess. The high profile, stamina, and versatility are one of the reasons that Wellesley is always showcasing her as an alum.</p>
<p>haha thanks for catching that. but her being a senator and involved with national politics instead of just state politics adds to my point that people from many backgrounds can still work on capitol hill :) especially if your husband was the president.</p>