<p>I'd pick the LSE because American's will know it better than the others when you go back - Rockefeller and Kennedy have set a bit of a trend and link between America and the LSE. A year at the LSE for an American in the world of politics is becoming more and more appealing imo.</p>
<p>UCL is fantastic too though - great economics department, some really sharp faculty, and a nice place with "walls" which is what I think psymth was referring to by "campus".</p>
<p>Well if the goal is American politics, then pedigree will be the most important thing by far, I agree. But some of the other study abroad options are excellent too, and should be considered on their merits. There seems to be a general obsession with "prestige" on these forums; there is more to the decision, especially when the institution in question won't even be awarding you a qualification.</p>
<p>OP, do some research into each institution and find the one that offers what you are looking for from your experience. Just as an example, I turned down study abroad opportunities from Paris I - Sorbonne, NYU Stern, Seoul National University, National University of Singapore and the University of Melbourne to study at a lesser known school in a Northern European country, with unique courses offered by top worldwide researchers in their fields.</p>