Trying to decide between Rhodes and Franklin & Marshall. The cost would be about the same to each, so that’s not going to be a factor. I’m from SC, 34 ACT and 9 AP classes.
Rhodes
Bigger city
Prettier campus
Stronger sense of community and lots of vounteer opportunities
Better weather - I’m not a snow person
Franklin & Marshall
Closer to DC, which is where I might want to end up
Better Poly Sci reputation
Closer to home (7 hours vs 11 hours)
Does one of these two school have a much better reputation than the other? Any thoughts on either school would help.
I think that Rhodes College has a superior reputation for those studying science & medically related fields.
F&M is well respected & located in an interesting area of the country.
Why did you narrow your options down to these two schools ? Finances ? I ask because there does not seem to be a compelling reason for you to attend either school based on the information shared in this thread.
I should have mentioned that I have a spot on the swim team at both schools if I want it. I wold like to continue to swim through college and both these schools are good fits with academics and athletics
As costs are equal, and as you are undecided, then consider basing your decision on the athletic part of your experience as both schools will enable you to get a great education.
@Publisher I’m not sure where you get your info, but F&M is actually seen as one of the stronger science LACs, and I don’t typically hear that said about Rhodes (nothing wrong with Rhodes in that area, but it is F&M’s calling card).
But in any case, the OP isn’t a science major, OP, I don’t think the distance to Washington is relevant. You wouldn’t be able to go there often from either. You might look at whether either college offers a Washington semester and what the program is like, as that is a great off campus semester opportunity for your possible major. They might be identical, but maybe not. Also look at the number of profs, course offerings, and students in the Poli Sci major at each.
OP: If the distance to Washington DC is relevant to you, then it is relevant. And I agree with you that it is an advantage if your ultimate destination is Washington DC simply because interviewing for internships & jobs is much easier. (Have heard this as a benefit from several who chose schools within a reasonable distance from DC.)
Do you have a preference based on either swim team ? Have you considered the travel distance & time involved for swim meets ?
P.S. Just googled drive time from Lancaster to DC. Only 2 hours 16 minutes. In heavy traffic add one hour. Or take Amtrak from Philadelphia to avoid parking issues. Drive time from Memphis is about 16 hours & airports involve so much extra time that flying would be an ordeal.
A few students from the College of William & Mary shared how access to DC allowed them to land great jobs–with the help of their DC connected profs. So proximity to DC is significant in your case.
OP, have you visited both? If so, it means that you are torn, which happens and makes for a difficult decision. If not, a visit often makes things very clear, as many students will feel a pull toward one or the other.
In terms of reputation, both are fine schools, and I’ve always thought of them as peer institutions.
The financial aid / scholarship packages will be very similar for both schools. And I have visited both. They are very different in locale and vibe, and I’m leaning one way, but wanted to hear from others and get as much information and opinions as I can.
Rhodes is very pretty and has a warm community. Of course the climate is warm as well. An advisee attends and loves it. Can’t compare it to F&M directly tho.
I have a kid who went to a school
similar to F&M and about the same distance from DC. Every internship she ever had and her eventual job in DC actually had just phone interviews, except the “real job” — and they had to fly her to DC for that after a phone interview anyway because she wasn’t at school when they wanted to talk to her. You don’t just pop over to DC for fun, and you can’t commute there. Most hiring entities in DC expect to look at candidates from various regions that aren’t necessarily nearby. Really… the proximity itself isn’t actually very important.
And Poli Sci profs at all schools tend to have DC connections, too. A prof who helped my D is now at a college in CA. I’m sure she is still helping her students there, too.
Once you get outside the circle of schools you could intern from during the year (like American, GW, etc), it shouldn’t be a significant factor.
Only DC jobs with which we have experience required an in person interview after an initial screening.
I guess that I just do not understand, or agree with, much of the above post. Maybe it depends upon the industry, profession or job level ?
Rhodes offers several programs in Washington DC. From their website:
Study in Washington, D.C.
Washington Semester
The Rhodes Department of Political Science offers for its majors a sixteen-week study of national government in Washington, D.C. For those who wish to pursue this program, we affiliate with American University. The “Washington Semester” consists of seminars, internship, and research projects so that participants can gain a detailed, hands-on knowledge of government and establish connections in D.C. For more information, contact Prof. Mark Pohlmann.
Capital Semester
The Capital Semester Program, located at Georgetown University, offers a one-semester program of study in Washington, D.C. This program focuses on the principles of constitutional government and the relationships between economics and public policy. The Capital Semester offers students a wide range of internships and extra-curricular experiences. For more information, contact Prof. Stephen Wirls.