<p>I read on the SFS website that georgetown is ranked fourth for undergraduate IR--this really surprised me. apparently, harvard, princeton and one other school rank in the top three. do these universities have specialized undergrad schools for politics/IR? Why isn't Georgetown ranked higher? Does anyone know?</p>
<p>The Foreign Policy survey is based on the perceptions of Academics, Foreign Policy Officers, etc. The reason probably has more to do with resources than actual education quality. It is very hard to judge what undergrad program is best, since students take classes in different departments, etc. I honestly wouldn't worry about it for undergrad (grad school though is a different story...)</p>
<p>Those rankings are virtually meaningless... <a href="http://www.siop.org/tip/backissues/tipjan02/07bedeian.aspx%5B/url%5D">http://www.siop.org/tip/backissues/tipjan02/07bedeian.aspx</a></p>
<p>I remember reading another, more scathing article, as well, but I could not find it anywhere.</p>
<p>Anyway, no where else will you get the depth of study, as an undergrad, like you do at Georgetown. It is the only school in the country with a specific school and program devoted to international relations. There have been like 10 other threads made about this before, though, so you can probably just check back on there to read about the debate regarding rankings and whatnot.</p>
<p>Princeton does have its own school, but you do not apply till after your freshmen year. 50% admit rate, so you are not guaranteed to get that major just because you were accepted to Princeton. Gtown is the best, don't be fooled by rankings.</p>
<p>Yeah, you're right, I meant to say "one of the only schools", but then I had to fix my grammar and I just put the "only school", without thinking. I think there might even be another one somewhere too, but I really can't remember where.</p>
<p>i was also dubious about the rankings, although I didn't think they were "virtually meaningless." they probably don't take into account, however, the learning environment at georgetown--and the great internship opportunities that DC has to offer after graduation.</p>
<p>thanks for your comments- i appreciate it.</p>