Help! I would like to major in political science. These three schools are very similar to each other and it’s very difficult for me to finalize my decision.
What type of environment do you want? What vibe at the school (preppy, artsy, international)? Goals with that intended major?
I would like the vibe to be inclusive, and international. Preppy and artsy vibes is fine for me as long as they are not intense or predominant. I also want a campus which I can both obtain perspectives from both political aisles. Political Science is my intended major.
Congratulations! All three are fabulous options!
The schools are similar in that they are small liberal arts colleges with outstanding reputations, smart students, and great professors with small class sizes. At any, you will be able to get a wonderful education and go on to pursue the career of your choice. But after that, the similarities end!
Trinity- small city urban location, gorgeous campus buildings but urban woes in surrounding area. Plenty of internship opportunities if you favor national/state/local politics as a poli sci major. NESCAC athletics. Very heavy fraternity culture and preppy feel. Do you like fraternities?
Skidmore- the best surrounding town- charming, upscale, touristy. Campus itself has modern buildings and is woodsy. Artsy (great fine arts, etc.). Very liberal, free-to-be-you-and-me feel. Great roomy dorm rooms with window seats. No fraternities whatsoever.
Dickinson- if your poli sci interest is international, Dickinson excels in this area. Many International students and great study abroad opportunities. Typical small Pennsylvania town, pretty campus buildings. Some fraternities but not as heavy a presence as at Trinity.
If you can, visit them if you have not yet done so. If not, read college guides such as Fiske, Insider’s Guide, America’s Best Colleges. These give a feel for the schools’ different personalities.
All three are awesome. Enjoy!
I like Dickinson best out of the 3 for the combo of academic offerings and a middle of the road and welcoming student body.
Based on what you said, Dickinson sounds like the best fit for you.
@Gewin2017 Bumped into this a while ago and I think it might help your a little bit. But remember all rankings should be taken with a grain of salt.
http://college.usatoday.com/2016/11/04/best-colleges-for-political-science/
One more thing: Trinity’s situation in the capital city of Connecticut facilitates most endeavors to intern at CT General Assembly
From what you said, Dickinson! check out their summer in DC program.
Hartford will offer the richest internship and volunteer opportunities. It is also the downside to Trinity, which is not in a nice neighborhood. Greek life is similar to what it is at Dickinson. Dickinson has a nice, balanced student body, and it is very friendly. A little warmer community, perhaps, and less preppy. Skidmore is probably the artsiest. They are all great schools. I suspect attending revisits may make it easier to decide. Each has a different feel, so one is more likely to resonate with you.
The capitol of PA, Harrisburg, is only 30-35 minutes from Dickinson, so all those same state capital opportunities could exist at Dickinson as well.
I disagree that Trinity has a ‘heavy fraternity culture’. While they do have Greek life, it is not as intense as it is at a school like Bucknell or Lehigh. But the students tend to be fairly social and a bit more preppy than the other schools on your list.
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I really appreciate all the comments you guys provided. They are really helpful! I forget to mention that I’m an international student. I don’t care that much about the ratio of international students. I know Trinity has an outstanding political science program but some professors’ interest and research are somehow not what I interested in. I’m more interested in US politics, the Congress, and comparative politics. Any suggestions?
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