<p>I recently was admitted to all of these schools and am having trouble choosing. My intended major is International Relations.I was wondering about the strength of the program at each school. When it comes to my financial situation UT gave me no financial aid, but I'm an instate student so that isn't an issue, MHC awarded me a 15k leadership scholarship, and I've yet to see my package from Smith. The cold weather slightly deters me from going to an east coast school, but the small class sizes, awesome alumni network, and amazing oppurtunities are a plus. What's your take on this?</p>
<p>Hi @jkdreamers! International Relations is an incredibly strong program at Mount Holyoke. The requirements of the major are extremely interdisciplinary – IR majors take politics, history, economics, language, etc. classes, which encourages a multi-lensed approach to world affairs.You can learn more about the major here: <a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/internationalrelations”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/internationalrelations</a> Also, our global initiatives center offers many funded international internship opportunities which would be particularly of interest to you, more info here: <a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/global/internships”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/global/internships</a> One of our International Relations professors, Vinnie Ferraro, keeps an informative and often entertaining blog which he updates daily on world affairs, which you might be interested in: <a href=“http://vferraro1971.■■■■■■■■■■■■■”>http://vferraro1971.■■■■■■■■■■■■■</a> Vinnie was named to the Princeton Review’s most recent list of the 300 Best Professors and is fantastic. We have many notable International Relations alumni, but my favorite is Mona Sutphen who I’ve had the opportunity to meet and see speak. She was the White Deputy Chief of Staff from 2009-2011 and is currently leads micro-analysis and geopolitical risk at UBS. Google her! She’s amazing. If you come to visit MHC, you will definitely meet IR majors – it’s one of the most popular majors on campus.</p>
<p>As far as the weather goes, it’s true that we most definitely get all four seasons here, but don’t let that deter you! You can survive the winter, and I agree that the benefits hugely outweigh the negatives. </p>
<p>If money isn’t an issue, you should definitely come to Mount Holyoke College. I’m a prospective biochemistry major student, but even I have heard of the amazing IR program! It’s really prestigious.
As for the weather, I think you’ll be fine. College is the opportunity for you to leave your hometown and explore another part of your country. MHC students come from all over the world, so I’m pretty sure you won’t be alone when suffering the cold weather. 
Women’s college and state U are very different, so your preference really matters. If you value a close-knit community and alumni network, then women’s college wins!
If you have cost constraints, then ignore what I said and just go with your cheapest option. Good luck. </p>
<p>Texas, MHC, Smith----which one doesn’t belong with the other two!!!</p>
<p>D has friends from literally all over the world, Mt Holyoke has a very big international presence on campus. Never mind your courses, you would get a world wide perspective just hanging out in your dorm!!</p>
<p>I’m sure you’re waiting until you hear from Smith to make any certain decisions but here’s the deal: if you prefer to remain local, be in an environment you’re used to and you feel like you can afford it, go UT (their finaid, even for instate students, is atrocious so keep that in mind).
Go MoHo or Smith (I say whoever gives the biggest package because they’re honestly very similar) if you’re really digging the small, involved environment. The weather is a big change but it’s possible to adjust!</p>
<p>I’m from Texas too and I’ll be attending MoHo in the fall. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>I’ve recently been admitted to George Washington University (Elliott School of International Affairs) and am now wondering how it compares to the other three in context of program, atmosphere, and available opportunities.</p>