<p>Hello all, I am a current student at a state university seeking to transfer into Penn. Penn fascinates me for a variety of reasons. I was wondering if any current Penn students could give me more insight into how Penn's political science department is different from all the other ivy leagues and top school! Are there any specific programs, curriculms, etc?</p>
<p>Please let me know!!!</p>
<p>Not sure how it differs from the programs of other universities, but here are things that stood out to me…</p>
<p>The old adage, “If you can’t do, teach” doesn’t apply to Penn’s political science department. I was taught by a sitting governor (Ed Rendell), a former aide to the President (John DiIulio) and a senior analyst in the NBC Elections Unit (John Lapinski). The department offers a very wide variety of courses broken into four disciplines: comparative politics, international relations, political theory and American politics. Within each of these disciplines, you will be able to find a plethora of quantitative and qualitative courses - something for everybody.</p>
<p>Regarding the program’s structure… you are required to take twelve courses, but you may count several courses from other departments toward your major. At some point you need to take courses in three out of the four political science disciplines offered, and it is common for majors to declare concentrations in one of those disciplines.</p>
<p>Personally, my favorite part of the department was how welcoming it was. Even as one of the larger departments in the College, I always felt comfortable walking into the PSCI building. In addition, I expressed an interest in research as a sophomore, and after junior year a professor remembered me when he needed a research assistant. I wound up doing paid research for all of my senior year, and it gave an entirely different perspective to political science; it really rounded out my degree.</p>
<p>Basically, polisci is pretty sweet and I recommend it over PPE or IR any day of the week haha</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I think you very well know Penn and all its quirks! Here is a weird favor to ask, but would you mind reading my transfer essays? They aren’t very long and I’m just looking for feedback! I hope you can help me.</p>
<p>bumpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp</p>
<p>sure, no problem. PMs always work</p>