<p>I was admitted off Wesleyan's waitlist and I'd already sent in my deposit to Oberlin. Now I have to decide between the two. I know there are a lot of threads in both forums comparing the two schools but I hadn't seen anything describing them in terms of strength in political science. I have heard that Wesleyan's department is very strong. Is that true and are there any unique programs that it offers?</p>
<p>I can’t speak about PolySci specifically, but allow me to weigh in on Wes vs. Oberlin issue.</p>
<p>My S was deciding between WUSTL and Oberlin (he was still on the Wes WL at that point). After visiting both schools, he <em>clearly</em> decided on WUSTL (despite a big pile of merit aid at Oberlin).</p>
<p>The Wes admission came through and now he’s going to Wes. He would also have picked Wes over Oberlin (and it would not have been a tough decision).</p>
<p>I would say that you are actually talking about two pretty different schools here. Have you visited both? They both have a “vibe” that’s quite different from each other. Are you looking to do graduate PoliSci or perhaps go to law school? You might want to check out where each school’s recent graduates have gone, etc.</p>
<p>They are both very good schools, so you could not go very wrong either way.</p>
<p>I’d give the edge to Wesleyan, in terms of political science (aka, Government). </p>
<p>Here are two assistant professors, the first one, Elvin Lim from Wesleyan is a frequent blogger and talking head; he’s already published a splashy book:
[Oxford</a> University Press: The Anti-Intellectual Presidency: Elvin T. Lim](<a href=“http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/HistoryPolitics/~~/dmlldz11c2EmY2k9OTc4MDE5NTM0MjY0Mg==]Oxford”>http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/HistoryPolitics/~~/dmlldz11c2EmY2k9OTc4MDE5NTM0MjY0Mg==)</p>
<p>The second, Michael Parkin, from Oberlin, seems to cover similar territory (politics and the media) but, seems less published. I tried googling both names and there was no contest – Lim wins, hands down:
[Michael</a> Parkin - Oberlin College](<a href=“http://new.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics/faculty_detail.dot?id=21075]Michael”>http://new.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics/faculty_detail.dot?id=21075)</p>
<p>In terms of special programs, you might want to check out The College of Social Studies, an interdisciplinary program that combines History, Government and Economics. Donald Moon, who I’ve had the privilege of taking a course with, is very active in CSS and is chair of the Government Department. Speaking from experience, the Government faculty takes its scholarship and teaching responsibilties about as seriously as any top-notch university anywhere.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Oberlin’s department, but my friends in gov here have been pretty happy. And if you’re into the idea of CSS, it’s a great program – SUPER rigorous. </p>
<p>Here’s the link for CSS: [Wesleyan</a> University - College of Social Studies](<a href=“http://www.wesleyan.edu/css/]Wesleyan”>College of Social Studies - Wesleyan University)</p>
<p>The actual CSS classes are mostly theory based, but you can use the electives for the major to take more “practical” courses if you’re into that (math-y econ, classes about specific governments, IR, etc). Everyone I know who did CSS loves it (with the exception of one guy who decided in his junior year that what he actually wants to do is be a photographer…)</p>
<p>You can also get a certificate (basically, a minor) in International Relations. A lot of gov majors do that.</p>
<p>FWIW, profs, courses in Oberlin’s Poli Sci dept are good, was my report, from a Poli Sci major there. </p>
<p>Including, by the way, Michael Parkin is good. He is a very recently minted Phd, just a few years out of grad school, doubtlessly not much time for the publications to mount up yet. But he’s a very good teacher, was the report I got.</p>
<p>I knew one of their profs. a bit, and before D1 enrolled, he told me that the department was considered to be a strong one.</p>
<p>Don’t know about Wesleyan, kids did not apply.</p>
<p>The CSS is definitely something that attracts me. soze, I’m not sure what I’m looking to do but the most likely thing would be law school. Both schools seem like they have excellent departments but the CSS is causing me to lean towards Wes at the moment.</p>
<p>weskid, is it difficult to get into CSS? I just saw an application form for it and I’m just curious.</p>
<p>fishface: It depends on the year. I remember one year I was here, there were almost two applicants for every space, but most of the time, I don’t think it’s nearly that selective – maybe 35-40 applicants for 30 spaces. If it’s something you want to do, than you just need to make sure to work hard your first semester, and get to know some profs so you can get recs.</p>
<p>That doesn’t sound too difficult. Thanks.</p>
<p>I ended up choosing Wes by the way</p>