I really need to narrow down my college search to a few schools…my chosen major would be Political Science and I need a good program at a school that would give good financial aid/scholarships. I am in state at Massachusetts. My current GPA unweighted is a 3.8. I’ve only taken the ACT so far but I have a 32 as my highest score. Help!
You’d be generally qualified for these colleges, though some would be highly competitive and would be regarded as reaches for most students (ACT ranges included):
Georgetown (30-33): Political Science here would represent a very strong program within a very strong school.
George Wahington (27-31): Strong in social sciences in general. Not sure about their financial aid.
Hamilton (31-33): Excellent semester in D.C. program. Undergraduate focus.
Claremont McKenna (29-33): Strong in government. Low acceptance rate.
Mt. Holyoke (29-32): Among the first structured IR programs in the nation.
Kenyon (28-32): Active public affairs center on campus.
Trinity (26-30): Strong in political science. Fraternities important to social scene.
UMass Amherst is a good school that you’re in-state for. And they have undegraduate degrees in polysci.
Might be good to check out some colleges in state capitals, due to possible government internships. LSU, Florida State, & Nebraska all offer significant aid to out of staters with your credentials. Others that I’m not sure of regarding aid: Ohio State, Arizona State, South Carolina.
Macalester, Bates, Bryn Mawr and Dickinson would be some other schools to consider.
Many, many good colleges have good political science programs. Do you have any other parameters? Close to home or far? Big or small? Urban, suburban, rural? What kind of student life do you want?
Political science is like biology - it is going to be strong at virtually any good college.
Check out St. Anselm. You’d probably get a good scholarship there. You’ve seen it on tv in the debates. Also, the DC schools.
If you are a female (and liberal), consider Wellesley.
Both have very strong poli-sci departments and opportunities.
Hi thanks for posting on this thread! So some things I’d really love would be for the campus to be a few hours from home (I live in the greater Boston area) but not too far (close enough for weekend trips) and I would like there to be a town near it or just some place with restaurants, shops etc so not somewhere where there’s nothing around. I’m not huge into partying but I like to have fun so I’m on the fence about pledging a sorority but I’d like to at least be able to consider it. Thanks for helping!
American University
Dickinson