Problem is, nobody’s ever explained to me exactly how I’m supposed to do that. I’ve got a vague idea of what I want to study (major in political science, possibly to get into law later, and minor in linguistics), but I’m not exactly sure where to go from here. I’ve tried some online searches, but they don’t seem to turn up much. US News and World Report’s rankings didn’t seem to be of much help either.
Basically, how can I tell how strong a school is in the fields that are going to matter to me?
I think I’ve got to slap around a few guidance counselors. . . .:mad:
Mods, if this isn’t really GQ material, please move it.
Loren Pope has a great book (which I found incredibly useful during the beginning phase of the college search), called Colleges That Change Lives I’d recommend giving it a look.
Try and make an appointment with a guidance counselor at your school. This may or may not be any good at all.
Other than that, I’d suggest picking a couple schools, and arranging a visit. Most colleges will at least schedule and interview and tour with you; many will let you spend a night, sit in on a class, etc.
I’m on the applying end of the process, also looking to probably go into poli. sci… Feel free to IM me or drop me an email with any more specific questions (info is in my profile.)
More info about yourself will be helpful in answering your question. How old are you? What year in school? How far are you willing to move? Is money an issue? Is a private university an option?
Usually, once you take the SAT or PSAT and tick that little box asking for promotion, brochures flood in from schools around the country.
Schools tend to generalize, so a university to your liking would advertise a strong liberal arts program.
Though you feel poorly about them, us news has this fancy form that helps narrow down your search a bit.
Go to a large library and ask for the College Blue Book, the bible of colleges and the degree programs they offer. At $406, it’s a little steep to buy for yourself, but most large libraries should have it.
If you’re interested in a liberal arts degree like poli sci, then I’d worry less about finding a school that is good in your particular field and instead focus on a school which has a good reputation overall and that offers an environment you feel good in.
Generally, programs aren’t ranked on the merits of their undergraduate program. Yes, there are some exceptions, of course, particularly in professional fields and among schools that have really emphasized certain areas. But generally, when places are “known” for a field, it’s based on their graduate program. Two problems with that: it will eliminate some colleges from the list right off (no grad programs, or none in your field) and there is no ironclad guarantee that an undergrad program in a department offers the same quality experience as a grad program.
This doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but know that almost any college decision you’ll make (public or private? large or small? Close to home, or far away?) has both advantages and disadvantages. There are tradeoffs all around. Most people do end up at a place they are happy with–which probaly means that most of us could thrive in any number of places.
Now, if you want to stay in the south and considering private schools, Washington & Lee is fairly well regarded for its politics program.
Oh, and I forgot–you might run across a “Gourman Report” which purports to rank undergraduate schools and programs. I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in it.
-Check out the course calendars for the schools & programs you’re considering, and look for courses that sound interesting. You should also take a look at the timetables when they come out though – most schools that I know of only offer about 1/3 of their courses each year. You can find this info online.
-While all universities have their own unique characteristics, the basic idea is the same everywhere. Look for a place with a reasonably priced tuition. (I’d personally recommend St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, Canada – $3000 CDN /year for liberal arts, and it’s a fun little town).
-If you can afford it, live in residence. If you want the real university experience, you won’t get it living with your folks. The contacts you make will assist you in finding gainful employment far more than having Yale or Harvard after your name.
-The quality of education you get has nothing to do with the school, it’s reputation, how much you pay, or any of that garbage (at least for undergrad). It’s 100% dependant on the quality of the profs. Every school has rotten ones and great ones. If it’s possible, audit few classes and ask around to find out which ones are which.
Way back when, when I was choosing a college, I relied on the Fisk Guide to Colleges, and the Insiders Guide to Colleges, put out by the Yale Daily Press (or something, can’t remember the exact title). I found these very helpful. It’s one thing to look at a bunch of data on a college (how many sports teams they have, etc.) but what I wanted was some informed opinion about the plusses and minuses of each place.
I actually did not visit my college (Wesleyan, fwiw) before attending.
Take a look at “employment rates” or “acceptance rates for graduate study” in the field of interest. If a college will not freely give this information, show them your butt and move on.