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What level of Collage should I be looking at?

-1380 SAT -5.88/5 GPA -All honors and AP classes -Streight A Student
I am unsure of what school I should be looking at. I want to major in Political Science. Any ideas?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Christie’s Answer

It's unclear whether you're currently enrolled in high school or if you've already graduated. If you're still attending high school, consider scheduling a meeting with a school counselor who can provide guidance. Additionally, your computer science teacher could also offer valuable advice. The internet, particularly Google, can be a helpful resource. Consider searching for the top 20 schools known for their Political Science Departments.

Your financial situation will also play a significant role in determining the kind of college you should consider. Would you prefer to study locally or out-of-state? Should you start at a junior college or go directly to a four-year institution?

Finally, Google offers free certificate programs that you could pursue while preparing for or attending college. You can find more information here: https://grow.google/certificates.
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Atul’s Answer



If you don't secure substantial scholarships for private or Ivy League schools, consider attending a state university instead.

Your SAT scores and AP courses have prepared you well, enabling you to excel in many fields, not just Political Science. Keep in mind that a career in this field often requires years of work and potentially low pay, especially if you end up working for lawmakers. Unless you're deeply passionate about Political Science and unconcerned about earning a high salary immediately after graduation, it might be wise to broaden your scope.

Try to keep your financial obligations as low as possible. This will give you more freedom to explore different career paths without the pressure of hefty student loans.

As an example, I sent my two sons to a state university. One of them now works in Seattle, earning over $200K a year, including stock options. He's in the high-tech industry, and for him, it's not just about the money. He's making a real difference in the world by developing software for one of the largest companies in the FAANG group.

So, consider all your options and make a choice that aligns with both your career goals and your financial situation.
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Tara’s Answer

CONSIDERATION BEFORE APPLYING TO ANY COLLEGE

With outstanding test scores, an impressive GPA, and a spot on the honor roll, you're well-positioned for a successful college application. Here's a link to some of the best political science colleges in Illinois: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-political-science/s/illinois/

Take your time when choosing a college. It's crucial to ensure that they offer all the courses you'll need for your future career. Look into scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities, and familiarize yourself with application deadlines, qualification requirements, and how your attendance and GPA may affect these. Before considering student loans, calculate the total cost of tuition, textbooks, required technology, housing, commuting, and other expenses. Once you have a clear idea of how much you'll need to borrow, investigate the interest rate of the loans, the types of loans available, and when you'll need to start repayments. It's also worth checking the college's employment rate post-graduation.

The reason for this advice is simple: while your academic achievements will open many doors, the right college can help you prepare for a successful future career. You also want to avoid financial stress after graduation. Your focus should be on learning and growing, not worrying about how to pay for everything. Even if this means attending college part-time while working to finance your studies. Remember, a college education is designed to benefit you. Sometimes, it's better to move at a pace you can manage, rather than rushing and potentially not graduating. Best of luck on your educational journey towards a successful career.

GUIDE TO CHOOSING A COLLEGE:
- Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid:
1. Application deadlines
2. Eligibility criteria
3. Attendance and GPA requirements for retention
- College Expenses:
1. Tuition fees
2. Housing or commuting costs
3. Expenses for textbooks, laptops, calculators, etc.
- Student Loans:
1. Types of loans (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, Direct Consolidation Loans)
2. Interest rates on these loans
3. Loan repayment start dates
- Courses:
1. Does the college offer all the courses you need?
2. Are these courses required for certification in your state?
-Check the College's Employment Rate Post-Graduation
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Marshall’s Answer

Christie has given some solid good advice. If there is a university that is near you, you can also doa. campus visit and meet students, professors and even sit in a class or two and ask questions to see if its a program or school that would be a good for for you. Below is a google link for a list of schools that have PolySci programs:

Colleges with political science programs
In-stateIn USPublicPrivate, non-profit MORE FILTERS

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private, non-profit · 4-year

Columbia University
New York, NY
Private, non-profit · 4-year

Yale University
New Haven, CT
Private, non-profit · 4-year

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private, non-profit · 4-year

100+ MORE

https://www.google.com/search?q=universities+with+best+political+science+programs&sxsrf=APwXEdevLiI9a2Z3Ntg4xOcrcdLCPYfVNQ:1687959650714&ei=YjicZPToKrOmptQPp4eBoAU&oq=universities+with+political+science+degrees&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQARgCMgUIABCiBDIFCAAQogQyBQgAEKIEOgoIABBHENYEELADOgYIABAHEB46CAgAEIoFEIYDOggIIRCgARDDBDoLCCEQoAEQwwQQiwM6CgghEKABEMMEEApKBAhBGABQpwZY6RFgjjxoAnABeACAAYEBiAHgBpIBAzYuM5gBAKABAbgBAsABAcgBCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ibp=htl;splinter&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiG_YXhi-b_AhVklYkEHVAaCusQiYsCKAB6BAgWEAQ
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Rachel,

Selecting the Ideal College for a Political Science Major

Given your outstanding scholastic achievements, such as a 1380 SAT score, a 5.88/5 GPA, enrollment in all honors and AP classes, and a straight-A record, you're in a prime position to aim for some of the leading colleges and universities in the United States. Your remarkable academic history significantly boosts your chances of being accepted into competitive schools known for their superior Political Science programs.

Exploring Political Science Undergraduate Programs:

Ivy League Schools: Your exceptional academic prowess puts Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia within your reach. These universities are celebrated for their demanding academics and robust political science departments.

Top State Universities: State flagship universities such as the University of California - Berkeley, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Virginia, and University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill are also great choices for a Political Science degree.

Liberal Arts Colleges: Schools like Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, and Pomona Colleges provide excellent undergraduate Political Science programs in a cozier, more personalized academic environment.

Specialized Programs: Certain colleges offer specialized Political Science or International Relations programs that might match your interests. For instance, Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service is famous for its international relations program.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting a College:

Academic Reputation: Seek out colleges with robust political science departments and faculty who are field experts.

Location: Think about whether you'd prefer an urban or rural campus and whether you'd like to stay close to home or discover a new area.

Internship Opportunities: Look into whether the college provides internships or research opportunities in political science to enrich your educational experience.

Financial Aid: Compare the financial aid packages from different colleges to make a knowledgeable decision based on cost-effectiveness.

Campus Culture: Try to visit campuses or participate in virtual events to get a feel for the campus culture and see if it matches your preferences.

In summary, your notable academic credentials and interest in Political Science give you a broad array of choices when it comes to selecting a college. Aim high and think about applying to prestigious schools recognized for their robust political science programs, but also consider factors such as location, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities.

Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:

The Princeton Review
U.S. News & World Report
College Board

May God Bless You,
JC.
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Case’s Answer

USC is a great school!
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