Better for Grad: Methods or Semester at Georgetown in DC

[hopefulfall12gradstudent]

It is my aspiration to attend graduate school in Political Science, specializing in Congress and or Congressional elections within American Politics. I am also very interested in Public Policy. I am in my second year at a SLAC. I am most interested in attending Duke, Michigan, OSU or UNC. My current GPA is in the mid-high 3.7s. In addition to Political Science I have minors in Public Policy and Environmental Studies (emphasize on policy). For the second semester of next year I am currently debating whether or not to attend the Georgetown off campus study program, which includes a research seminar and the ability to intern, potentially in Congress or in a think tank /etc. doing research on the subject I have so much interest. On the other hand, I could stay at my SLAC and take a methods course, some stats, and calculus. Either way, I plan to participate in my school's honors research program which is 3 semesters long and involves writing two extensive research papers (one as a junior, one as a senior). Which would be better: an extra semester of research and the ability to see my “subjects” firsthand or several methods courses? Either way I will graduate having taken 5 Econ courses and a quantitative Environmental Studies course. I would appreciate some insight as to what grad programs might see in a better light.

[Scalia]

What type of math background do you have?

[hopefulfall12gradstudent]

What type of math background do you have?

I have some. Five Econ Courses by the end of college (2 so far). I have AP Calc credit from high school.

[Scalia]

I would really consider taking some college level math before considering either program. I also think that something like a math minor looks good for admissions purposes if you're interested in doing methods.

[oasis]

Purely in terms of admissions, I think methods would be better. The gtown program *may* shape your research agenda, give you new ideas, but otherwise the effect should be marginal. That said, in terms of life experiences, trying different things, and figuring out if you really want to be an academic or a practitioner... the gtown program sounds more promising on that end. Or, you could hedge your bets and just do both. Max out on math and stats, and spend time on the hill.

[plo]

I say forget about grad school and go enjoy a Spring in DC.

[hopefulfall12gradstudent]

A bit of additional information:

Due to requirements for Poli sci, Public Policy, and Environmental Studies, it is either Georgetown OR Methods. Also, I already know that I want to go to graduate school in Political Science. In effect, I really dislike much of practical politics (eg. working on campaigns, most other things that can be done with a BA in Poli Sci, etc.) but really love studying politics (ie. writing papers, reading books, going to class, doing research). Staying at my SLAC would allow 3-4 additional methods/ stats/ calculus course which I would not otherwise get to take.

In terms of enjoyment, my enjoyment will come with a nice letter of acceptance in the Spring of '12. I do not plan to forget about grad school until the distant future.

[poliscigal]

Given the schools that you are looking at, I think that the methods courses are much more important for you. You can combine your methods training with your honors research projects to have a nice qualitative writing sample to submit with your applications as well.

You might also make some good connections for future letters of recommendation that would be able to speak to your ability to do rigorous qualitative work.

[hopefulfall12gradstudent]

I added a poll... Thank you all for your input.