Boston College and small programs

[greyhound25]

Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on Boston College? Would it be a terrible idea to accept an offer there for something that is not theory (in particular comparative)?

I'd be also very interested on peoples thoughts on smaller programs generally. Do you think the advantages of more faculty attention outweigh the disadvantages of not having a big cohort to learn from/with (obviously it depends on the individual/dept., but interested in people's perspectives)? And is there any extent to which the lower rankings of some programmes which are also small can be explained away (at least to some extent) by their size?

Grateful for any advice or insight anyone can offer!

[AuldReekie]

Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on Boston College? Would it be a terrible idea to accept an offer there for something that is not theory (in particular comparative)?

I'd be also very interested on peoples thoughts on smaller programs generally. Do you think the advantages of more faculty attention outweigh the disadvantages of not having a big cohort to learn from/with (obviously it depends on the individual/dept., but interested in people's perspectives)? And is there any extent to which the lower rankings of some programmes which are also small can be explained away (at least to some extent) by their size?

Grateful for any advice or insight anyone can offer!

Possibly applying next year. I'm drawn to IR there by Robert S. Ross who I would love to work with.

My doubts? I have no idea how effective their methods training is and the IR faculty is too small for my relatively narrowinterests.

Others will have more constructive comments I'm sure..

[brent09]

I would avoid it if you're not a theorist or qual. Unless you could take classes at Harvard or MIT, but I'm not sure how that works. I like the idea of small programs generally, though. It's a selling point for me. Attention, funding, coauthorship... all plusses of smaller programs.

[shibalover]

Though there's definitely some virtues of being in a small program, you might also wanna take into account whether ur putting all ur eggs in one basket. In a bigger program you'd have to compete with your cohorts to gain attention from the faculty member you'd like to work with (which can turn ugly some time). However, there're always alternatives once you figured out at some point you rather not work with a certain people. In a smaller program with lots of attention from your POI(s?) does not necessarily translate into good relationships with them. This sometimes means you need to work harder (or kiss more asses) to make ur POIs love you. Because once they start to hate you, you're doomed.

For me I'd say just visit as many programs as possible before you make any decision. Figuring out funding packages and ranking (after this new release in March) is important, figuring out who appreciates your work and whom you can work with in that program is WAY WAY MORE important.

[Ironheel!!]

I would avoid it if you're not a theorist or qual. Unless you could take classes at Harvard or MIT, but I'm not sure how that works. I like the idea of small programs generally, though. It's a selling point for me. Attention, funding, coauthorship... all plusses of smaller programs.

Right on with Brent here. I'm waiting Brandeis (a top choice of mine) and it generally has everything to do with what Brent notes. Also, I would add that a small program with a good rep. also seem place well. While they may not place to R1 schools, many small depts. tend to be successful in securing job for nearly all graduates. Think if you graduate from a BC or Brandeis, you may have 2 or 3 others graduating from the department that year (many times fewer) so advisiors are able to really assist you and you may potentially have the entire department helping out on the job search. Not the ultimate reason to go to a school, but it def. played a role in my decision to apply to a few of the schools I ended up applying to. I don't know about BC, but my impression of smaller programs is generally positive if there are a couple people that you could see your self working with.

[somanytictoc]

Figuring out funding packages and ranking (after this new release in March) is important, figuring out who appreciates your work and whom you can work with in that program is WAY WAY MORE important.

I think it was determined that the Political Science rankings would remain unchanged this year. Other fields are getting an update, but our subject will update NEXT year.