Danielle Said:

Which college should I choose? VA tech, Penn state, JMU, University of Deleware, or William and Mary?

We Answered:

I would definitely go with the College of William and Mary. It is a wonderful school, and has been rated very highly. It is more competitive than the other schools you listed.

It is thought of as a the 4th most competitive state school to get into in the country. So you would clearly be getting a very good education for a more reasonable price.

Good luck with everything!

Loretta Said:

Which of these colleges would be best for a political science major?

We Answered:

First, as a political science major you're going to want to be in an area where you can put what you learn to good use - where people and students are politically active and there are chances to get involved and see what you're studying hands on. It seems that all of your schools are on the east coast, which is a good start (not that there isn't politics on the west coast, it just isn't as much of a "hub" if you will)

Second, I highly recommend picking a school that is at least close to a city if not in it. This is where a lot of political activity takes place, where district offices are for congressional and local politicians. It also tends to be central to the private sector heavily involved in politics - lobbyists, foreign affairs specialists, united nations, non profit global and local affairs organizations, etc.

Third, look for a campus where the students are very active in their extracurriculars, where students care about the political issues of the day, and where student government is strong. It's always more exciting to be in an environment supportive of your major and learn as you go along, not just in a classroom.

Fourth, political science is a broad major, often considered a "BS" major - which I guess, it can be at some schools. Look into each program and what they require of their students to make sure you'll be competitive upon graduation.

So my suggestions, being a current polisci major and knowing what I know...

Boston University - great location, active student body
Fordham University - excellent location, academics aren't as competitive
Lehigh University - okay reputation, not as active
New Jersey City University - strongly do NOT recommend
New York University - GREAT location, VERY active campus
Penn State University Park - if you're going to go to PennState, this is the campus to be at, location isn't ideal however, but the academics are great
Rutgers New Brunswick/Piscataway - I'm actually a Rutgers NB student, NYC is about an hour away by train and our poli sci department is great, very challenging. Many students take internships their junior/senior years and actually graduate having worked in office.

As I said, I'm a Rutgers NB student and I think our program is just fantastic. We also have a Washington division for students to get hands on experience in our nation's capitol. Definitely explore the schools political science programs online a little and see if that is something they offer, it's always a plus even if you don't think you'd do it right away.

Good luck!

Philip Said:

How hard is it to get into William and Mary, Mary Washington, and Penn State University?

We Answered:

Applicants must have a minimum of a 700 SAT score (verbal and math combined) to be even considered for Penn State. Now this is a VERY low score, that DOES NOT mean you will get into Penn State with a score in the 700's. Penn State is a very demanding school and very difficult, but that is why we are ranked 1st when It comes to Job recruiting. In simple terms, employers pick Penn State students over Ivy league school students (Here's the link to prove that: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424… You should have extra curricular activities from High School, like sports and honor classes/societies. They love people who are involved.

About the Environment: Penn State is known for having one of the most friendly and most energetic campus environments in the Nation, especially when it comes to our number 1 ranked student section for football. Everyone is friendly because once you are a Penn State student, you are family.

Lauren Said:

Is it easier to get into a grad school if you were an undergrad at that school?

We Answered:

Often its easier because the folk at the Graduate School will know you. Of course, this only applies if you're a good student and they want someone like you in their classes! If you're not the type of student they enjoy teaching (and remember that at graduate level you have more one-to-one and small group contact with your professors), then having been an undergrad can hinder.

The serious answer is that you first need to be good academically, and then the sort of person who porofessors want to teach. That means being the sort of person who wants to learn from them and will make their job enoyable.

Other advice on graduate study is available on www.graduate-education.org

Claire Said:

What is the easiest way to get from William Paterson University in NJ to Penn Station or 44th street in NYC?

We Answered:

Check:

Depart : PATERSON-HAMBURG TPKE. & COLLEGE RD. at 7:39 PM
Board : Bus No 198 toward New York
Arrive : PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERM [41ST & 8TH ENT] at 8:32 PM

I used this site:
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.s…