<p>Ive heard that high ranking PHD programs look at undergraduate programs in tiers when considering candidates; but which school in your opinion should I choose if I want to go down the PHD path(in order to teach)? Assuming I get accepted to all of these:</p>
<p>Umich
Uwisc
American
NYU
UGA Honors(in state)
GA Tech(in state)</p>
<p>Also, what would I have to do first year at any of these schools to be competitive as a transfer to Georgetown School of Foreign Studies? Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Of the list you provided, Michigan is the top of the list. Wisconsin will also serve you well.</p>
<p>But my experience (at a top 5 poli sci PhD program) is that students seem to arrive from everywhere - Iowa State and a variety of other state schools including some on your list were represented. But most of the students from lower tier schools were VERY highly ranked in their undergrad class and had great GRE scores. Those, as well as the letters of recommendation, will be at least as important as where you go to schol.</p>
<p>As a prof I have (who got his PhD at Columbia after completing an MA at a very average school) told me just yesterday, it is crucial that those who want to go the PhD route go to an UG where they can rise ABOVE their peers. As such, going to a school like Georgia or GTech will likely give you the opportunity to score better than many of your peers, thus be awarded scholarships and bursaries as well as be afforded opportunities to perhaps do some TAing or even some research with profs in your department. Students at the very top universities in the US, such as Harvard or Yale, often complain that they have trouble rising above their equally talented peers or finding ways to "seperate from the pack."</p>
<p>Does this mean you should pick Central Ozarks State Technical College for your UG? No it doesnt, obviously. In picking a UG you need to find a place where you will be able to excel and seperate yourself from your peers while all they while not sacrificing too much in the way of the quality of education you are receiving.</p>
<p>Another point to consider is how much individual attention you will be able to receive in your program. If you can talk to students in the programs or can get an idea of the class size of major specific courses (as well as the accesibility of the profs) then you'll likely be better able to see
As a sidenote
I believe Michigan has a Public Policy major (that admits about 50 students), which might give you an edge (and put you into closer contact with your professors).</p>
<p>The MPP at Michigan is mainly a professional degree designed for people with 2-3 years of work experience under their belt. I don't see it really worth going to if your ultimate goal is a PhD.</p>
<p>Michigan is tops on that list. Wisconsin is next. After that, I think it falls off considerably. You should also consider the class size. Umich and wisconsin have large classes. I think American has smaller classes. If cost is no obstacle, I would go to the best school on that list...Mich</p>
<p>Here's the biggest consideration: How likely are you go to still want a PhD in four years?</p>
<p>Look, I know you have your whole life planned out (including the flowers in the garden at your home), but THINGS WILL CHANGE. You cannot plan your undergrad career around a job or grad school. It's not a good idea.</p>
<p>Go to whatever school you think will serve you the best. You will do well there, and you will have your best chances of getting into anything (job, grad school, traveling circus troupe) after that.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that as a GA resident, you will be paying significant $$$ to attend Mich or Wisc, comparable to any private university. In that regard, you may want to look further into NYU since it may offer you smaller classes and more faculty interaction/research opportunities as an undergrad.</p>
<p>The cost of attending NYU is astronomical--much higher than any school on that list. Tuition is exceedingly high at NYU, and the cost of living is extraordinary. Unless you get serious financial help, the school may be cost-prohibitive.</p>
