@SJ2727 That’s super helpful! Thank you for letting me know!
@blossom Hi, thank you for all of your advice! I must not have explained clearly. I’m not looking for a degree to help me serve in the Peace Corp. It was my understanding that anyone, with any degree, could serve. I am specifically looking for a degree that will set me up to work for the UN and/or help me get a fellowship for grad school. I understand that my dream job is very competitive, and the connections I would make at a state school would not even hold a candle to those I could make at one of my top schools. I want the job placement, the alumni network, the ambitious peers, the incredible research opportunities (specifically policy research, but at a school that has the connection to make sure at least a few legislative officials will see my work). I want to go to school in the UK, and I am hoping to apply for the Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholarships. There are certain schools that are just better at helping students get into those programs. So no, my program does not exist at “virtually every school”. I appreciate the thought, and I am applying to my state school, but I firmly believe that my needs will not be met at this sort of institution.