<p>Hi there! As someone who was interested in both when applying (and being accepted to) both…I feel that Smith is stronger for U.S. politics, since that’s more their focus. They also have a better alumnae network in American politics, if that’s something that’s important to you. I feel that Mount Holyoke is better for IR, however; we have one of the top programs in the nation, and in general we’re a more internationally-focused institution. IR is one of our biggest programs, just as government is one of the biggest (I think the biggest?) at Smith. As for the Smith program in Washington, we have the same one at MHC. I would say to think about whether you’d want to have a more domestic or international focus, and keep in mind that you can always take courses at both.</p>