<p>Stanford’s chief problem with regard to your interests is its quarter schedule and how late the spring term ends. (My son, a poli sci major, had the same issue at Dartmouth.) This year, for example, a Stanford student can’t count on starting an internship until 6/18 or a few days before. However, most internships start mid-May to early June at the latest. There were several programs in DC my Stanford daughter was interested in, and so she contacted them about their flexibility regarding start date. The response was not favorable. Also, flying to NYC or DC for interviews is a real bear.</p>
<p>That said, Stanford does provide lots of opportunities for students such as the SIG program mentioned above, as well as plentiful social science research opportunities, so there are ways to work around the academic schedule. Also, our D has already interacted with Professor Rice and recently met with a professor who had worked as a top economic advisor in DC to ask for career guidance.</p>
<p>Beyond that, Stanford is a wonderful, happy place that most students love. I personally thought Yale was also such a place, so I doubt you can go wrong. But D chose Stanford and has never regretted it for one minute.</p>