The Final Two - South Carolina vs Penn State UP for Political Science

[pats21]

Having a hard time choosing between these two schools. USC is cheaper. Looking for feedback. Thanks

Penn State Early Action for Fall 2024 Admissions

If a student were to get a deferral and their application is pushed to the regular decision pile without even being looked at because they ran out of time I would be extremely unhappy. My son worked hard to make sure he made all the EA deadlines. BS if the can’t keep up their end of the bargin.

[thumper1]

Warm weather or winters?

[pats21]

That could be the deciding factor. Although we are from Mass. he may want to escape the cold

[southernfemmom]

I think the location in a Capitol city, within walking distance of the State building, gives an edge to South Carolina for Political Science and opportunities for internships. They also have a DC program that I hear is fantastic. I think Columbia is a great mid-sized city with lots to do within walking distance of campus.

(I am also a little biased because my S24 has chosen South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!)

[pats21]

We loved the visit and heard about that DC program as well. Sounded like a great opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

[tsbna44]

My daughter did the U of SC Honors College DC semester and it was pretty nice - 12 kids living a few blocks from Capital Hill, sharing a home, with other colleges in nearby houses) - I think 10 from U of SC, 1 from C of C (mine) and one from Lander (another SC public). All the SC public honors colleges go through U of SC. Penn State also has a program as do most schools. U of SC doesn’t get you an internship (but I think they will place you with an SC politician if you don’t find one on your own…but finding one wasn’t a problem).

It’s a poli sci degree - so it’ll be fine both places but being in the state capital may have an advantage (but not necessarily).

One campus is gigantic and not in a city. The other is much more compact and in a city - so there are enough differences - in addition to money - to help you decide.

Best of luck.

PS - I know the PSU DC program is housed in communications but it looks like is open to all majors - I’d contact to validate. I believe the U of SC one is only for Honors students across the state - but again you can check. I just point that out in case your student is not in Honors - I’d verify they can participate - if that’s a driving factor in choosing which to attend.

Penn State Washington Program / Bellisario College of Communications (psu.edu)

[pats21]

Thank you for the info.

[pats21]

I found the info for U of SC as well. I’ll pass it along to me son to help with his decision

https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/honors_college/experience/internships/washington_semester/eligibility_cost/index.php

[jym626]

And keep in mind about possible connections he might make. Often it’s not what you know but who you know that helps land internships. Perhaps of he does a semester in DC he might meet peers, other students or faculty that may be helpful, with connections, to get a foot in the door for summer internships.

[tsbna44]

Is he in the Honors College at U of SC? If not, you’d have to find out if he’s even eligible for the DC program through them. So yes, ask that question.

In my mind, internships are the best way to ultimately land a job…sort of experience begets experience.

So working for a semester - as it sounds like he would at both PSU and U of SC - will be a help toward the future - not to mention in exposing them to new things they weren’t a part of before.

In the end, we know U of SC is cheaper and the preference seems to be for warmer weather.

Is the question here that the student prefers PSU? If so, and you can afford it, then that’s what you all have to decide.

For a poli sci degree, I don’t think the “where” matters - Penn State will always be a great name and U of SC is solid too.

Good luck.

[jym626]

Even if a student is not automatically admitted to the Honors College upon admission to U South Carolina, they are able to apply once they are in their second semester, with certain requirements: Current USC Students - South Carolina Honors College | University of South Carolina

[tsbna44]

Not saying otherwise.

I’m simply noting - if they are not now - and no idea if they plan to be - they should ask if there’s an option to attend even if you’re not in Honors.

My guess is no but I don’t truly know - and they may accept non Honors kids as well (if the student doesn’t end up in Honors).

Just info gathering - to help them if the DC thing is even an input that would drive their decision (it may not be).

[jym626]

Thats fine. Just explaining to the OP that there are options, and connections are extremely helpful for internships and job opportunities. Its not a debate.