North Carolina State University?

[Anonymous]

I am a HS junior researching colleges. My intended major is public policy or political science so I am looking at schools preferably in capital cities to have access to internships. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about NCSU? I would be OOS but the cost isn’t at high as other OOS schools I’m looking at like OSU and MSU.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know much but I think that its reputation is that it’s a good state school for science and engineering. But unless your family has tons of money, why not apply to a similar school in your own state? What state are you from?

[Anonymous]

I am from New York but want to go out of state. SUNY Albany would be the state school that is in the capital for me but i don’t like the campus vibe, lack of school spirit, and wouldn’t want to work in Albany under Cuomo’s administration lol. I’m interested in UW Madison which would be a big reach, as well as OSU. Michigan State seems like a match so I’m definitely looking at that too. Virginia Tech was originally my top school as it has everything I want (friendly, spirit student body, good food, nice campus and surrounding area) but my only gripe is that Blacksburg is in middle of nowhere regarding access to internships. I also don’t like how it’s a STEM focused school, so my area of interest doesn’t have as many options (ex: I wanna study public policy particularly in the school of public affairs, but Vt only has a poly sci major and no public affairs school)

[Anonymous]

My experience with NCSU was great, but was decades ago. They were known for textile science, agriculture and economics then - perhaps that has changed?

[Anonymous]

Are you full pay? What are your grades and test scores like? Any hooks? Is there a reason you’re focusing on state schools instead of private? If you’re out of state, the state schools are pretty expensive and often not as worth it, especially if you’re not in a major like Engineering but she doesn’t have as many good private school equivalents

[Anonymous]

I am not officially full pay, but considering that I’m looking at OOS public schools, i will most likely not be getting scholarships. However, MSU has pretty decent OOS scholarships of up to 15,000 based on GPA and test scores. I took the act in April and got a 26. I’m hoping to get to 28 on the next one. My English and Reading were a 34 and a 31, but math and science need a lot of improving. Regarding grades, I’ve taken 2 APs so far and am taking two more next year as a senior. I’ve done about four or five honors classes so far and continuing with four more next year. Also, I am continuing my foreign language for the fourth year, so I hope that will strengthen my academic rigor from an AO’s viewpoint. The reason I’m choosing mostly state schools is because I want a big school, not cliquey or insular. Being remote most of the year for school, it has made me rly want to go out of state and experience new things and people. Coming from an all girls school, I haven’t gotten to have the typical experience, such as game days and vibrant social life. OOS schools seem to offer that piece I want. Since my intended major is public policy, I believe being in a school in a capital city will provide me with opportunities to intern during the school year as opposed to doing a summer one in Washington where the competition is more fierce and overcrowded, as well as very expensive compared to a city like Raleigh or Columbus.

[Anonymous]

Spouse is an NCState Engineering grad. He loved the school, loved the campus, makes six figures, happy.

[Anonymous]

Wouldn't do it. May as well stay in-state.

[Anonymous]

What about Univ. of Richmond (meets need private) or VCU in Richmond.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't pick a school just because it is in the state capitol. College is typically a 4 year experience. An internship will likely last one summer and there is no reason you have to go to school in the capitol to do it. Focus on schools with a good poli sci program and worry about internships when the time comes.

- signed a former poli sci major who did many summer internships (none in the same city as my college)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about Univ. of Richmond (meets need private) or VCU in Richmond.

Not gonna get into U of Richmond with those stats, no way.

I actually know some folks at VA tech and we asked around about the poli sci major there because my son was interested and the scoop we heard was that they had a great internship program in DC so that would not be a hinderance to us. Sadly with your stats VA tech could be a reach too though.

NC state is know as a great school for engineering and the sciences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spouse is an NCState Engineering grad. He loved the school, loved the campus, makes six figures, happy.

And what about this is remotely relevant to OPs specific questions?

OP I have a junior as well and admire the thoroughness of your search! As you have read here, NCSU is known and admired in the south for its STEM programs. I have honestly never heard of anyone picking it for the academic program you are interested in, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Your thinking about bring in a capital city like Raleigh is spot on, but I would ask the school some direct questions about internship opportunities in the areas you are interested in. They should have track records of placements they can share with you. Again, for engineering it would be a lock but this is not an area NCSU is known for.

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of places you can intern that aren’t DC or a state capital: local constituent services office for congressmen/senators, volunteer for a campaign, intern for local government like April in Parks and Rec. Usajobs.gov has paid summer internship opportunities.

Other schools to consider:
Iowa State
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

[Anonymous]

OP two of mine went there.


No community spirit. The football field is off-campus it's a pain. Students do not even stay for half a game.

Your major there is zero track to jobs from NCST. As a matter of fact NCST has a terrible career center, even for engineers which is their pride and joy. One goes to college to get out and get a job.

Only major that is worth it at NCST is textiles. Even that getting a job well you are on your own. There are no great employers that come to their career fairs.

The cost you are correct for an OOS school price is right. Food is awful.

The only good thing about state is Take 8 at State. Take 8 pe classes get a t shirt. LOL

[Anonymous]

I did graduate school at ncsu in a program they were well known for. Would recommend the honors program but otherwise would not suggest spending oos $ for something outside of the ag or engineering school. Campus is meh outside one small area.