Bowdoin vs George Washington for politics: which is better for a student interested in political science and government careers?

The biggest tradeoff is immediate access to Washington versus a smaller, more close-knit liberal arts environment. George Washington puts you in D.C., where internships on Capitol Hill, at agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, and campaigns are built into daily life. Bowdoin offers a more intimate undergraduate experience, strong faculty access, and a respected political science program, but it does not match GW’s day-to-day proximity to the political world.

For politics and government careers specifically, GW has the clearer practical edge. Being in D.C. matters a lot when you want semester-long internships during the school year, regular networking events, and easier access to alumni and employers in public policy and government. At GW, those opportunities are not something you wait for over summer break. They are part of the rhythm of the academic year.

Bowdoin can still lead to strong outcomes, especially if you want excellent writing-intensive classes, close mentorship, and a classic liberal arts education before heading into policy, law, or public service. Its smaller setting can mean tighter relationships with professors and strong support for research and recommendation letters. That can be especially valuable if you may want graduate school or a more academic route into political science.

But if your question is specifically about internships, networking, and building a path into politics while still in college, GW is more directly aligned with that goal. The broader D.C. ecosystem and the ability to intern during semesters give it a real advantage for someone already focused on government careers.