<p>Tufts seems really cool but i realized i don't really know that much about it. so, i was wondering if one could just tell me a bunch about tufts, for example, are there many events happening on campus? what type of people seem to go there? what is the location like? also, i made a thread detailing what i want in a school, so is tufts a fit based on this? <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=54667&page=4%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=54667&page=4</a></p>
<p>OK, you said:</p>
<p>*Location:
split the country in half both ways, and I want a college in the top right area; city or suburb; cool neighborhood with awesome shops, restaurants, and cultural activities/places; many good events going on; many resources; good transportation system (and if not in the city, good transportation to a city!) Basically I don't want a place where the biggest nearby shops are those like Walmart *</p>
<p>Top right, check. Medford = suburb of Boston, so check. Cool neighborhood, well Davis Square is pretty cool in itself but just hop onto the T and you're in Boston so check check check. :)</p>
<p>Campus:
GREEN!, I want many trees and flowers, old buildings, gothic architecture, many walkways and outdoor places to lounge; it could be rather compact and secluded. So kind of a country area within the city.</p>
<p>Check. :)</p>
<p>*Socially:
Many events going on, and people wise:
I don't want a school where everyone is the same, but still, you could sum up the general student population as somewhat like this:
friendly, liberal (but not radical) democrats, want to take action to help global issues, people do not dress super brand name preppy, diverse student body (race and socioeconomic classes), people have fun just hanging out ( in other words not just partying), not a big Greek system or partying (though parties should still be around), not much alcohol/drug use, people are respectful, open-minded, academic, motivated, and not super-competitive. They should be unique and like to have fun. *</p>
<p>Check :)</p>
<p>*Academics:
They should be very insightful! I want good history and English programs, and a music program with many resources. One can take language classes (particularly German), and music lessons easily. It should be easy to take electives, I would also prefer if one could design their own major or there is not a large core. Also, of course, good professors and classes. *</p>
<p>I don't know anything about Tufts' history or English programs but I'm sure you'll get a response from someone in the know on that. I <em>do</em> know that foreign language is one of Tufts' strongest areas. As for music, my son is heavily involved in the Tufts' instrumental music program, and lessons are readily available. </p>
<p>Tufts does have a rather significant core curriculum. However, they are rather loose on how to meet those requirements, a culture course requirement could be met by a Klezmer music class, and so on. </p>
<p>My son reports most of his professors have been interesting and fair, and his classes excellent.</p>
<p>*Other Stuff
Good study abroad programs (particularly Germany), one can easily get involved, many clubs, good music groups that aren't reserved for music majors (like the school orchestra), practice rooms for music are easily available, good financial and merit aid, and of course the things everyone wants: good dorms, food, quality of life, and technology aspects *</p>
<p>Check: Tufts' study abroad program is supposed to be the best among colleges. </p>
<p>Check: My son is NOT a music major and is involved in wind ensemble (they will be traveling to Spain next year!)and the pit orchestras for Torn Ticket, even played at commencement exercises this year. Finding a practice room was never a problem.</p>
<p>Check: Clubs galore, and if one doesn't exist, just create one!</p>
<p>Check: Food is supposed to be the second best in the country after Cornell, which uses their Hotel and Hospitality students prepare theirs.</p>
<p>Check: Quality of life, oh yeah. :) My son has never been happier, he's got tons of new friends, he loves his classes, gets onto the T and is in Beantown in no time, he's a happy camper. :)</p>
<p>No checks for merit aid, dorms (they aren't bad, just aren't special), technology (not a terribly wired campus...yet.)</p>
<p>During the school year you can get a full daily listing of all the stuff going on on campus from Tuftslife.com. Once September rolls around, check it out. I think all the activities will make your head spin. :)</p>
<p>Hope this helps, and good luck.</p>
<p>great! thanks a ton jjsmom</p>
<p>Tufts has one of the best study-abroad programmes in the country. Some 55% of students study abroad (for either a semester, year, or summer). You are required to take between 3 and 6 language courses (min. of 3, but then you need 3 language or culture, so you could fit that requirement through more language).</p>
<p>JJ'sMom nailed it. :)</p>
<p>What does "not terribly wired" mean? How bad is it?</p>
<p>The dorm rooms have ethernet connections for each roommate and have cable connections for the TVs, but the campus isn't wireless friendly yet.</p>
<p>They're working on making the whole campus wireless. Right now, the campus center, Dowling, and the library are wireless-ready.</p>