<p>I know there are many, many posts like this, but after getting all of the information, I am still at a loss for what to do. I was accepted by both Amherst and Tufts, and I’m interested in IR (that is, I would major in PoliSci with the IR certificate at Amherst). I also am a bassoonist, and I would like to perform in some capacity (chamber ensembles or orchestra, probably) in college.</p>
<p>Here are a few questions that I still have after visiting:
- I spoke with a student from the DC area, and he said that the Amherst area has been a nice break from the city life. For me, as a resident of a small city in Michigan, I’m worried that my cabin fever at home will just transfer over to cabin fever in Amherst. Does anyone have experience with this kind of issue?
- The same student (a history major) said that when he studied abroad with IR majors from Tufts, he felt like he could hold his own on IR with them because Amherst provides students with a wide variety of courses and still manages to go in-depth. Has anyone felt like Amherst did not provide enough of an opportunity to focus in on a major?
- I’ve heard that Amherst is intensely sports-oriented. I swim in my high school but assume that I won’t be able to keep up at Amherst. Is it just that many students are also athletes, or is there a sort of student-athlete expectation?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Amherst is so stratospherically better than Tufts that this should be a pretty clear choice. Not only will you meet and be with more interesting and challenging students, but you will be in smaller classes where you will get attention. If you have ever been to Amherst, you will be amazed how lively it is in a small-town setting. First of all, Amherst college is right next to the very cute town of Amherst, practically on Amherst Common. Amherst itself has fun restaurants and stores. Second, you’d be part of the Five Colleges. That means that you can take classes at five different colleges–Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, UMass. Each of these schools has interesting things to offer and new people to meet. Buses that go every 20 minutes or so can take you to any of these places. Smith is located in Northampton, a fun mini-city with even more restaurants, theaters, etc. There are a million things to do in the five college area, and wherever you do them, you’re surrounded by all kinds of students. It’s heaven (with snow)!</p>
<p>Tufts is in Medford, right next to Malden, Everett, and Revere, a pretty crappy area right outside Boston (lived in Malden for a while). You’re close enough to Boston to escape, but if you’re looking for ugly scenery, Tufts would be the place to go.</p>
<p>D2 is headed to Amherst in the Fall. However, my best friend’s daughter is a junior at Tufts. She loves it. She is spending the ENTIRE year in Scotland on a study abroad. I believe she is a history major. She loves the city and Tufts definitely is in the city. </p>
<p>I have visited/toured both campuses. The atmosphere is totally different at both. Have you visited? I think it will be obvious to you which one is for you. </p>
<p>You will get a first rate education at both institutions. You will find your niche, sports or academic or musical, at either school.</p>
<p>It’s always good to see other bassoonists on CC. We’re an infrequent breed. I know literally nothing about music at Tufts, but the music program here at Amherst is quite strong. You would have opportunities for both orchestral and chamber playing. We’re playing Symphonie fantastique in a couple weeks (some of the bassoon parts are quite challenging).</p>
<p>Tufts rightly well known for their IR program, but I think Amherst offers just as many opportunities. There are lots of classes related to international relations (I’m in one right now called Post-Cold War American Diplomatic History, which is awesome) and there is a 5 college certificate in IR you could get.</p>
<p>Amherst itself is a small town, but because of the presence of UMass has a lot of establishments focused on serving students (read: lots of good food delivery places that stay open late). Northampton is also nearby and easily accessible by car or the free bus service and has lots of things to do. Boston is a two hour drive and NYC is 3-4 or so. Tufts is certainly geographically closer to Boston and I believe is accessible via public transit, but the town itself is a suburb.</p>
<p>Lots of people play sports, but I wouldn’t call it “intensely sports oriented”. I have never in my life played an organized sport and I’ve never felt like I’m missing something because of it. Most students are active in some way and keep themselves in shape, though.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice! After visiting Amherst yesterday and Tufts today (my second time at both), I realized that my gut feeling overall is for Amherst. I think your posts really confirmed my feelings about the schools. </p>
<p>@Catfish - When I visited Amherst last time, the highlight of my visit was sitting in on a rehearsal of Beethoven 5. I really liked the way Prof. Swanson rehearses, and I prefer that to the Tufts sectional I sat in on today. Also, I love your repertoire – my junior symphony this year is playing Brahms 2 and Carmina Burana as well (but at a lower quality, certainly). What great pieces! Are you graduating this year? If not, I look forward to joining you in the Fall!</p>
<p>hey pnlibarts…ive visited amherst 2x cuz i want to transfer & have been really impressed with their music program for such a small place…they have lots of concerts there & u mass does & they do field trips, but i’m worried too about cabin fever lol…anyway if they take me i’d go cuz i like russian international studies & they’re great in that…i’m a composer and their orchestra was really really impressive…their breaks seem long & at least you could fly to dc…its further away from me from ohio</p>
<p>yup i would go because i think i could get my pieces performed & i like all the great music there, plsu they would know who i am lol</p>