<p>I live quite near both B.C. and Tufts, and I’m interested in both, but I don’t know much beyond what I’ve read at collegeboard. If you guys have a preference between the two, or know something about them you think is worth sharing, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks a bunch!</p>
<p>Both are great schools and each has its pros and cons. Many people believe Tufts is superior academically because it's ranked higher on U.S.News, which is pretty shallow, and not true. Both schools have different educational philosophy and different emphasis. Since I know more about BC, I will speak on its pros and cons more in-depth, with Tufts, I'm only listing second-hand, peripheral information:</p>
<p>BC's pros:
- A liberal arts-centric school that focuses on developing the whole person
- Has three amazing undergraduate colleges--nursing, education, and business.
- Is located in beautiful Chestnut Hill (a village of Newton) and is only 5.6 miles from downtown Boston.<br>
- An amazing campus with gorgeous buildings and greeneries everywhere.
- Great sport teams and mentality, probably has the best sport program in New England.
- A large and very loyal alumni network.
- Politically moderate (we are not conservative by a long shot).
- Fifteen core-classes in ten different subjects, it's a great way to academically experiment a bit of everything and be well-rounded.
- Professors are expected to teach and the vast majority are amazing teachers. I couldn't praise the teaching staff more.
- A lot of thing to do on campus during weekdays and weekend.
- Is need-blind and full-need met school. Financial aid tends to be very generous with low-income to middle-income students.
- 80% of student volunteer and do services in international places. Tufts talks about saving the world, BC actually do the saving.
- 50% play sports.
- Delicious food and decent dining facilities. </p>
<p>BC's Cons:
- Administrators strictly adhere to Catholic doctrine which can annoy the liberal-minded students.
- Does not have engineering or medical school.
- Freshman has two campuses: Upper and Newton.
- It's very hilly, so walking is not fun.
- Does not have fall concert, only spring concert.
- Factors the value of your house in financial-aid, which means if you own a half-million dollar house, then no money for you.
- Only half of the student population gets four-years housing, the rest gets three-year guaranteed.</p>
<p>Tufts' Pros:
- Has an engineering college.
- Great appeal for international studies and focuses.
- Great art program (has a degree program with the Museum of Fine Art)
- Liberal-leaning campus (of course, I'm liberal-leaning so I'm listing this as a pro).
- Down to earth, generally passionate and caring student body.</p>
<p>Tufts Cons:
- Not a need-blind school (they are, however, aggressively raising money for financial-aid).
- No D1 level sport.
- Does not have an undergraduate program for education (perhaps not well known), nor does it have nursing or business.</p>
<p>Each school has a different emphasis, I don't believe BC and Tufts are alike. What we have in common is an amazing group of students (we are very practical and passionate, and Tufts is pretty artistic and high-minded), but we each pursuit our education in many different ways. Pick one that fits who you are and enjoy your time there. Of course, this is gross generalization of both schools, I advise you to visit both and make up your own mind.</p>
<p>But for different reasons.</p>
<p>The language requirement for Tufts is a big draw. They are known for being internationally minded and having a "save the world' mentality (even if the other poster doesn't think so ;-))</p>
<p>However, BC has a great 5-year combined bachelor and masters in education program, and as the other poster said, two chars....DI. BC has phenomenal sports. I'd love to root for my team in the NCAA DI Basketball tournament.</p>
<p>Either way, you'll have the city of Bsootn, which i heard is amazing.</p>
<p>I think Reddune pretty much nailed it nicely. Well done. BC is a Jesuit college and that means Jesuit ethos, if not theological. Meaning, you arent required to go to Mass every day or even on Sunday and clang rosary beads, but the Jesuit perspective on life is there for you....which is a blessing in my book. BC's Theology Dept is nationally respected for those desiring to search for something really interesting and different while in college.</p>
<p>Tufts is a superb school, founded by Universalists. Its decidedly un religious.</p>
<p>Fit Fit Fit. The three most important things in college applications and admissions. Visit both schools, talk to professors and students and see where you feel you fit the best based upon who YOU are. And pay no attention to that old man behind the curtains pulling those levers....i.e. the USNWR rankings.</p>