<p>I have the impossible task of choosing between these two schools before May 1st. Academically, I'm interested in the Humanities (will probably go into human rights/social justice work... maybe law school, but I also love literature). Extra-curricularly, my primary interest is theatre (particularly student-run theatre) and, again, social justice/service work. I may also look into Mock Trial.</p>
<p>I love the cozy, close-knit feel of Bowdoin (not to mention the food), but I prefer an urban setting. I'm not particularly sporty or outdoorsy, but I also favor small class sizes over most other criteria. I recognize the advantage of Boston in terms of internship opportunities, but I also wonder how much I would really be able to use the city, being a broke college student. I could see myself possibly getting into International Relations, but I don't want to make my decision entirely off of that possibility, cause realistically I could change my mind any which way. </p>
<p>Tough BUT Good choices. What are the financial considerations involved? Based on your criteria of the cozyness and urban setting, I think Tufts gives you the best of both worlds. That being said, in your shoes, I would have a tough time passing on the kind of education provided at a liberal arts college like Bowdoin which is a top 5-10 LAC. I think that would kick Bowdoin over the top for ME. Of course, money would be a HUGE factor. </p>
<p>As for the city, honestly as an undergrad I did not appreciate, utilize the “city” as much and my younger cousin is not really doing the same in his “big city” school. You just get so involved in campus life, and you’re right - it’s tough when you’re broke! haha. </p>
<p>Academically, I feel like you’re more “Bowdoin” based on your academic interests and your desire to explore. I really really think Bowdoin would have the edge in terms of where we really “learn” in college which is during those late night dorm or pizza conversations than an intimate environment provide.</p>
<p>Having said all this - congrats! I would be curious to know which you choose.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting into Bowdoin! I had to decide between Tufts and Bowdoin and made a 3 page list of pros and cons and comparisons. And almost all, it not all, of the categories, Bowdoin won out the pros. Bowdoin was just too strong of a school to turn down.</p>
<p>In a year or 2 Bowdoin will have a train that basically connects it to Boston. This might influence your decision. But congrats! It’s no easy feat.</p>
<p>Congrats on both schools. Tufts does have the Boston access. And you can get to Boston from Bowdoin, but it’s like a 2 hour bus ride.</p>
<p>Tufts Mock Trial Team is also one of the best in the nation, I believe.</p>
<p>But you want diverse things. In all honesty, going to either one won’t hinder your law school aspirations or your humanities aspiration.</p>
<p>Tufts does have an edge when it comes to social justice/“saving the world” type of thing. This is because of their Fletcher school and their international emphasis. Thus, a lot of those kinds of things are pretty popular.</p>
<p>But again, you can’t go wrong with either. Like others have said, go visit both and see what “feels” the best.</p>
<p>I will say one thing about Bowdoin, however. Bowdoin is a heavy drinking culture (like one of the heaviest). I guess when you are in Maine, not much else to do. But drinking is prevalent at every campus, except Bowdoin is known to have more of that imbued in their culture than other schools. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Tufts is not actually in Boston. It is in Medford, MA. Through public transportation it may take 45 minutes to get into downtown Boston. When I did an overnight at Tufts a year ago, it took almost that long to get to the school from 5 minutes outside Cambridge. </p>
<p>Bowdoin has a very strong, close-knit community, which may not be as apparent at some larger schools. Many students choose Bowdoin over schools in or near major cities for this. So it depends on your fit and what you want. </p>
<p>Also, Tufts’ campus has HILLS! Some of my friends there don’t mind it but I couldn’t imagine walking up steep hills to get to class or around campus.</p>
<p>Tufts is, indeed, not in Boston. But it is fairly easy to get into town using bus and subway. It’s about a 15 minute walk to Davis Square, where the subway whisks you into Boston in probably 15 to 20 minutes. There are a fair number of ways to enjoy Boston on the cheap as well. And right in Davis Square you will find an excellent art house cinema and piles of cheap eats. It gives nice views but it might not be for everyone.</p>
<p>Yeah, it’s in Medford. You can see the Boston skyline from campus. But it doesn’t take 45 minutes to reach downtown Boston. It depends if you take their shuttle bus or walk, if you use the BUS versus the subway, etc. But by no means does it take 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Indeed, even if you are on the side of campus farther from Davis Square, it still would take only about 28 minutes, using public transportation, to get to downtown Boston (mapquest confirms this). And that’s from the side of campus that is FARTHER from Davis Square (it’s faster if you are on the side of campus that is CLOSER to Davis Square).</p>
<p>That’s a huge difference from 45 minutes. In fact, that’s 60% shorter. And that’s from the side of campus, that again, is FARTHER from Davis Square.</p>
<p>Indeed, you can take that bus, or the campus provides a free shuttle as well to Davis. But plenty of students also walk if it’s a nice day or whatever.</p>
<p>Tufts sounds perfect to me. It’s size is a distinct advantage because it draws from a larger pool and thus theater and performing arts groups on campus are numerous and excellent! Add to that a great college of liberal arts and science with many majors and minors, Boston at your door step, cute Davis Square a few minutes away, the general social justice/“save the world” mentality of the campus and it’s a win-win.</p>
<p>Oh and the food is good! Two dining halls. And my kid is picky!</p>
<p>For some, like my kid, a place like Bowdoin is too small, to remote (though I LOVE Brunswick) and feels too much like “high school” again. Also, not as much diversity at Bowdoin.</p>
<p>Other than the fact that they are both excellent schools academically, they are very different in many ohter ways. A visit to both will probably sway you one way or the other.</p>