<p>DS is thrilled to get into Brown, Tufts and Oberlin, and now has to make some tough decisions. We have to figure out the financial aid aspects, but assuming all three were the same financially, does anyone have advice on choosing? At this point, he is interested in international relations/development studies, history, and music (not necessarily as a major) – but really, he is interested in all the liberal arts. He enjoys discussing issues from classes, politics, etc. late into the night. He’s hoping for a relaxed, friendly social atmosphere, with lots of opportunities to hear indy, rock, jazz, etc. music, and to play music with people (casually or in a band). Which would you choose? Obviously this is a Brown thread so there’s bound to be a bias towards Brown, but it would be great to hear people’s takes on the differences in atmosphere among the three. Thanks!</p>
<p>Brownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrownbrown</p>
<p>Well, that’s certainly unequivocal!</p>
<p>He will get an excellent education in all 3 places. Since Oberlin has a music conservatory, there are a lot of musicians there. I don’t know about Oberlin’s IR department, but Tufts and Brown’s are both first-rate.</p>
<p>Oberlin is a smaller school in a small town in the midwest. Tufts and Brown have a lot of similarities in the size and feel of the schools. Your son can’t go wrong with any of those choices, and he needs to figure out what he is looking for in terms of fit. Only he can do that.</p>
<p>He must be an awesome kid – good luck with his decision and if he picks Brown, let us know here!</p>
<p>supportivemom1, you and your son don’t happen to live in WV, do you? Originally from MA? The guy I hosted for an overnight visit got into the same schools.</p>
<p>I think fireandrain has it right. I personally would take Oberlin out of the equation considering your son isn’t interested in music as a major. The other two schools, and probably most other schools, have student bodies with tons of kids interested in music just as your son is.</p>
<p>I was accepted into tufts and brown and really want to pursue music, MAYBE as a major but it wont be my main focus. I would say Brown, just because the atmosphere you described and the reputation and vibe of the school really seem to match up. </p>
<p>Other than that, its Medford vs Providence, Ivy vs Great School thats not</p>