<p>Hi everybody, I’ve got a dilemma on my hands! I want to take up International Relations [major] and Music [minor] for undergrad, and Tufts is probably one of the best places to do that (don’t want to go to Georgetown for several reasons), as it’s Top 3 for IR and just had a music facility built which is quite good. But on the other hand, Brown apparently has a pretty solid IR course as well (but it’s not a major), and is very appealing because it also has the happiest students, well-rounded etc…So I really can’t choose…please help me make up my mind by giving opinions!</p>
<p>Have you been accepted to both? Are you trying to decide where to apply ED? I wouldn't worry about where to go unless both schools have accepted you, and you don't need to make a decision about ED for another 8+ months. Have you visited both schools and done an overnight?</p>
<p>Brown does have an International Relations major. In fact, it's one of the the school's most popular majors.</p>
<p>Brown, obviously. Brown has International Relations, Public Policy (with either an Economics or International Relations track), and an easy-to-complete Econ major (only 8 required classes total).</p>
<p>btw, the Watson Institute is a powerhouse on campus and is bringing former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton to campus in two weeks.</p>
<p>paperbagmonster, I have almost the exact same problem! (Minus the music minor that is) I decided to apply to Brown ED, mostly because of the open curriculum and Providence. I was deferred and Tufts is looking better every day (and not just because Brown didn't want me). Tufts has a great campus and a wonderful IR program. The jury is still out, though and I'd be so lucky to be accepted at either place. It will be interesting to see what happens.</p>
<p>sly_vt - I don't live in the states so I haven't stayed over night. However both schools came to my country for talks and I attended them and I've visited Brown two years ago. It's so frustrating how you can only apply ONE school for ED!</p>
<p>ToastWombie - I emailed the people at Watson Institute two days ago and they do not have an IR major, but they DO have IR concentration starting junior year.</p>
<p>for clarification, all majors at brown are called "concentrations"
you can begin the IR concentration at brown starting day 1</p>
<p>you should read <a href="http://www.watsoninstitute.org/ir/%5B/url%5D">www.watsoninstitute.org/ir/</a> to fully learn about the opportunities in IR at brown</p>
<p>dcircle - I'm still confused...on the 'concentrating in IR' page, it says: Students declare their concentration during their sophomore year. You will not be able to register for junior year courses if you have not filed a concentration.</p>
<p>So that means I can't do IR in freshman year?</p>
<p>There's no rule saying that you have to apply somewhere ED</p>
<p>tetrisfan - I know, but your chances of getting into a top school if you apply ED is significantly higher compared to regular application. For most cases, anyway.</p>
<p>Paperbag-- you can take any class you want at any time here at Brown. However, you don't have to formally announce a concentration until the end of your sophomore year. It doesn't change anything about what classes you can take-- there is no internal university structures that precludes students from taking courses they want to take, no separate schools or colleges, to apply to or be cut off from.</p>
<p>The advantage of going ED is largely overstated.</p>
<p>paperbag, when you declare your concentration and when you begin it are separate things. you can begin your concentration and even request an IR advisor as a freshman</p>
<p>modestmelody & dcircle - thanks for clearing it up guys :)</p>
<p>Tufts' music program is indeed great, now augmented by the fact that it has state-of-the-art facilities. The close-knit department is a big draw, from what I've heard.</p>
<p>Tufts, in addition to having a premier IR department, also has similar departments that might interest you: Political Science, Peace & Justice Studies, International Letters & Visual Studies (an artsy/cultural take on IR). Not to mention that within the IR major you can have different concentrations (e.g. foreign policy, economic development, geographical concentrations, etc.).</p>
<p>loabelle - That's exactly the reasons why I can't decide between Brown and Tufts. Oh well, I'll be lucky to even get accepted into one of them, not to mention both!</p>
<p>Do you love both equally well?</p>
<p>I'd go with Brown. The name brand power/curriculum requirements ratio is much more favorable</p>
<p>I think probably 90% of the people on these boards are going to tell you Brown, mostly for name alone.</p>
<p>Visit.
That’s really all you can do.
Try not to get sucked into the “BUT OMG IT’S AN IVY” sentiment, and look at each school objectively. It sounds dumb, but pro/con lists can actually help.</p>
<p>This thread is a year old. I’m sure the OP has decided and is having a blast at one of the colleges :)</p>