BU v. NYU v. Tufts

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Okay, I narrowed my options down to three schools, but I still can't decide where I should go next year! I was lucky enough to be accepted to a bunch of schools that I really love, and I think I could use some outside opinions. I plan to be a psych major on the premed track (eventually I'd like to go into psychiatry or pediatrics). I've lived in the suburbs my entire life, but I <em>think</em> I would thrive in an urban environment. I'm not incredibly social, so I just need to find a small group of people I can connect with. I like the idea of having big anonymous lecture classes, but I'm worried about getting enough faculty attention and research opportunities. I'm fortunate in that my family can afford any of these schools, so money won't be the deciding factor. I've already visited all of them.</p>

<p>Without further adieu, here are the schools:</p>

<p>NYU ($10,000 CAS Scholarship)- I love NYC, but I'm not sure about undergrad research opportunities or student-faculty relationships (for those all-important letters of recommendation). </p>

<p>Tufts (no money)- I'm impressed with the offerings of the psych department, and premed is supposed to be difficult but not cutthroat. Academically, I think this school is the strongest of the three. Here I would have more student-faculty interaction with less initiative required on my part. The campus is a little removed from the city for my taste, although the surrounding suburb has its charms. Boston is close enough for internships and weekend entertainment.</p>

<p>BU (~$16,000 scholarship and honors program)- I actually prefer this campus out of the three, since it is in the city but still has open areas for students to congregate. I was impressed with the honors program offerings, but the academics aren't as highly regarded at this school as at the others. I know I would get a good education here, but I'm afraid I would always wonder about what might have happened at a "better" school. I've also heard a lot about grade deflation here that would make it difficult to keep a high GPA for med school.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any suggestions or words of wisdom?</p>

2

<p>If you can afford it, I would recommend Tufts. They are very strong in pre-med and psychology, I believe, and if money isn't an issue it sounds like a good school for you. You will receive more attention there than NYU or BU, and it is a good mix of suburb and Boston is just a short ride away.</p>

3

<p>As long as money isn't an issue, I would say Tufts. It is considered overall much stronger and has a much better campus and community feel.</p>

4

<p>I would say Tufts too, but maybe you want to go for the money?</p>

5

<p>Money isn't the biggest issue, but I would still feel a little guilty at first turning it down. I guess my biggest concern with Tufts is that it will feel too small. Any comments on that?</p>

6

<p>If you like big and urban, why not BU and the scholarship. If the school is ranked a little lower, you may have an easier time getting a good GPA. If you go to Tufts, yes, you will be able to visit the city, but no, you will not be IN the city. You may regret that. If you don't like BU, you could probably transfer to Tufts, since you would not be expecting financial aid.</p>

7

<p>Thanks to everyone for the advice! At the moment, BU seems to make the most sense to me. I'll give myself a few days to mull it over before I send in the deposit, though.</p>

8

<p>Tufts=worth it</p>

9

<p>tufts if affordable, else, BU</p>