<p>It's college decision time and unfortunately there is not one school that is THE ONE. Duke, Virginia, and Tufts all are at the top of my list. Obviously I'm going to make the decision independently but I'm hoping you all can make some good pointers.</p>
<p>I'm plan to major in engineering. Multiple disciplines interest me, so specific disciplines offered are not limiting factors, but Mech, Civil, Biomed, and Chem are the most interesting. I'd like an engineering school that isn't completely cut off from the rest of the school. Tufts seems to fit that the best, but I understand the other schools aren't too bad. Duke and UVa also have more highly ranked engineering programs, which is appealing. </p>
<p>Money is not a limiting factor.</p>
<p>I'm from South Carolina so UVa and Duke are within driving distance and Tufts I'll have to fly to, which would mean I wouldn't be able to come home for 3 or 4 day weekends. I'm guessing there are plenty of Tufts kids in the same position, though.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure I can get a good education at any of these schools, the main factor is that I want to be happy. I'm a very hard and efficient worker but I'd rather not go to a school that is cut-throat and provides loads of busywork and sleepless nights (like Georgia Tech engineering). Is Duke like that?</p>
<p>Also, I don't like to party, but I'm very social and like to get out in other ways. It's not that I'm opposed to drinking, it's just that I have more fun going mountain biking and playing basketball during the day and making music at night, for example. I know there are partyers at every college, I just want to know how easy it is to find a group of non-partyers (who aren't antisocial). I can't tell if it would be easier or harder to find this group at UVa because of its size.</p>
<p>Similarly, I'm smart enough to know that weed is generally harmless and should be legalized, but I think it is trashy and would rather not go to a school where there is pressure to smoke. I've heard that Tufts is kind of a pothead school. Maybe you guys can confirm or deny this rumor. </p>
<p>Thanks for the help</p>