<p>A little about myself: I am a high school senior interested in social justice and political activism, as well as dance and music.</p>
<p>I hope to major in something interdisciplinary, involving public policy, culture studies and sociology, psychology, and philosophy.</p>
<p>Among my acceptances, Duke and Tufts are my two top choices.</p>
<p>Duke's rigorous academic environment and top notch faculty (as well as the weight that the Duke name carries on a resume) appeal to me, as well as the warm southern weather, friendly and engaged student body, and beautiful campus.</p>
<p>Tufts' interdisciplinary and experiential education, as well as top programs in my interest areas appeal to me. But beyond that, I LOVE the Tufts student's I know, there is something about their sense of humor, comfort in their own skin, quirky/nerdyness, and passion for their interest that speaks to me. I also always have wanted to go to college in or near a big city.</p>
<p>I have also been accepted to GW and American, and love DC, but think Tufts and Duke still top my list.</p>
<p>They are both amazing choices, and I have no idea where to choose! Any feedback, ideas, or stories?</p>
<p>go to TUFTS :)! when it comes down to it, where do you most feel comfortable? Tufts has such a vibrant and energetic student body. I’ve visited both and Duke’s student body just doesn’t seem as inclusive and embracing as Tufts (although they are friendly and engaged as you mentioned). In terms of education, Tufts has such caring professors who are experts in their fields. Don’t let Duke’s name sway you otherwise because Tufts is a prestigious school that’s only growing. Especially in the areas that you mentioned, Tufts will give you a top notch education.</p>
<p>Very different cultures, albeit both excellent schools, academically.</p>
<p>Duke: very Greek, a machismo culture among the very many athletes, fairly pervasive drinking culture</p>
<p>Tufts: intellectual, way less Greek than Duke, great social solidarity among students, more politically correct, more international focus.</p>
<p>My son felt that the Tufts students he spoke to, and and the posted activities/clubs on campus, were right up there with his own political engagement and know that he chose Tufts over acceptances at Pomona, Brown, Penn, and a few other, very fine LACs. </p>
<p>There was just something about Tufts and its political, intellectual, and international awareness that he didn’t find as abundantly at the other schools to which he was accepted.</p>
<p>I don’t know about Duke, but I know Tufts is very strong in those areas. It really depends on the feel of both campuses and the people. I, personally, find the Tufts students to add to my personality. They’re the kind of people I want to spend the next four years of my life with. They’re intellectual but certainly not pretentious like at some other schools. Once again, it’s the atmosphere, really.
As for academics, Tufts certainly is as strong as Duke. Although this is by no means an indicator of a student’s knowledge, let’s take SAT scores for example. This data is taken from last year. Keep in mind that Tufts has been growing in popularity and selectivity exponentially over the years. The 25%-75% of SAT scores (R/M/W) for Tufts is 690-760, 690-770, and 690-770. Duke is 660-750, 680-780, and 660-760, just shy of Tufts’ numbers. The acceptance rate last year at Duke had been 19% and Tufts had been 24% (now 22%), but keep in mind, also, that Duke receives twice as many applicants as Tufts does. I know that Tufts’ professors are very open to students for the most part and there are plentiful research opportunities. I can’t comment about Duke though, since I don’t know enough with this regard. Tufts may not have the same name power as Duke, but Tufts is a rising star, and if you plan to do grad school, undergraduate education doesn’t really make all that much of a difference where it’s done. In the end, you need to be happy, and that’s wherever you think you’ll fit in best. Best of luck in your decision. Congratulations on your great options!</p>
<p>@AntiDramaQueen: Thanks so much for posting! To see that your son chose Tufts in light of incredible options made my day!</p>
<p>@CollegeGuru: To see that your son chose Tufts in light of incredible options made my day!</p>
<p>He felt that Tufts was his most incredible option, I guess.</p>