<p>I think my D has a good chance at getting into Tufts. My concern is more whether she'd like it. She's been at a private, wealthy college prep school for four years, as a schoalrship kid, and though she's made friends and done well, the preppy atmosphere and social snobbery has been pretty hard to take at times. One main reason she likes Tufts so much is that it seems academically challenging wtihout being too full of rich, preppy kids. Any thoughts on the Tufts social vibe versus other comparable schools? </p>
<p>Oh, and her stats are:</p>
<p>GPA 4.3 weighted</p>
<p>V: 740
M: 680
W: 750
SAT II: English 750
SAT II: History 780
SAT II: Spanish 720
AP English: 5
AP History: 5
5 more APs to take this spring</p>
<p>Newspaper, 4 years (now Editor-in Chief )
Chamber Singers, 4 years
Peer Counselor, 3 years
100+ community service hours
worked in the summers</p>
<p>Killer essays, if I do say so myself!</p>
<p>Over the past several years, I’ve noticed (as an alumni interviewer) that many of the applicants that I interview, are accepted, and opt to go to Tufts are a little like your daughter–absolutely not wealthy but they attended first-class high schools. </p>
<p>A surprising proportion of them have been first generation college students, mostly children of immigrants. I’m not sure why exactly they’ve then gone on to select Tufts, but my impression has been that (1) it’s been welcoming, and (2) they’ve gotten the financial aid they need. If anyone has more in depth insights, I’m truly interested. But as for your question westernhillsmom, I’d say–no problem! She can be happy at Tufts.</p>
<p>My son is in his second year at Tufts and couldn’t be happier. He is the son of a teacher, and went to a public high school in a small city of 10,000 people.</p>
<p>I asked him about this possible discrepancy at the end of his first year, and he acknowledged that many kids seem to come from wealthier circumstances (as they do at most schools!) but said “I have a less, but what I do have I appreciate more”. So - I’d say a lot of it has to do with your D’s attitude and comfort with herself. My son has no desire for the 50" plasma screen TV in his dorm room.</p>
<p>Not to say he’s not socially active with friends - - there are stories about concerts in Boston, sports games etc., but he lives on a budget, part of which comes from his work-study money. A lot of his recreation comes from participation with the Tufts Outdoors Club (which he loves) and just hanging out with friends (who seem plentiful). I’ve met several of his people, and they all seem like mature, down to earth, fun loving, great kids. Er. young adults. They stay in touch during breaks and summer vacations, and my son has visited several during breaks, and they have visited him. I’m quite sure we have more modest living means than some of them, but I have never sensed snobbery when they’ve stayed with us.</p>
<p>My son’s biggest concern does not have to do with any sense of snobbery at Tufts. His repeated concern is that his time at Tufts is passing too quickly and there’s still far too much he wants to do. When I have noted that to other Tufts parents, some have said that they hear that refrain at home too. “It’s going by too quickly”. </p>
<p>The impression I’ve always gotten when visiting Tufts, is that the majority of students take their work/studies very seriously, yet they are still able to have a good time. It sounds like your daughter may fit into the Tufts community very well!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Well, I would say she has fairly good chances of getting in.</p>
<p>I also would say that she would probably be very happy at Tufts. It really isn’t a snob school, atleast that’s the impression I got when I visited.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the feedback! I should add that we are from the west coast and so haven’t been for a visit, but hope to be going at Spring Break, IF she gets in!</p>
<p>The other thing to remember is that some of this is age-related. While the snobby thing is prevalent in her private school, teenagers anywhere have drama! I agree that your daughter will enjoy Tufts, and a larger campus and just what comes with maturing of the entire student body will help.</p>