<p>My daughter is choosing between Haverford and Tufts. Does anyone have any insight? She loved both when she visited, but fact that they are so different makes it a difficult choice. She thinks Haverford is too small and Tufts is a bit too big. She is probably going to study International Relations or Political Science.
Thanks for any advice!</p>
<p>Haverford doesn’t have an IR major, so if she’s really married to that idea that might help her with the choice. Haverford is definitely a small school, but it depends on what concerns her about that. If she isn’t into the social atmosphere of small schools, she might want to consider Tufts. In terms of access to courses though, Haverford is a lot bigger than it seems- I’m a first-year Ford and currently take half my classes at Bryn Mawr, and have relatively easy access to Swarthmore and Penn as well. Our PoliSci department is great but tough. Some people major at Bryn Mawr if they’re looking for a slightly more progressive angle, although while I’d say Haverford is probably a bit more rigorous BMC is definitely more free-thinking.
The hype about small classes and individual attention is 100% true at Haverford. If she’s someone who needs a good support system and sense of community, this is the place. I don’t know much about Tufts though.</p>
<p>Haverford is the more academically distinguished undergraduate school of the two, but Tufts is solid. The size/setting are huge differences, would encourage visiting, attending some classes and spending a night at both.</p>
<p>Both schools are fantastic, congrats to your daughter! Haverford’s Political Science department does have a strong International Politics subset that many choose to specialize in. (Actually, the entire department is highly regarded.)</p>