<p>who can help me with differences etc? want to study political science, and i dont think either school has a better department or anything. so help! how do they compare? anything at all will be helpful. and i've visited them both, but i havent seen washu since last summer. and i already know boston is far superior to st. louis. thanks!</p>
<p>Go through your list of what’s important TO YOU…school size, atmosphere, flexibilty to explore, gut feeling, reputation, academic rigor, location, culture, etc.
Look at what each school values…the school philosophy…does it match what you value?
Start perusing the websites of both schools…get into some of the details…housing, social activities…look at the professors for your area of interest…backgrounds, accomplishments…Think about the culture both of the school and the surrounding area…Boston is a mecca of education…urban yet suburban at Tufts. Don’t know St. Louis but check into that. It’s a very personal choice and you can do it…keep digging then follow your gut!</p>
<p>thought I should add my two cents. I just got back from the telescope/april open house program at Tufts and 2 weeks ago I was at Wash U for an overnight and some programs for April Welcome.</p>
<p>Here is my personal opinion, and if this helps, I am a gay, white, jewish, male from a progressive, diverse town in New Jersey interested in studying the humanities, plan on going to law school, and HATE math and science. I really dislike frats and the whole greek scene, that’s not really my idea of a good time. So if you happen to be similar to me, maybe this will help.</p>
<p>I really really like Tufts, and really liked Wash U, but for 2 specific reasons, would never go there. I would never go to Wash U because it requires flying, which adds up especially from Newark-St Louis where flights are outrageously expensive, and the gay population on campus is very small. For me, it left a lot to be desired. everyone i spoke to said that there is no prejudice or discrimination, however, the population is very small. HOWEVER, the campus is much nice than that of Tufts, the dorms and the whole housing situation seems to be better at Wash U, and personally, i loved the academic offerings at wash u, especially that FOCUS programs for freshman and the ease of double majoring, however, I have definitely taken it off my list. Also, A LOT of people at wash u are premed. this is not an exaggeration. Seriously, SO MANY people are pre med and for someone not interested in this at all, it was kind of annoying to hear everyone talk about it.</p>
<p>Ok, so Tufts. Although the campus is not as nice, dorm situation (juniors aren’t guaranteed housing), and FOOD (wash u had amazing food) were not as good as wash u, i really really liked tufts, and i have narrowed my choice down to tufts and vassar. Everyone at Tufts seemed really outwardly focused. Like, they go to tufts but are focused on greater things. It may sound REALLY cliche (i thought it did at first) but it is true and the emphasis on service and globalism is a huge plus. Also, Tufts is very accessible from NJ and the gay population was much more sizable and very vocal on campus. </p>
<p>Personally, it was very easy for me to pick one over the other. If you have any other questions you can send me a private message. Good luck, I would go with Tufts</p>
<p>While cre90 may find it easy to immediately pick Tufts, I think that the choice between WUSTL and Tufts is not an obvious one for most.</p>
<p>Things to consider:
Cost - Which is cheaper?</p>
<p>Location - Boston vs. St. Louis (An obvious pick, score 1 for Tufts)</p>
<p>Opportunities - (Tufts has many study abroad programs and internships)</p>
<p>The Life - Boston vs. St. Louis (Um… See "Location)</p>
<p>Quality of education - (Comparable)</p>
<p>Prestige - (USNWR rates WUSTL in the top 20, Tufts at 28) But ranking isn’t everything…</p>
<p>Atmosphere - Tufts has a relaxed environment, WUSTL is nice and isolated in the Missouri wilderness.</p>
<p>Political Science - Tufts is great in this field</p>
<p>Student Body - 4900 in Tufts vs. 6985 at WUSTL</p>
<p>Frats - Tufts is less heavy in frats while WUSTL has many frats</p>
<p>Well, I accidentally gave you a biased view and pointed you towards Tufts, but as I think it through, political science at Tufts is a better choice than political science at WUSTL.</p>
<p>Had it been in the sciences or pre-med, I would’ve said WUSTL</p>
<p>Washington U in the heart of St. Louis isn’t exactly the middle of nowhere… Also the greek system is easily the most popular, and perhaps the most influential, aspect of social life at Tufts.</p>
<p>
Choose the one you like the most. As you have already said, education quality and job prospect is comparable. Pick where you’d be most happy in the next 4 years.</p>
<p>Obviously not WUSTL. Refer to NoLuck’s post.</p>
<p>Two absolutely superb schools. Both among my kid’s very top choices. You cannot go wrong.
I think that most people would find the suburbs of Boston more appealing than the suburbs of St. Louis. Not an enormous difference in size, but Tufts does feel a bit more intimate.
WashU’s campus is gorgeous, with great Gothic architecture; Tufts’ is more eclectic, and feels more like a New England LAC.
Both have fine Poli Sci departments, but if your interest is more toward IR, then Tufts beats WashU there.
As a general rule, I think most students love their respective schools, so it’s really a question of “fit.” Go with your gut.</p>