<p>I will be applying to college this fall, and am quite set on an International Relations major with a focus in economics and regional concentration in Latin America. If you were in my position and happened to get into both schools, would it be worth it to attend Harvard? I guess I'm asking for advice in choosing an institution based on prestige and a school I've dreamed of attending (Hvard) versus a school that is perfect for my major, Tufts.</p>
<p>Also, can I get some clarification on "Tufts Syndrome"?</p>
<p>Only you can answer the first question - i.e. how important is prestige for you? In many ways, though, it's a question which may answer itself once acceptances come in. If not - go to the open houses and talk to the department chair of IR at Harvard. </p>
<p>There is always Harvard undergrad and Fletcher for grad school - which would be a killer combination. </p>
<p>There is no "Tufts Syndrome;" honestly, I had never heard of it until I read these boards. The admissions officers I spoke with (as an alum) at a conference made it quite clear that they do not engage in the practice. At that conference, we were able to read a sample of applications and got to play admissions officer. Well, once you read the applications, you understand why some very talented students get waitlisted or rejected - you are reading her application alongside some stronger ones. A 1450 SAT might be impressive, but if it isn't coupled with a very high GPA and a ton of extracurriculars, then the student isn't going to get in.</p>
<p>Thanks ariesathena.</p>
<p>Were you an IR major there? If so, do you have anything to add about it that makes it so outstanding? Where do most IR majors head after Tufts? I was dissapointed to hear that Tons of Goergetown sfs students dive into wallstreet...</p>
<p>I believe that Tufts sends the most students to the peacecorp after graduation in the US. I'd assume that most of those were liberal arts and that the IR majors probably compose a substantial portion of 'em. A lot of IR majors go into law (international or domestic), and/or international affairs. Apparently the language requirements at Tufts really help.</p>
<p>Dillfish,</p>
<p>I'm an incoming freshman at Tufts and i'm planning to study IR with a regional concentration in Latin America, so I thought I'd chime in. </p>
<p>It's very difficult when someone posts a "help me decide between two schools" thread because (and i know it's cliche) everybody is different. there is no time more important to acknowledge this fact than when you are applying to college. Based on what you want to study, Tufts is a great place for you, but you've got to consider how you feel about the place and the people.</p>
<p>If you've done campus visits and talked to people in both IR departments and met people at each school, then you probably have a good idea of where you would feel more comfortable. If you havent done that, then you really should. </p>
<p>Prestige is also important for a lot of people (especially when it comes to family pressure). My dad really wanted me to go to Princeton (where i have 5 generations of legacy), but after visiting I just liked Tufts better and ended up applying early decision. But the allure of the ivy league is irresistible for some.</p>
<p>I hope this was at least a little bit helpful, and I wish you luck in your application process. </p>
<p>-Carter</p>
<p>5 generations of Princeton legacy? That's a lot :)</p>
<p><3 Tufts</p>
<p>Yeah...I actually have some really old letters between my great (or great great...they all kinda blur together once you hit great) grandfather and Woodrow Wilson, who were classmates and in the same eating club at Princeton...</p>
<p>But, I really didn't like the school...so....yay tufts!</p>