Is Boston College on par with Tufts in terms of academics?

<p>I was accepted to both and am having a hard time deciding which one to attend. I have quite an adaptable personality and am a neither a sports enthusiast nor a particularly "quirky" person, so the general vibe of either school isn't a huge factor in my decision. They're both in the same general area so differences in location are pretty much negligible as well. My main concern comes down to academics. How do BC and Tufts compare in terms of the quality of education they provide? Considering that I want to get an MBA and pursue a career in business (just very vague plans for now), should I go to BC's Carroll School of Management (honors) or study economics at Tufts? Thanks in advance:) </p>

<p>Both are great institutions. Tufts has a slightly better reputation but BC has an excellent undergrad business school. I think it was recently ranked #4 by Bloomberg…If you have a chance take another visit to each and see how you feel…</p>

<p>BC has one of the most beautiful campuses in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods around - Tufts is in the middle of Medford/Somerville. I’d choose BC in a heartbeat…</p>

<p>You might want to check on what the top MBA programs like in terms of preparation at the ug level Many prefer a firm grounding in some other discipline than business. Tufts is overall more intense academically, IMO, but you can get the same at BC. It really is a matter of which school has the vibe you prefer. I know kids who went to either, and it’s really an even-steven thing. </p>

<p>To streetcred’s point, Tufts has a lovely, navigable campus within a Boston bedroom community that boasts a thriving, artsy, college-student-friendly downtown in Davis Square. Chestnut Hill is far more staid, imo. </p>

<p>Don’t want to assume you’re looking for an “exclusive” neighborhood, whatever that implies. And you did not indicate location as a factor, anyway.</p>

<p>Either school will give you the grounding you need, but Tufts nudges above BC in terms of academic prestige. </p>

<p>BC is a Jesuit institution, and that orientation influences all aspects of the institution. For example, no condoms or birth control via health services. As for academic freedom, they recognized the anniversary of Roe v Wade with a seminar that addressed only “the negative consequences to American women of three decades of abortion on demand.” The student body is also less diverse – for example 70 % self-identify as Catholic; 2% Jewish. No Greek life. With a 32% acceptance rate it is also far less selective than Tufts.</p>

<p>Tufts is a slightly better school academically. Studying economics and doing very well will increase your odds of getting into a top MBA program (e.g., Stanford, Harvard, Wharton) than going to BC Carroll School and doing very well. Either path will require 4-5 years of work experience. Tufts has the edge in landing a good job when you graduate (consulting, I-bank, tech start-up). </p>

<p>BC is located in a better area than Tufts, and most would say it has a more attractive campus, in a uniform Collegiate Gothic style. Tufts is a hodge-podge of styles, some nice buildings, some quite ugly. BC has housing issues, a shortage so that there is no guarantee of housing all fours years. Not sure of Tufts’ housing situation. Medford is a pretty drab area, especially depressing in the winter. Don’t believe anyone who portrays it differently. </p>

<p>If you can, visit before you make your choice. While they are both good schools, they have very different ethos. The ethos of a school can shape you as much as the academic environment, without you even knowing it. And the shaping is for life. </p>

<p>Finally, try to understand the difference between an education in the liberal arts where you study economics (Tufts) and getting more technical training in business with a few liberal arts courses thrown in (BC). Big differences, with life-long effects. </p>

<p>And having an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts is more prestigious socially than having an undergraduate degree in business (unless its from Wharton). I don’t why this is, it just is. </p>

<p>Tufts just announced a finance minor, so you’ll be able to study Economics with a minor in Finance. While that’s not the same as undergraduate business, it is still very relevant. And yeah, like most people have said - the reputation of Tufts will prepare you far more to get hired than BC, which is ultimately one of the most important parts of your MBA application. </p>

<p>I believe another deciding factor might be size. BC has 10,000 ug while Tufts has about half that.</p>