Northeastern vs. Tufts

State Forums
1

Hello, I was hoping that I could get some advice on choosing a college. I’m planning to pursue a pre med track, but I also want to choose a school that will help me get a good job/get into a good graduate school, just in case I learn that medicine isn’t truly my calling.

Tufts

-This is my absolute dream school, and I was so happy when I got in.

-Prestige (I know that this isn’t as important for medical schools, but I’m thinking about how this would affect me if I choose a different path)

-Close to home

-I love the quirky, playful vibe of the school

-Great for pre-med

-About 74k a year. I barely got any financial aid and this was really heartbreaking.

I live a comfortable life, but my parents aren’t obscenely rich. They said that they would find a way to pay for Tufts if I really want to go there, but I don’t want them to burden them too much. To be honest, if money wasn’t an issue, I would choose Tufts in a heartbeat. I also live close to the school, so I could commute for the last two years of undergrad and save some money that way. I plan on appealing to the school for more financial aid as well.

Northeastern

-I got accepted into the Honors Program

-Great co-op program

-Also close to home

-I’m not sure how good Northeastern is for pre-med

-I’m also not sure if Northeastern’s name would be as helpful as Tufts’ if I apply for grad school/jobs instead of going to med school

-I need to do more research to learn more about the school’s other strengths, so some advice on that would be great

-I got a scholarship, so the cost of attendance would be about 40k a year. I know this is still a lot of money, but it’s less than Tufts.

So, do you guys think that Tufts is worth the price? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you so much! :)))

2

so more than 30K a year difference? $120K over 4 yrs? that’s a lot of money. Northeastern’s name is good enough that it shouldn’t hold you back if you hustle and get good internships where you excel. I am sure they will work hard to get you into medical school- it’s not like Northeastern doesn’t want pre-meds.

it does suck that tufts is your dream school socially- only you can decide if that’s worth the $. but NEU is a big place and I am sure you will find many of the same funny, smart, quirky types there as well.

3

I’m with you on preferring Tufts, and I appreciate the conflict over finances. So, my advice is to negotiate with Tufts, telling them that you have a big scholarship from another top 40 (US News) national research university.

I was shocked to see one of my friends do this for his son. And it worked!. This is not buying a car, but it is a business deal. I’m a professional and haggling over price isn’t part of what I do. But my friend is in business and he does deals every day. I learned.

Tufts wants you. You have Leverage because a lower percent of their accepted students from out of state are going to come this year due to COVID-19. They have a choice, which is to offer you more money or dip into their wait list for a less qualified student.

Which of your parents is the better negotiator? That’s who should handle this with both Admissions and Financial Aid. It should be done calmly and without emotion, low key and matter of fact. S/he should tell them that Tufts is your dream school and that you will definitely come if the numbers can work, but that there is an economic reality that your family has to cope with.

You can help by finding out who the Admissions Officer is who’s responsible for applicants from where you live. Write him/her a letter, thanking Tufts for your acceptance but letting them know that you’re struggling with finances while trying to make your decision. Pass the name on to your parents.

Remember, they want you. You’re a top candidate and they don’t want to settle for a lesser one. They need to know they’re your 1st choice. At this point, the anxiety is with the schools. Their biggest concern right now is the percent of accepted students who commit to them. This anxiety keeps them up late at night - especially this year.

Good luck.