<p>DS is thrilled to get into Oberlin, Brown, and Tufts, and now has to make some tough decisions. We have to figure out the financial aid aspects, but assuming all three were the same financially, does anyone have advice on choosing? At this point, he is interested in international relations/development studies, history, and music (not necessarily as a major) -- but really, he is interested in all the liberal arts. He enjoys discussing issues from classes, politics, etc. late into the night. He's hoping for a relaxed, friendly social atmosphere, with lots of opportunities to hear indy, rock, jazz, etc. music, and to play music with people (casually or in a band). Which would you choose? Obviously this is an Oberlin thread so there's bound to be a bias towards Oberlin, but it would be great to hear people's takes on the differences in atmosphere among the three. Thanks!</p>
<p>Oberlin is strong in all the areas you mention (academic and social)–but I suspect the others are too (I just don’t know Brown and Tufts well enough to compare). I suspect the major differences will have more to do with size, with urban vs. suburban, and with the intangibles that add up to “atmosphere.” If he hasn’t already, he can glean a great deal about Oberlin students, their passions and commitments, from [Oberlin</a> Blogs](<a href=“http://blogs.oberlin.edu/]Oberlin”>http://blogs.oberlin.edu/).</p>
<p>He may also want to take a look at the Oberlin 2013 group on Facebook, where a bunch of admitted students are getting to know each other.</p>
<p>Congrats you and your son! </p>
<p>I don’t know Brown and Tufts, save by reputation as great schools. They’re much more conventional, though, and a lot more fast-paced. I’ve met some Brown kids-- they’re really sharp, but a lot more preppy and stressed than Oberlin kids. If your son is into music-- Oberlin. Most of campus plays an instrument or loves music a lot (it’s not just the Conservatory). As a result, we have a lot of student bands, visiting artists, and concerts. We don’t have frats or grad students and folks stay on campus during the weekend. Also, if he’d like relaxed and friendly, while still academically rigorous, Oberlin sounds more his style. </p>
<p>Visit, if you can. I second the Obie Blogs.</p>
<p>Congratulations, to you and your son!</p>
<p>Brown, Tufts and Oberlin are all brilliant schools. But they feel very different. When I’ve met Brown/Tufts students, they’ve been really sharp, driven people. Their schools are much more conventional, and students are much more preppy and stressed out. If your son wants a relaxed, friendly environment that’s still academically rigorous, I’d choose Oberlin. If he’s into music, even more so. Besides the Conservatory, which offers private music lessons, ensembles, a gazillion performances… most of the college is into music, both playing, listening and discussing. </p>
<p>I’d say: Visit and/or read the Obie Blogs. Good luck!</p>
<p>international relations at brown is amazing. the former prime minister of italy just joined the faculty. the former president of brazil, former president of chile, former chancellor of austria, former UN ambassador, a former US senator, a founder of the chinese democratic party, and nikita kruschev’s son all teach undergrads at brown.</p>
<p>[The</a> Watson Institute for International Studies](<a href=“http://www.watsoninstitute.org%5DThe”>http://www.watsoninstitute.org)</p>
<p>Something to consider: both Brown and Tufts are in cities, meaning that life will be very very expensive, even if living on campus. Living at Oberlin is very, very cheap – both because it is in a small suburb but also because it is in the midwest and things are just cheaper (and the people are less into buying things). That being said, I would feel somewhat odd turning down Brown for Oberlin or Tufts.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>maybe…but no way I’d take Tufts over Oberlin.</p>