<p>My top two choices/acceptances for college were, from the start, Vassar and Tufts. Both campuses seemed to have a similar dynamic (no cliques and friendly, intelligent but not cutthroat people), and both schools really appealed to me. When I got both my acceptances, I was pretty torn. Over the past few days, however, I've been leaning more and more towards Tufts (close proximity to Boston, excellent research opportunities, etc). Then I went on youtube and watched all those "Life at Vassar" videos and did some more reasearch, all which made me really, really want to go to Vassar! Now I'm pretty much just as torn as I was to start with, and I'm really worried about making the "wrong" choice. I know I'll probably get biased answers, but I was wondering if anyone (current/prospective students) could give me insight into why they like attending/plan to attend Vassar. Maybe talk about student groups on campus/what it's like to live in Poughkeepsie? Thanks a bunch.</p>
<p>so weird. i am quite literally in the exact same position, deciding between these two schools. i've visited tufts and not vassar, and am goign to vassar this weekend. the financial aid may make or break the decision for me</p>
<p>I've visited Tufts and not Vassar, as well! Unfortunately, I live in Hawaii and don't have the time or money to visit Vassar, so I'm kind of in the dark. Could you tell me about your visit (the campus, especially in comparison to Tufts, the town) when you get back? If so, that'd be really, really great!</p>
<p>You will, of course, get a fine education at either school. Setting is the biggest difference. Tufts is in metro Boston (Medford), and while socially there is some Tufts cohesiveness, as a practical matter the social universe for a Tufts student is Boston/Cambridge. In other words, when a Tufts student is planning what to do with his/her social and leisure time, the offerings of the larger community will often seem more attractive than what is available "on campus". This leads to less of a cohesive Tufts community than you will find at Vassar, where necessity (rural/fringes of Poughkeepsie location) leads students to make the campus, and its social/activity offerrings, their focus, leading to a "tighter" school identity. It really depends on what you are looking for -- an "urban" campus that enjoys the benefits of a vibrant metropolis, but lacks the intimacy and shared experience of a more isolated school, or the converse, a school that is self-contained and self-sufficient, but lacks immediate, easy access to the broad-range of events and offerings available in a large city. Personally, I'd go for Vassar, but that is just one guys opinion.</p>
<p>My daughter had the same choice last year and picked Vassar. </p>
<p>The advantages of Tufts is Boston and its larger size. </p>
<p>The advantage for Vassar is its smaller, but not all that small at 2450 compared to other LAC's in the 1600-1800 range, size and beautiful self-contained campus. While NY is only a train ride away it is a 90-110 minute train ride. Close enough for day trips but not like being in Boston.</p>
<p>The students may be slightly artier at Vassar but I think those sort of generalizations are not always helpful as I am sure there are lots of arty people at Tufts. </p>
<p>Great choices. Good luck.</p>
<p>Vassar is beautiful. Tufts is urban. What do you want to be surrounded by--trees, beautiful architecture, lakes or more of a city feel? Tufts is not "pretty" and bigger, less personal. Do you want a more anonymous existence or a more personal one? Both are great schools but I would choose Vassar. But, as you said, on this site you will get Vassar bias I am sure. Good luck, congrats!</p>
<p>gosh. i'm in the same situation as both of you too. and i can't seem to decide!</p>