<p>So, wait, you liked Brandeis better than Tufts? That’s pretty interesting. If you can isolate what it is about Brandeis (which is virtually the same size and in the same location as Tufts) that is better than Tufts, that wouild help a lot.</p>
<p>Yep. It didn’t help my opinion of the school that the admissions guy and the tour guide were odd and awkward. It just didn’t feel like my type of school. Campus was beautiful though. I know it sounds silly to base my opinion on this, but the kids from Tufts that I’ve met aren’t similar to me. All the people I met at Brandeis were great. I know it’s not great to base this decision (before you quote me on the previous sentence, trust me, it’s not the only factor) on the people but that plays a huge role.</p>
<p>^^No, no, no. I’m in complete agreement with you. Those sorts of factors are part and parcel of the decision-making process. Based on what you’ve posted so far, it really sounds as if you’d be happier at Brandeis. Amherst would not only be a reach admissions-wise, but IMO, unless you have a real interest in or feel for pie-in-the-sky academic study, four years at a small LAC could be excruciating. The Type-A personalties, the nerds and pre-professional types all seem antithetical to you; and, that’s one of the drawbacks of a small LAC, even one situated in a decent-sized college town - you don’t get many second chances at finding your niche. You’ll get a better feel for this once you visit during the actual school year, but that’s how it looks to me based on a lot of things you’ve posted so far.</p>
<p>I agree 100%, but until I go up there with the students in session I think it’s pretty enigmatic as to which school I will favor.</p>