<p>My son has been looking at schools primarily in the northeast and down to the mid-Atlantic area. His list (so far) is BC, Yale, Brown, Amherst, UVA, W&M. He really likes the New England area and hadn't (until now) considered Tufts. I have a mental image of the student body from when I was in college (30+ years ago) that was not entirely positive. I was wondering if someone with a more recent perspective might be able give me some realistic info on students, atmosphere, etc.
DS is top of his class at highly regarded competitive private school; good ECs; lots of APs; waiting on SAT scores, but did great on PSAT and feels good about the SAT he took in March. I think that Tufts would be an easy match for him; maybe a safety (both of which we are looking for to add to his mix).
Anyone?<br>
Thanks!</p>
<p>Not sure what your image of the student body was, but the following may give you and some idea of what the student body is:
[Profile:</a> Matriculation 2008 - Feature - Tufts University](<a href=“http://www.tufts.edu/home/feature/?p=matriculation2008&p2=2]Profile:”>http://www.tufts.edu/home/feature/?p=matriculation2008&p2=2)
My S is a freshman, so I was there when the Dean made the above welcome. Tufts has a very diverse student population, but I think you are mistaken in thinking that it would be an easy match or safety school. I would strongly suggest a real look through their website, a visit, and having your son read some of the student writings ([In</a> Their Own Words: Why Tufts? - Office of Undergraduate Admissions - Tufts University](<a href=“Tufts University”>Tufts University)), as well as the posts on this site from the Tufts Admin officer. Tufts may or may not be a good fit for your son.</p>
<p>Tufts is a great school. And don’t let him think Tufts is a safety - Tufts syndrome, anyone? Other than that, it really is a nice place. I know a few kids who are there are they’re amazing kids, very diverse. a few are kinda nerdy, the others aren’t so much (including one guy who was recruited for football & track there). It isn’t in the best area but it’s easy enough to get into the city.</p>
<p>Tufts is one of only nine schools I recommend as having made decisions that allow them to have a mission and carry it out. They are of a modest size, so money raised isn’t diluted by being spread over thousands of students. The secret weapon of the up and coming schools is an admissions process that brings in the kind of students that fit its mission. The students are not confused or disappointed at what they find there and they feel empowered to achieve. Tufts gets that.</p>