(Transfer Decision) UVa vs. Tufts - Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

I was admitted to both Tufts and UVa for transfer. I would be studying engineering and I want to focus my career in sustainability.

Although these schools are very diferent I am having a really hard time deciding. Money is not a factor since I am receiving the same for each.

What is troubling me the most is the social life at each.

Tufts:
Cons: I have read that their social life is not very fun, that although the student body is very nice, the people there are not very socially active. (few parties, poor attendance to sport events).

Pros: With Tufts being more prestigious than UVa, I feel like getting into a good grad program will be less challenging (please correct me if im wrong). Tufts is near Boston, hence many engineering internship opportunities. Most of my friends from my cc are transfering to boston. This is great, however, I do not want my social life to be solely composed of going out with my friends from outside of tufts, leaving campus every weekend, etc… I like the focus on interdisciplinary education at Tufts.

UVa:
Cons: I’ve always lived near a city, so I am not sure how I will like living in a small college town like Charlottesville.

Pros: From what I have read, people have a great time at UVa. Although maybe less prestigious than Tufts, it is still an amazing public institution. Greater school spirit, more social activity. From my virtual tour, beautiful campus.

All in all, I am looking for a place where I will learn a lot and grow as a student and a professional, however, I will be living there for at least 2 years and I like going out at least every once in a while.

So my main questions for those who attended either (or both) mainly are:

  • How is the life at each institution? Is Tuft's social life that bad? Is UVa's that good? By being a dude, will I be excluded from parties unless I am a part of greek life at UVa? If Tufts really is as bad as I have read, do you think the prestige of it and the opportunities that may come with are worth the bit of less fun?

Sorry for the long post, thanks a lot for those willing to help!

2

I would say the thought that Tufts is significantly more prestigious than UVA is inaccurate. These are peer institutions and if anything engineering is neither of their strengths.
Just looking at ranking of their engineering programs (USNews) UVA is #41 and Tufts is #67. Also, undergrad ranking is UVA #28 and Tufts #29 so this perceived difference in prestige just doesn’t fly.

3

Suspect that the OP is in MA now (all his CC pals are going to Boston), so there might be a northern bias in the perceived prestige :slight_smile:

Neither school is super-famous for engineering, but both are strong enough programs that 1) you will work very hard to get the grades, etc for grad school and 2) you will have comparable opportunities.

Greek life is a thing at UVa, but only about a third of students participate- and the % is lower as students get older.

4

By USN engineering rankings, U.Va. places among the top 45 schools in its category; Tufts places among the top 60. By general rankings, U.Va. places among the top 28 schools in its category; Tufts places among the top 33:

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities

You also may want to consider seeking expanded access to environmental engineering rankings:

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-environmental-health