<p>Now I have to choose between Tufts and SEAS of George Washington University, which offers me an annual scholarship of 30k. I am an int' student and not very sure what to major in. I have to maintain enrollment in SEAS of GW in order to obtain the scholarship, so if I went there I think I am gonna major in Computer Science. However, many people tell me that the program at GW is not very strong. If I went to Tufts I think I will also try subjects like economics, international relations to find my real interest. People say I can enjoy the authentic American liberal arts education at Tufts.</p>
<p>Locations of both institutions are great. I think there are as many internship opportunities at Tufts as at GW? After graduation, which has better prestige at big companies or top grad schools? My family is not rich, so the 30k scholarship is a really big tempt. I should decide for the long run nevertheless.</p>
<p>In short, Tufts or Comp Sci at GW w/ 30k scholarship? </p>
<p>As a student at GW applying for transfer to Tufts, Tufts is certainly where I’d go. I’m not an engineering/science student, but from what I’ve heard, our programs are pretty damn weak in those fields (yes, they are building a new science building, but I don’t see that as anything more than overcompensation for having such a mediocre program). I think you also need to consider what you’re looking for in a college, socially. Do you want a liberal-arts feel where students generally hang out around campus? If so, Tufts is really the way to go. GW has a a very serious, pre-professional feel and it often seems like kids here think they have their entire lives planned out. For me, that environment is too restrictive and often feels like people here take themselves entirely too seriously. </p>
<p>I know people that do like it here, and of my friends I’m the only one looking to transfer…but I’m not sure they’ve ever given thought to alternatives.</p>
<p>Can your family manage to pay for GW even without the SEAS scholarship? Many people who start out in engineering change to something else. You’re not sure what you’re going to major in. I suppose that it’s possible to grit your teeth and stick with an engineering major if it’s the only way to afford a degree, but it’s certainly not preferable. Does the SEAS scholarship require a minimum GPA? If you end up doing something else and are paying $60k/year at GWU, you might as well pay $60k a year at Tufts if you prefer it AND your family can afford it. </p>
<p>D1, who is now a sophomore at Tufts, really really liked GW. She’d have also received that very nice $30k/year scholarship. However, she was looking at the International Relations programs at both schools, not engineering. A chance encounter with an introductory comp sci class turned her into a comp sci major. CS majors from Tufts are certainly getting great internships and post-graduation offers; you’ll have to ask on the GW boards about the employment for CS majors. My gut feeling is that it’s a major very much in demand, and there will be employment options regardless of where you attend. But, a big caveat: this isn’t an easy major. There are some really, really tough classes, even when doing CS through the liberal arts side. Being able to have non-engineering coursework has been sanity-saving for D1, especially as she still has very strong interests in IR.</p>
<p>GW does not have a good reputation in engineering and their stated 10-year **goal **is to break into the top 50 engineering schools. The fact that they are trying to lure good engineering students with $$$ shows they are putting in the effort. Also the new science/engineering building will help, their facilities for engineering were “underwhelming” compared to what we saw everywhere else.
So I think Tufts is definitely better for engineering and has better prestige overall as a university.
However, you need to think very carefully about what your family can afford. 120K is a lot money. Can you really afford Tufts???
If not, then go to GW. However, there is a risk though that you may decide none of the engineering fields are of interest to you. Then the only GW advantage disappears!
Tough decision…</p>
<p>I loved Tufts, think it’s a wonderful school, and think that Boston is a great place for an engineer to be (especially with the 128 and 495 technology corridors, Cambridge’s start-ups, and even Worcester is blossoming in the tech front). All other things being even remotely equal, I would tell you to take the Tufts acceptance.</p>
<p>Is there a $120k cost difference, i.e. did Tufts give you any aid? Would your parents be able to give you part of the savings if you went to GW - say, one year of the scholarship when you want a down payment on a condo? If you wanted an MBA, would they apply some of the savings towards that degree? </p>
<p>If your parents say, “We love you, we’ll pay for Tufts, but we are only paying for undergrad, and this money is use-it-or-lose-it,” I would choose Tufts. Otherwise, there’s a lot you can do with a hundred grand - include buy a yacht. (A small yacht, but still.)</p>
<p>^Mastadon
I don’t know for sure at this point, but I certainly want to find a job and work for a couple of years at US first if I decide to return.</p>
<p>I was at Harvard university the other day and the GW crowd (officials, prof etc) was there visiting the science and nano center to get ideas for their new science center.
I am thinking that the first generation of students going through that expansion might benefit from some extra opportunity.</p>
<p>If you plan to work in the US, make sure you know what the requirements are for getting a green card. </p>
<p>Someone will have to want you badly enough to go through the sponsorship process. That means you will have to have a high demand skill, in a high demand region. </p>