<p>I posted something simliar on the Penn Board, and would really like input on this tough decision.
I fell in love with Tufts, really like Boston, and had a great interviewer. I like Penn's curriculum (and reputation) and am wondering if I could grow to love Philly. I probably want to major in economics and think that I'll go to law or business school some day. How is Tufts econ program? What else can you tell me about the students at the two schools, the atmosphere, social life, etc.?</p>
<p>My only gripe about Penn is that the surrounding area is dangerous (like Johns Hopkins - someone every year is inevitably shot heh - not exactly true, but it's risky to be out at night). The Tufts econ is pretty good (nothing surpasses wharton of course in its business training), but overall the student body is fairly comparable. Refer to my other thread if you would like to learn more about our curriculum, food, etc. You can't go wrong with either choice as both schools allow you to choose from a wide variety of disciplines should you change your mind about law or business school one day.</p>
<p>Tufts econ program is AWESOME. But so is Penn's, I'm sure. I don't know how the social life is at Penn. I've heard that it's not very connected, almost like a commuter-ish school (I'm not sure how true this is, though. I have a friend going to Penn and he's having a blast). </p>
<p>In terms of surrounding, you've got Philly vs Boston. I'm a sox & pats fan, so you know my answer to that.</p>
<p>Of course, as nice as Tufts is, Penn's business is the best when it comes to business & econ. And, of course, it's Ivy League vs the Stereotype of Ivy League rejects at Tufts (which is NOT true at all, by the way, and I'm getting sick of it. I know multiple kids that turned down Brown, Duke, WUSTL and Cornell, ect in my dorm alone.)</p>
<p>I have a funny feeling though that Tufts social life and atmosphere is better than UPenn's, and I can almost garantee that Tufts student body is friendlier.</p>
<p>I would say that if your number one priority is getting the best possible econ program possible, in terms of name and rep, go to UPenn. In my humble opinion, though I firmly believe that Tufts has a better atmosphere, which may be more important to you as well. You may not come out as an Ivy Leaguer, but you're time will probably be more enjoyable.</p>