Tufts or Umich?

<p>Hey I'm choosing universities right now and I want to know which college to choose as my top college priorities, possibly my ED school. I am applying as an engineering major and I know that Umich is ranked much higher for engineering than Tufts however, I have heard that Tufts has a great engineering program. Ranking wise they are pretty much similar, I think they are one apart on U.S. news. As of now I am siding with Tufts because I have visited there and love Boston and the campus and I don't know anything about Ann Arbor as well as the Umich campus. Could you guys please put which one you would choose and why. Thanks so much!!!! :) </p>

<p>P.S. I am also possibly minoring in music(violin) so if that changes any of your opinions put it in the comments below. Thanks again! :)</p>

<p>UMich is definitely better than Tufts for engineering. Better recruiting, higher reputation, great campus life etc. However, both cost upwards of 50k a year. What is your EFC ? Apply to your state university as safety.</p>

<p>I don’t think money will be a big problem for my family, we have discussed the issue. And I definitely have applied to safety schools as well, however why would you say campus life is better? :)</p>

<p>You are comparing apples and oranges! UMich is a huge state flagship (over 27,000 undergrads, over 42K total) while Tufts is a relatively small university ~5200 undergrads. Agreed that UMich is more well-known for engineering, but some students would “fit” better at a smaller school like Tufts. Tufts makes it easy for students to integrate music studies with other majors:

Tufts is also very flexible about switching majors and/or moving between the engineering school and the school or arts and sciences.</p>

<p>Tufts. Seems like a fit.</p>

<p>Michigan has more resources, advanced research, and career opportunities than Tufts for an engineering student (that’s why Michigan is ranked 7th compared to 58th for Tufts). However, if location/campus are important to you, or if you are not sure you want to be an engineer, Tufts may be a better fit for you.</p>

<p>Btw, Michigan is a EA school so you can apply to both … but I don’t see you would want to.</p>

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<p>No doubt you heard this from someone connected to Tufts. I think great is too strong. </p>

<p>Tufts has an engineering program that is not hardcore. It’s less rigorous than a place like Michigan. Tufts will tell you that if you want the full blown hardcore engineering program that they are not what you want. They offer what they call more of a “Global Perspective”. Their focus is not on creating the best engineers, but on engineers who can think more globally. There are more liberal arts requirements, fewer research areas, and such. They are a more laid back approach to engineering. </p>

<p>If that’s what you want great, but Michigan is really top shelf in terms of engineering.</p>

<p>I know someone in the grad engineering program at Tufts and they are very happy. Both are fine schools and if you do well at either Tufts or UM you will be in great shape. You are in a very fortunate position where you can afford either school. I’d stop worrying so much about ranking and think about which school/environment (they are very different) you feel you would be happiest and most successful in over the next four years. Don’t discount the importance of finding a school that “feels right”. If you prefer a mid-sized college near Boston go to Tufts; if you want a huge campus with big time sports then go to MI. </p>

<p>If you prefer Tufts, I’d apply there ED. You can still apply early to UM (they have a kind of modified non-binding rolling admissions I think) and you should hear back by December.</p>

<p>Thanks so much, for all the help! I think I’ll apply Tufts ED and Umich EA if that is permitted. Thanks a lot! :)</p>