<p>I know this is a GREAT problem to have. But while they are very different, there is alot about them that is similar enough to make this a hard choice for my son. He is interested in politics, plays the guitar and might consider a music minor, is from a small public school in Westchester, wants small classes and is thinking he will go onto law school. He likes the size of Vassar and while not being near a city is not a factor for him right now, it might be down the road. He thinks Boston will give him more opportunities in politics, but Tufts is one of the bigger schools he applied to. He likes that at Tufts he can take Rock and Roll classes in the music dept. He likes the access to professors at Vassar. He is very liberal politically but doesnt back down from an animated discussion. He knows it might be easier for him to meet girls at Vassar :) But that is not his main concern....at the moment</p>
<p>I know that both are great choices. But is there something else we should consider? Dorms? Social life? Food? Quality of life? Study abroad?</p>
<p>My son preferred Tufts. He thought Vassar felt too small and isolated. Boston is more interesting than Poughkeepsie. (Not that he sees much of Boston, but he* has* gone to events at BU and Harvard.) And he was intrigued by the Global Leadership Institute at Tufts. I think he also liked the idea of getting a little further away from Westchester. But really, they are two fabulous schools can’t go wrong either way.</p>
<p>We never looked at Vassar (for some reason D crossed it off her list, sight unseen), but we also had a bias toward smaller schools and Tufts is at least twice as large as every other school on her list. It’s possible that the classes, on average, would be smaller at Vassar, although I believe the size of Tufts’ classes, outside of various intro classes, is pretty small. I definitely want to dispel the notion that your S wouldn’t have easy access to Tufts professors—D has found that they are readily available outside the classroom. I think there’s quite a significant encouragement on student/faculty interaction. Tufts feels like a small LAC while offering more options, on many levels, than a smaller school can. Also, your S will have no problem meeting girls at Tufts, and I personally think that any school with a gender imbalance is at a disadvantage, no matter which side of that imbalance one falls.</p>
<p>My son is spending the night at Vassar this week and Tufts next week for the Accepted Student’s days. So one way or the other he will have to make a decision in the next week or so! Very exciting!</p>
<p>While my son had a good time at Tufts and we felt that they did a very good job of organizing the Jumbo Day, in the end I think his heart is with Vassar. His host was nice and there were lots of activities. But he said that when he stayed overnight at Vassar he felt like he belonged and when he stayed at Tufts he felt he was visiting. I think he was so lucky to have two such fabulous choices. From the beginning I knew it would come down to how he “felt” rather than what he “thought”. Both schools are wonderful academically, but the social aspect of college is such an important factor. I do think that Tufts would be PERFECT for my younger son. So I will probably meet some of you back here in a couple of years. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Congrats to you and your son for making such a difficult decision. Both schools are really awesome and I’m glad he was able to figure out which one was the best place for him.</p>
<p>What a beautifully articulated sentiment. Your son sounds like he’s got a sharp head on his shoulders, and (speaking for the losing team) I’m glad he’s so psyched about Vassar next year. His line is one I’ll borrow in the future. :)</p>
<p>Thanks Dan. I think I will be seeing (at least on this Forum) in the next couple of years for my younger son (he is finishing his Freshman year in HS). My husband and I were so impressed with Tufts and with the Jumbo days. It was so well organized, the kids were so friendly and enthusiastic, the course offerings and social opportunities are incredible and the food…WOW. It will be fun to go back and do it all over again soon!</p>
<p>Thanks to all the other parents who were so supportive and informative. IT was helpful to feel like I had a cyber support network.</p>