<p>Cornell and CMU are really focused engineering and computer science. In regards to being pre-med, Tufts wins this one. Indeed, the new president of Tufts actually is (or rather was) the Pro Vice Chancellor at Oxford. He is an M.D. and a PhD and discovered the first gene for language.</p>
<p>As for student life, Cornell has had to put “nets” because of the amount of suicides occurring. They garnered attention in 2009-2010 because of 6 suicides that took place during this time frame. But that doesn’t say much given that these are 6 students out of a 13,800 undergraduate population. But it highlights the stress that can occur (and which occurs at every University…hopefully not to the point of suicide).</p>
<p>CMU has a good student life, but again, is more focused on engineering and computer science (which, by the way, they are excellent at).</p>
<p>Tufts is ranked #14 by the Princeton Review this year for the happiest students. And is well regarded for people going into medicine (a lot of students are pre-med at Tufts and the school has excellent advisors, as I am sure Cornell and CMU have as well).</p>
<p>As for academic rigor, whatever you choose will challenge you significantly. Academic quality is going to be really tough wherever you go. Indeed, this applies equally to Tufts, CMU, and Cornell. I think you will get a lot of attention to wherever you go too. Tufts has a student/teacher ratio of 9:1; Cornell’s is 11:1; and CMU’s is 12:1. So you are going to get a great education/individual attention wherever.</p>
<p>Indeed, I wouldn’t say that Cornell is the “hardest” or “CMU” or whatever. I think they are all equally challenging. Why? Because they have brilliant students. Just check out the profiles of these students from Tufts, Cornell, and CMU.</p>
<p>As an interesting tidbit, Tufts doesn’t accept Harvard’s Organic Chemistry for transfer credit because apparently it isn’t sufficient/doesn’t go in depth enough. Take that for what it’s worth.</p>
<p>Tufts does have the advantage of being close to Boston, the medical center of the world, as some refer to it. Working with professors and research is encouraged.</p>
<p>I would say CMU and Tufts both have quirky students, but not in a weird way. In a positive way (like individuals that are cool nerds. Heck, even the athletes (this applies to Cornell) are smart!).</p>
<p>Congrats on your choices, and these are all incredible schools. I think you are smart to look into qualities such as happiness, etc. because you are going to get a stellar education wherever you end up. Above all else, fit is the most important thing.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a lot of stress depends on the discipline. I am sure engineering and the sciences (including medicine) are way more stressful than English or Art History. So just keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>