<p>With money being equal, and the relative ranking/academics of the schools similar, now your decision is about the type of environment you want to be in; think location, weather, campus, size, sports/non-sports, greek/non-greek; consider the closeness to home (if that matters); ease of getting from home to school via direct flights, etc.; semester vrs quarter system; </p>
<p>If you can not go visit Duke......and you thought those things above were great about Tufts before Duke re-emerged as an option, then go with Tufts and live happily ever after. You can not go wrong with that choice. Whatever you do, don't let "what others will think or say" have anything to do with your decision. As my dad always said "go with your guts."</p>
<p>To the OP: Just read through this thread. For what it's worth, I think you should go to Tufts. If you can't skip a pre-arranged sports event and an amusement park visit to take a trip down South to check out Duke, then your heart's not really in it. I also thought your comment ". . . I don't think I would ever want to live in the south" telling as well. While I think spending 4 years in the South might do you good, if you would never want to live in the South, then why are you even contemplating spending the next 4 years there? Believe it or not, attending Duke would actually constitute "living in the South." </p>
<p>I personally think it's a mistake for a student to pick a school, but totally disregard the entire area where the school is located. That's going to make for a fairly isolated 4-year college experience, in my opinion. From reading your posts, you "sound like" you've made up your mind to go with Tufts. Good luck!</p>
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<li><p>People misrepresented my priorities when they acknowledged my schedule into thinking I did not care enough to visit. I am visiting Duke this thursday and friday.</p></li>
<li><p>I would not want to live in the south because of the summers. I would not necessary mind going to college there, because for the majority of summers I would not be there, and I could deal with it for four years of my life anyway, it would be a good thing to experience. As of right now, I prefer boston weather, But as I and others have said it could be a good experience.</p></li>
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<p>I have read through your posts, and I am glad that you will be visiting Duke. I think it is enough different than Tufts that it is important to see for yourself. You may like it less than, as well as, or more than Tufts ... but at least you'll know for sure.</p>
<p>My daughter really liked both Tufts and Vanderbilt ("southern" & full of spirit, like Duke), for very different reasons (she had another top choice, as well, to consider). In the end, though, she chose to go to Furman instead of either Tufts or Vandy. For her, it was the right choice. Sure, it was hard to turn down the names that people actually recognize ... that "ooh" factor, after years of working hard & excelling in school, is a nice reward! However, she knows what she needs ... and Furman was best for her personal and academic growth. She wouldn't have gone wrong with any of the three choices, which we told her as she made her decision. But after spending time on the campuses, she felt Furman was the perfect fit.</p>
<p>I am sure you will be able to make a decision after visiting Duke. If you are still on the fence, make sure you check out the Facebooks for each school. My daughter found that very helpful in deciding where she would be happiest. And do NOT discount the importance of HAPPINESS in the equation!! Best of luck in this tough decision. Keep us posted.</p>
<p>P.S., your decision to go to the amusement park instead of visiting Duke actually impressed me! You obviously understand that life is about balance, and you are enjoying time with friends. Do not underestimate the importance of that balance in your life ... make sure you choose a place that will allow you to include activities that appeal to you & that has people who seem interesting to you!</p>