Tufts vs Hamilton College

College Search & Selection
1

Hey everyone,

I am an international student from France and I got offered a huge financial aid package at both Hamilton and Tufts University. I have been exploring their websites, every video they possibly made, talked with current students, went to online chats for international admitted students. I even read a bunch of reports from an exchange student from a top school in France who spent a year at both Tufts and Hamilton. Yet, I am incapable to take a decision between the two and no I cannot visit…

I am huge into debating/model un/journalism. I love to write, read about politics (passionate about world affairs, American politics, Economics, and so on). On the plus side, I’d like to take Arabic as minor (Tufts has the largest Arabic program in Mass whereas Hamilton only has one professor) and double major in Government/Econ (if Hamilton) or International Relations/Econ (if Tufts).

Tufts offers great study abroad program and have a lot of international students and it seems to me (from the Facebook class page) that all of them have a passion, are engaged, and are very smart. Hamilton, on the other hand, have wonderful students as well, less international (but is that a bad thing really?) and have top-notch off-campus study abroad program (internship 6 months in either DC or NYC etc…).

It’s basically a decision between Boston, the ultimate college town, and a gorgeous campus in rural upstate New York, perfect for isolation and it’s a tight-knit community, characteristic of liberal arts college.

My plan is to go to law school afterward. I aspire to have a high GPA and be very very active in clubs or any extra-curricular activities. Also, I want to intern at least one time during my time in college. Though, I’d like to have a transformative experience in college. I was an exchange student for a year between my junior and senior year and I’ve learned so much from it in terms of widening my perspectives, meeting incredible people and all that. I don’t want to go to a college just because it has great academics…

I’d appreciated any help, any insights…

Thank you very much for your time.

2

Hamilton is woodsy, somewhat sporty, has great debating (therefore excellent for pre-law), great off-campus opportunities and great curricular balance. The College’s emphasis on writing skills is nationally recognized. The purely undergraduate focus and 1900 student size is either not for you … or perfect. Good luck.

3

I would strongly recommend Tufts for you. It provides one of the best international relations programs, a very intellectually bright and engaging community, and an excellent stepping-stone to law school. Also, being from France, I think you will find the environment cosmopolitan, and Medford is minutes away from Boston. Hamilton College is good, but I don’t feel it is quite at the level that Tufts is. For law school, assuming you do well in your classes, Tufts may give you an edge. Arabic availability is also something to consider – if you want to become proficient, you will need a program. Tufts may also have the ability to cross-list courses nearby in Boston / Cambridge that it does not have on campus; Hamilton probably doesn’t, though I am sure it may have other programs, such as study abroad or exchanges, but less convenient.

4

Tufts has incredible programs for what you want to do and a large international population. Boston is an incredible city, and very livable. I would not say that Tufts is not right-knit- they have great clubs and foster great friendships. It will be easier to intern at Tufts, and I know it will offer the transformative experience you’re looking for.

5

D1 is about to graduate from Tufts. This program was her transformative experience there: http://www.tuftsgloballeadership.org/program/epiic

Given your attitude, it sounds like you are set to have a wonderful college experience wherever you end up.

6

“I have been exploring … every video they possibly made”

In case you missed one:

WAG Presents Hamilton College

If, after viewing it, your affinity for Hamilton has remained intact or even, amazingly, enhanced, then you are a Hamiltonian – pack your bags and head to Clinton.

However, if you are somewhat shaken by the viewing experience – some city people might be – then roll with your affinity for Tufts.

As stated above, based on the attitude you are bringing to college, you should have a terrific experience at either college.

7

^ Intended meaning, grammar: “or even, not entirely improbably, been enhanced”