<p>Accepted to all three of these schools to study international relations and I am soooo distraught! I need some advice. I want a school that's both academic and socially active, which is what draws me to USC. I just need some input. Thank you!</p>
<p>If you want social school, I’d vote for USC </p>
<p>By socially active do you mean actively progressive or something of a party school? Tufts is pretty actively socially progressive. If you want a playground that also thinks academics are important most of the time, USC is pretty good at that. It someday could come to rival Michigan for school that combines play and academics. I don’t know Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Tufts is “active” socially in a very diverse way. Meaning a variety of groups and clubs, and great “downtowns” in Medford/ Somerville/ Boston with so much to do. Not a monolithic social culture. </p>
<p>Plus, IR is tops.</p>
<p>I also want a school that will set me up for future success, and I know USC has a huge alumni base. Also I know tufts IR program is pretty awesome. I’m thinking about going into the Peace Corps after undergrad. Additionally, I want to focus/minor in Latin American studies. I love all these schools so much, that’s the problem. Thanks for all your help!! </p>
<p>FYI, Tufts is ranked #9 on Peace Corp 2014 Top Colleges among medium-sized colleges/ universities. USC is not on list (large colleges).</p>
<p>Three good choices! First before you even get to other comparisons how’s the money? Are they equal or is one less expensive for you than another?</p>
<p>Second, the size, location and environment – Big, Southern California + Los Angeles; Medium small + New England more or less in Boston;small + small New England town with easy access to both New York and Boston. Very different in ambiance.</p>
<p>I live overseas and I would say that all three are reputable options for IR; however, I’d give Tufts the edge for international recognition with employers and graduate schools.</p>
<p>Third, the “personality” of the students is somewhat different. Tufts students tend to be more NGO and government career focused, Wesleyan more politically active for progressive causes, USC I’m not sure. For Peace Corps, my guess would be Wesleyan, but I may be off there.</p>
<p>Fourth, Not sure what you mean by “socially active.” All three have happy, energetic students who know how to have a good time, but the environment and personality of the students influence the culture. If you’re looking for Greek system, then USC is the one.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your input! This is all making my decision much easier and helping me see everything much clearer. I got a 12k/year scholarship at USC, but my parents are hesitant to send me there because they think that the reputation is all about social/athletics rather than academics. </p>
<p>@momrath , considering you’re overseas, what is your opinion of IR at University of St. Andrews? I was also offered an unconditional there and I’m trying to keep my options open and make an informed decision. </p>
<p>@ I got 12K a year</p>
<p>Aren’t Tufts and USC a 100% need based schools? </p>
<p>@collegebound1111 Tufts doesn’t offer any merit scholarships, but USC offers Trustee (full tuition), Presidential (half tuition) and Deans (quarter tuition) scholarships. I don’t know if they both meet 100% of financial need, but I do know USC has a lot of merit and athletic scholarships available. </p>