Tufts vs. Villanova Advice!

I am a senior making my final decision in the next few days. I’ve narrowed down my choices to two schools: Tufts and Villanova.

I am looking to study engineering. Tuft’s financial package would make it cheaper than Villanova by about $3,000 per year.

I have wanted to go to Tufts for a few years, and I like a lot about the school. I do have some concerns about the overall campus vibe, though. I’m not a particularly artsy person, and I feel like a lot of students are known for that. Villanova is obviously more into sports, and I would enjoy the campus culture and going to games. However, I’ve heard that Villanova students can be superficial and are incredibly wealthy.

Ultimately, I would describe myself as a mix between the two student bodies. I’m fairly preppy, athletic, and would enjoy the sports scene at Villanova. I’m also more left-wing and intellectually curious similarly to Tufts students.

Would it be a poor decision to turn down the less expensive, more selective Tufts for Villanova? Or would I feel out of place in Tuft’s quirkier culture?

My decision won’t be based entirely off of this, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. If you have any other questions about my decision process, let me know. Thanks so much!

I think you have a great handle on it. And no you wouldn’t be crazy at all, Villanova is outstanding too. With a real deal alumni network too.

Tufts selectivity is a bit higher. But the work will be as challenging and rewarding at either.

I don’t have any idea if the extra 3k is a rounding error or a strain on your family. If it’s the latter, Tufts for sure.

The way you describe yourself, you’d fit right in at Tufts. There are lots of sporty kids, lots of artsy kids, lots of intellectual kids, and many kids who fit more than one category. The engineering students at Tufts tend to be a pretty cohesive and collaborative group.

That doesn’t mean you might not still prefer Villanova, but it sounds like you might have the wrong read on Tufts. Have you been able to visit both as an admitted student?

Food for thought - for the intellectually curious…

Tufts has been ranked in the top 10 of NCAA D3 athletic programs, for the last 6 years.
Over its history, it has been ranked in the top 10, ten times.

Since 2007/2008, 15 teams have appeared in the NCAA D3 finals - with 10 of them winning national championships.

Tufts sailing competes in D1 and over its history, has won 25 national championships

Since 2007/2008, 27 individuals have have won NCAA national championships
Over its history, 56 individuals have won NCAA national championships

Tufts competes in the NESCAC, considered by many to be the top sports conference in D3.
Since 2007/2008, 15 teams have won NESCAC championships
Over its history, Tufts has won 49 NESCAC team championships

Several of Tufts’ club teams are nationally ranked - playing against D1 schools.

You don’t achieve this sort of athletic success by poking people with paintbrushes…

Maybe the notion that athletes and artists are mutually exclusive groups is a false dichotomy…

Maybe the notion that athletes and intellectuals are mutually exclusive groups is a false dichotomy…

Maybe all athletes don’t have look the same way…

Maybe all athletes don’t have think the same way…

Sometimes the best athletes view themselves as both artists and intellectuals…

https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2017/12/07/kyrie-irving-basketball-art-form-boston-celtics/

https://www.sbnation.com/a/nba-tv-season-preview-2018/kyrie-irving-off-court-makes-celtics-better

If you are into being a spectator, rather than playing sports then Boston is arguably the top sports town in the country.

Lots of sports bars, The Boston Garden, and Fenway Park are all accessible via public transportation - and there is scheduled to be a subway stop on campus in Dec 2021.

Both the Patriots and Red Sox won their respective championships in 2018.
Both the Celtics and the Bruins are in the playoffs right now, so there is a chance for 4 team champioships!

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/04/boston-championships-number-total-century-patriots-red-sox-celtics-bruins