<p>My son is struggling with the decision of Tufts vs. Wake. Any input on comparisons of student body/school spirit/fun, best school for medical school aspirations, research opportunities, anything else is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>These are two COMPLETELY different schools.
He will get a fine education at both. That being said:
Tufts has the intimate feel of a New England liberal arts college, while actually being a small research university. It is harder to get into and more highly respected, especially in the NE/eastern part of the U.S. Tufts is very ethnically and religiously diverse. Tufts has plenty of sports, but it is not a big “rah rah” school when it comes to sports.
Wake Forest is way more “rah rah” vis-a-vis college athletics; it is not religiously diverse (i know a HS senior who was disgusted and left in the middle of the college tour, because the student who was leading the tour, asked about religious diversity, talked glowingly about how all the religions - Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran, etc. - worshipped together). Its academics are very good; Tufts’ are better.<br>
Any good school can serve a student’s med school aspirations (although you should keep in mind that a very large percentage of kids who enter college “premed” don’t finish it that way). For research opportunities and internships, Tufts and neighboring Boston are probably better.
Bottom line though: he needs to go where he feels he “belongs” and would be happiest.</p>
<p>Wake Forest made my Ds list based on academic reputation, D1 sports, and a desire to see another part of the country. She visited. She did not like the homogeneity and the very preppy feel of the student body. She was also turned off by the Work Forest reputation. The admissions staff stressed that it was a work hard, play hard culture. She visited Tufts. There was no mention of work hard, play hard. The admissions staff stressed finding your passion. My D decided she would prefer a school where learning wasnt considered work and play wasnt made hard. She ended up at Tufts, despite the desire to see another part of the country and an interest in D1 sports culture. She loves it.</p>
<p>We went to visit her for Homecoming Day at Tufts and much to our surprise she was decked out in school colors and what I would call D3 level body paint. (it was tastefully done). So much for no “rah rah” spirit at Tufts, I guess a school is what you make it :-).</p>
<p>Having said that, a friend of hers is going to Wake and likes it. Its all up to the individual. </p>
<p>Both are great schools academically. Somerville/Cambridge/Boston has a lot more to offer than Winston-Salem both socially and culturally. It is also considered the #1 Biotech community in the country (although the RTP area has a strong Biotech community as well). Tuftsculture is more progressive, civic minded and has more of a global focus. Wakes is more traditional.</p>
<p>Go with the best fit.</p>
<p>Thanks WCASParent and Mastadon for the replies. I agree that both schools are very different and I thought that would make his decision easier, it did not. I also agree that both schools are great academically, but I do think that Tufts is better. Both of you were spot on with your comments/thoughts. My son was also interested in the D1 sports environment of a school and its school spirit, etc. He ultimately chose Tufts and is very happy as we are. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Yay for choosing Tufts! I have a S who’s finishing his freshman year there and loves it! Interesting, though, he is not studying anything to do with premed, but whoever asks where he’s going to school and I say Tufts, their response is: pre-med or pre-dental? I suppose it’s pretty popular for pre-med kids! Hope he has a great experience there.</p>
<p>My S also wasn’t too thrilled about the sports culture being so-so, but has gone to some games, also to other games at other colleges in Boston (very easy to do that) and also has been to see the red sox (even though he’s not a red sox fan it was still fun to be there anyway) and they charged only $10 to the Tufts students for regular seats, not bleacher seats! :)</p>
<p>Tufts is widely known in the Boston area at least because of Tufts Medical Centre downtown. It also is strong in pre-dental. That might explain things.</p>
<p>Welcome to the club! I hope your son has a wonderful experience.</p>
<p>Go JUMBOS…Try going to the Men’s soccer games. They play very exciting soccer and are fun to watch…</p>