<p>Any opinions of Tufts vs Wash U? Major is undecided, money is the same, senior was accepted at one and just got off the waitlist at one, so has to decide ASAP. We have heard of so many people that just love Wash U, have not heard quite as much (either good or bad) about Tufts. Thanks.</p>
<p>Is geographic location a factor? My kids have a friend who just loves Wash U but another friend who loves Tufts. Tufts of course, has Boston at its fingertips.</p>
<p>Location is not a factor. Boston IS a better city than St. Louis, but senior would have to fly to both so travel is not an issue. And while I do think Boston is a better city, I wonder if that is a reason to choose Tufts over Wash U?</p>
<p>Boston is so much more of a fun college town that St. Louis! But major should play a role in it. Even if major is undecided, could the student think of a few possible majors and compare these between the two schools? </p>
<p>(I prefer Boston weather to St. Louis weather but I'm sure others would argue for the opposite.)</p>
<p>Two great schools, a great choice to have to make. Congratulations.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity (D waitlisted at Tufts), which school's waitlist did you get off? Wash U or Tufts?</p>
<p>lamsangel, I'll need to wait until tomorrow to answer that question publically...</p>
<p>Go with your gut feeling!</p>
<p>Senior is claiming "no gut feeling" - is doing "eenie mini miny moe" ....</p>
<p>Have you visited both campuses?</p>
<p>No wrong choice here. I've visited both in the past year - students love both places, and the campuses are both great. Personally, I'd choose Tufts in order to be part of the spectacular Boston / Cambridge college scene. But if it means anything to you, Princeton Review, on its 60-99 rating of quality of campus life gives Wash U a 99 and Tufts an 85. They rank Wash U #7 in the country for campus Q of L, #12 for "School Runs Like Butter," and #13 for "Dorms Like Palaces." They must be doing something right!</p>
<p>I have a senior at Wash U. On the plus side for St. Louis (which clearly can't compete with Boston!) the location gives Wash U a distinctly Midwestern feel – hard to describe if you're not from the Midwest, but it's very good – kids are friendly, bright, non- competitive, open-minded. Not preppy at all. Non-clique-y, non-snobby. Please understand that I'm NOT suggesting that Tufts is clique-y or snobby. I don't have personal knowledge of Tufts.</p>
<p>Yes we have visited both campuses.</p>
<p>This is very interesting input, thank you... anyone else??</p>
<p>Senior is pacing... likes Wash U better but Boston better...</p>
<p>Well, if student likes Wash U better, let me make a plug for the area adjacent to the Wash U campus, the U City Loop. It's great -- funky shops, eclectic food, entertainment, etc. The campus is also bordered by a beautiful urban park, Forest Park. Not Boston, but Wash U is a wonderful campus in its own right.</p>
<p>Wonder_ing,
I grew up in St.Louis and agree with you about Boston but if your senior likes Wash U better I suggest making the college itself the priority rather than the city. The relationships students develop with friends and professors contribute more to the college experience than the city.</p>
<p>S. is just finishing up freshman year at Tufts and loves it. Will major in IR. Happy with classes in general, with several real standout professors. Housing was so-so this year. They underestimated matriculation and quite a few freshmen ended up in forced triples. Nice roomates, but tight quarters. Much better prospects next year-- has lined up a suite with friends.</p>
<p>They've found plenty to do on campus, and only ventured into Boston a couple times, though am guessing will utilize the city more as time goes on. What is your S. or D's planned major? There must be some sort of deal breaker! or even just a gut feeling?</p>
<p>Liz has a point. The more scintillating the campus (and these are both pretty happenin' campuses), the more student life is going to focus on the campus. The Boston area probably shouldn't override a clear preference for one of the schools.</p>
<p>I agree with gadad's post. Boston had no bearing on S's choice. In fact as a runner he probably would have been happier if it had been located in a more rural location... but yes, having Boston (or St. Louis) close by is a plus.</p>
<p>Senior decided on Wash U - where I think senior's heart probably was the whole time. I think both are EXCELLENT colleges, each being a better fit for different people. Thanks for the input!</p>