<p>Just wondered if anyone had any opinions on Tufts vs. Wash U? We have heard so many good things about Wash U, and have not heard too much about Tufts (either good or bad). Senior is accepted at one and just got off the waitlist at one, so needs to decide ASAP. Money is the same, major is undecided. Thanks.</p>
<p>I'd choose Tufts over Wash U, but that's just me.</p>
<p>Thanks - but why would you? Do you go to Tufts or know someone who does?</p>
<p>I would choose WashU, not because it is more prestigious (just a tiny bit more than Tuft anyways), but it is a rather awesome school with some of the best dorms in the nation.</p>
<p>Hmmm, weather equally bad at both schools. I attended Tufts many years ago and it was awesome then and I hear it is still. You need a grappling hook to get up the hill when it's icy, but Boston is fantastic. And now that Tufts is on the MBTA line, going into Boston is actually possible (used to be a bus to Harvard Square - yikes!). I'm not being helpful here - go with your instinct.</p>
<p>Everyone's input is much appreciated! Anyone have any ideas about the difference in the friendliness of the people at both schools and at the general enviroment? Thanks!</p>
<p>I know kids at both schools. D's boyfriend goes to WashU. I think their both wonderful schools and kids can get a wonderful education at either.</p>
<p>Here two differences that aren't really about the academics at the schools. One: Boston vs. St. Louis, sorry to Missourians, but IMO a no brainer. Two: Regionalism and here it is preference. We are northeasterners. D's boyfriend is from the South and didn't want to come to the northeast to study. He felt intimidated. He's a brilliant kid so I don't really understand that, but there it is. He adores the school. But I digress. You will find more eastern seaboard types at Tufts. They're at WashU as well, but not in the same concentration.</p>
<p>Tufts has the issue of, well, Tufts Syndrome, standing in the shadow of Harbard and MIT. But I really think this gets to be less and less true and that Tufts shines brightly in itself.</p>
<p>If I had to make a distinction I would say WashU might be a bit stronger in some of the sciences and Tufts a bit stronger in social sciences and languages. </p>
<p>However, they are both excellent schools, so I think this is definitely a case where personal preference should decide.</p>
<p>Unless you are going into International Relations my recommendation would be WashU. Although Tufts is in Boston, which is a pretty awesome college city.</p>
<p>I think Wash U is the choice. I noticed on Princenton Review it has a lot more majors to choose from, the quality of life rating is highter. Senior does not know any of that though, I think in the end it was in fact her "gut" choice.</p>
<p>If you have to choose between two cities, I would say Boston is much better, but it's just my opinion; between two academic options, I would say go to Wash U, and between two atmospheres, go to Wash U.
1/3 of Wash U's students come from the East Coast.</p>
<p>There's no substitute for a visit. Have you visited both schools?</p>
<p>I generally agree with Mythmom's assessment. Overall, the schools are comparable but Wash U has the edge in sciences (particularly biological sciences) and Tufts in the social sciences (particularly in international studies). Boston is a much better college town than St. Louis.</p>
<p>Tufts isn't exactly in Boston. A parent poster on another thread said her son went into Boston a couple times this year.
I live on the campus of the University of Chicago and the vast majority of students here seldom leave the neighborhood. So much for living in a world-class city.
Of course Boston has more to offer than St. Louis. But you are there as a student, not a tourist.</p>
<p>From the Tufts campus, Boston Commons is 20 minutes and $1.70 away. Harvard Square is two T stops or a 10-minute bike ride. Gotta be sone of the most exciting places in the country to be an undergrad.</p>
<p>I used to live in Boston and studied there, and my oldest son got his degree there and now lives in Cambridge.
Harvard Square is touristy and expensive, and the city generally isn't cheap. I would say Boston is a good student city, like New York, if you've got money to spend.
But most college students spend most of their time with the students from their own college on and near campus, whether it's Boston or anywhere else. And they are plain busy as students and don't always have plenty of money from mom and dad.
Somewhat related, I used to live in Florida (enough of the places I've lived) and noticed that many people would move to Florida with great expectations about what it would be like living there. They didn't realize that they had been there before previously on vacation, and that the they were imagining it to be like their vacation experience. Making a living and dealing with everyday concerns is a different kettle of fish, as is being a busy student.</p>
<p>Thank you much for your input. Senior decided on Wash U. I think senior's heart was there the whole time, but senior had a lot of people telling her "Boston is so wonderful etc." I think both colleges are EXCELLENT, but I think Wash U will be a better fit for my senior. Everyone's input is much appreciated!</p>