My DD has committed to UCSD Major-Computing and the Arts but was just taken off the waitlist today for SMFA at Tufts. Tufts advised her that she could apply for the double degree (BA/BFA) after one year which is very appealing. Does anyone have any advice on which school is a better choice (price not being a factor)? I like that UCSD is closer to home however it is seen mainly as a science school and I’m concerned it might not be a good fit and she is a little on the introvert side. Her general interests are art, film, photography - but really she is still unsure of her career aspirations.
she can try to talk with current students in that Tufts program. If she contacts admission and explains she was recently taken off the waitlist and would like to talk to one or two current students if possible, they may be able give her names of someone she can have a Zoom call (or real phone call) with. As to what to discuss, she should be able to develop questions about the program as well as look at general lists of things to look for / ask about on a college visit. This is assuming she is up to it, since you say she is an introvert.
One thing that will be different, aside from the distance, is the living environment. Most students at UCSD live on campus first year and then disperse into the San Diego area with roomates, some living on the beach in Mission and Pacific beach. Attending Tufts would mean real winters as well as being in the larger Boston area. I don’t know where Tufts students live, if they guarantee housing.
The Museum school is probably a real plus if she’s serious about art. I second the idea that asking to connect with current students to discuss everything from culture, logistics of doing both programs, etc. My recollection from a few years ago is that Tufts guaranteed housing for the first two years. It maintains relationships with locations landlords, and many students choose to move off campus for their last year or two. This has always been the case at Tufts and there is housing nearby.
The environment at these two schools is pretty different, so digging into that a bit could really make one of these a clear choice.
Thanks so much for your thoughts! I think she is leaning towards the art program at Tufts right now and the smaller school environment.
Tufts is in a very residential neighborhood which is quite different from the UCSD setting.