<p>Hi everyone. I am currently very conflicted...Tufts vs. USC.
Here's a glimpse into my thought process...
-I want to study International Relations, and Tufts is of the very very top. USC's department is great (3rd oldest in the world) and is the number one most international school in the world.
-I am from a small private school with NO school spirit and going to USC will definitely provide me with that spirit. I am sure Tufts has that spirit, but come on, the Trojans, anyone?
-I am originally from Boston, but I currently live in a place that is really warm. To be honest, my blood has thinned here and I do not know if I can survive the winters in Boston (or be happy). Sunny CA vs Cold Medford
-Proximity to home...LA is closer
-I want to join a sorority
-I want a place where the academics are super intense, but the students still enjoy themselves.
-I plan to go to a top-tier grad school...Does one school sound better? Unfortunately, I do care about the whole "how does it sound" thing. </p>
<p>Let me know what you all think about this process for me. Many thanks. </p>
<p>Also, any insight into Emory, U of St Andrews in Scotland, Davidson..? Was accepted as well.</p>
<p>I’ve visited tufts for a weekend, lets just say it doesn’t compare to usc. </p>
<p>It does have great international relations, but virtually everyone there is majoring in that which i think is horrible - i’d rather go to a school where people major in cinema, business, engineering, art, etc. </p>
<p>Also from a small private school. They really do have zero school spirit at tufts, i think quidditch is their biggest sport? </p>
<p>Boston is cold as f**k… and tufts is on a hill so it gets super windy. </p>
<p>Tufts and usc are both pretty intense - tufts students come off as more intense with their studies, perhaps because they’re on the east coast and have nothing else to do? But both schools are great academically, usc students just seem to be happier and more fun. </p>
<p>I’d say they both sound the same. usc is more known as a school. But grad schools will probably know they’re on par with each other. </p>
<p>And i’m just telling you now, University of St. Andrews is a joke school, my friends in england think its a complete joke. If you’re american you are almost certainly in. USC, Tufts, and Emory are all better schools than St Andrews. </p>
<p>Also Prince william went there, need i say more…</p>
<p>Dragonfly14, ukfcra has no idea what s/he 's talking about with St. Andrew’s. St. Andrew’s is one of the top universities in the UK and top ranked in the world rankings also. It is very respected and very difficult to get accepted to. BUT, that being said, if you’re worried about the weather in Boston, DON’T go to St. Andrews! The weather there is far more miserable than Boston’s worst winter. Between USC v Tufts, my son considered Tufts very seriously because of IR but what if you change your major? Nearly 90% of college students will change their major at least once. USC is well known for many subjects and as you noted has an outstanding IR program as well. My son in the end opted not to apply to Tufts. Personally, I’d choose USC over Tufts also if you want to experience the School Spirit. Trojan spirit can’t be topped (though there may be some universities that can equal it). USC’s alumni network and reputation is also one of the best in the country. I’m sure Tufts can’t come anywhere close to support you’d get from the Trojan alumni. On the other hand, where would you feel more comfortable?? In a smaller university or a large one? The size is the only obstacle holding my son back. His preference is a smaller-mid-sized university. Can’t tell you much about Davidson or Emory.</p>