<p>OK, I know we've got an opinionated group here, and I hope it's not too soon to ask this after acceptance decisions were posted but here goes. How would any of you compare WashU to Tufts? I don't mean based on the USNWR figures -- because I know WashU far outranks Tufts -- but just in general. How do you think WashU stacks up to Tufts?</p>
<p>I think it's a better school academically, but Tufts is still fine, and if you like the Northern/Boston environment it might be a better fit for you.</p>
<p>I think Tufts is a bit more party-focused, from what I hear. Also a larger proportion of prep-school kids. It is more "northeastern" than "midwestern" - though both pull from across the US.</p>
<p>Both campuses are pretty, they're in the same football league, both are known for serving good food. Depending upon major, Wash U. tends to have "better" programs... with the exception of international relations (and maybe Tufts has the edge in other areas too?)</p>
<p>I'm biased for Wash U. since my eldest daughter is having such a great experience, but must say that both my daughters liked Tufts, though neither one hesitated in choosing Wash U.</p>
<p>Wow, these answers don't even attempt to be informed or unbiased...</p>
<p>I admit bias! Ignore the words lolabelle, if they upset you so, and recognize that positive thoughts about a school are a factor in its favor. This is a board full of opinions, some more educated than others, but isn't it more productive to share opinions about the topic than to bash other posters? It is certainly kinder.</p>
<p>My S is a freshman at WashU. He was admitted to Tufts and we visited there. Consensus family opinion was that it was a nice, small, campus. But, none of us felt any "there" there. As well, while Medford is close to Boston, there wasn't this real sense of students running into Boston. The fact is that for the first year or two, most students stay close to campus for their social life at just about every school. But, in terms of academics, facilities, activities, campus life, look of school, reputation, etc., WashU hands-down.</p>
<p>WashU just has this contagious enthusiasm towards its undergraduates that it's hard not to want to apply or attend WashU after visiting the campus and experiencing its atmosphere.</p>
<p>I think WashU is just a better school overall, definitely a premed powerhouse, though Tufts does have an edge in international relations.</p>