WashU vs Tufts

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
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<p>'m really considering both schools equally and I see lots of pros and cons for both. I visited Tufts last year, and the campus was ok, but the vibe I got from the students was really nice (our tour guide was surprised mid-tour by her friends wishing her happy birthday [it was her birthday that day] and nearby students at the library were offering free hugs to students who had just finished finals, etc). Additionally, while Tufts isn't IN Boston, it's still very close by, possibly allowing me to utilize resources in Boston(?).</p>

<p>WashU is very good too--I've heard it's academic programs are a bit better than that of Tufts, but I don't give too much credence to word of mouth and rankings. The location is different (not better or worse), with a different feel (esp considering I come from New England, so a different culture would be very nice).</p>

<p>I also have a large interest in science and research--if all goes well, I plan on attending grad school and pursuing a PhD. My primary interest is in physics (astrophysics, cosmology, quantum physics) and at the moment that's the major I'm eying (along with a possible double major or a minor in a humanities). Even if I decide not to major in physics for some odd reason, I'll most probably be majoring in some science.</p>

<p>Which college would be better for physics? Which for general science and research? What do you guys recommend?</p>

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<p>Wash U is a bit higher ranked (top 15 vs top 30)
Tufts is east coast, Wash U is midwest.</p>

<p>(but you knew all this stuff already).</p>

<p>Assuming that neither of these make the difference, I think you’re really dealing with very similar schools, that will have similar student bodies, and similar opportunities. From what we hear the students at each of these schools love their school</p>

<p>Both schools brag about their science departments and both receive research grants.</p>

<p>Between these two, all other things being equal, visit both schools, and then go with your gut.</p>

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<p>I visited both schools junior year – loved WashU, didn’t end up applying to Tufts.</p>

<p>The students I talked to at Tufts didn’t seem to share the same enthusiasm for their school as the WashU students I talked to. This was a limited number of students and purely anecdotal, but I didn’t get the “I have to go here!” feeling after talking to its students. They seemed, for lack of a better term, bored.</p>

<p>Having Boston nearby is definitely a plus and I don’t know if St. Louis can beat that. I did, however, really like the surrounding area of the WashU Campus. The Delmar Loop which contains all the restaurants and shops seemed like a place that would be really fun to hang out at.</p>

<p>You ask which would be better for physics or science, and I cannot really answer that question if you don’t buy into rankings too much.</p>

<p>Finally, although this isn’t a comparison to Tufts, I perceive the WashU vibe to be very nurturing and friendly. I won’t be a student until next year, but it doesn’t seem to be very competitive (maybe pre-med is).</p>

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<p>Reposting in case you didn’t see this in your other posting:</p>

<p>You are smart to put aside the rankings–they mean nothing, esp. in light of both schools’ being wonderful on a lot of fronts.</p>

<p>My knowledge of both schools, as well, from students who are (and who have graduated) at both schools is that they are BOTH strong across the academic spectrum. True enough, that Tufts has an international outlook, comprehensive and well-taught foreign languages, and renown IR. Sciences are excellent at Tufts (as they are at Wash U.), and I know a current physics major (junior), at Tufts, with two patents to his name. </p>

<p>The dorms are nicer at Wash. U., and I know some “coastal” kids have had a hard time with being in St. Louis–my daughter was one such kid who thought the world of Wash U. but lived on one coast and summered on the other coast. She felt claustrophobic being “inland.”</p>

<p>I have heard, over the years, that Wash U. has more overt academic zealousness than Tufts, which some find energizing while others find it stressful. Based on whom I know who attends/attended both schools, the demographic is pretty similar.</p>

<p>Both schools afford fantastic research opportunities (you are talking world-class universities), and Boston may offer even more research opportunities because of the sheer number of universities and research institutions in the area.</p>

<p>Really, both schools can provide a stellar education, even in the physical sciences. You might, then, consider geography–that remains, in my mind, the major difference.</p>

<p>I know the social climate of Tufts better than Wash U., and the Tufts students seem happy, really in love with the school and thrilled with the friendships they have made. They also speak of a lot of faculty (professors) support.</p>

<p>But the idea that Tufts is for humanities while Wash U. serves the scientist is patently inaccurate. </p>

<p>Good luck with your decision–you are talking about two superlative schools. Let your instincts guide you, not some rankings that are driven by some really silly criteria, frankly.</p>

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<p>@ccuser18: Thanks for the input. I’ve heard from a few people that WashU’s academic and student atmosphere is a bit more intellectually engaged than Tufts’s. Still, I think both schools are selective enough to have pretty solid students.</p>

<p>@SWHarborfan: Thanks for the input too! It’s comforting to know that there’s really no way to go “wrong” with this decision. How much research do you think would I actually get to do at, say, MIT, if I were an undergrad at Tufts?</p>

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<p>Uh, I would say none.</p>

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<p><<how much=“” research=“” do=“” you=“” think=“” would=“” i=“” actually=“” get=“” to=“” at,=“” say,=“” mit,=“” if=“” were=“” an=“” undergrad=“” at=“” tufts?=“” uh,=“” say=“” none.=“”>></how></p>

<p>I know Tufts undergrads who did research at Harvard’s Mass Eye and Ear Institute as well as Harvard undergrads who did research at Tufts renown school of nutrition. Another Harvard undergrad worked under the world’s myeloid specialist who happens to be at Tufts Med. school. There is plenty of cross-pollination. Researchers are always happy for enthusiastic, competent, and free assistance, frankly.</p>

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<p><<<and student=“” atmosphere=“” is=“” a=“” bit=“” more=“” intellectually=“” engaged=“” than=“” tufts’s.=“”>>> </and></p>

<p>No, not my experience of the former, current, and pending students at Tufts–not at all. You are talking about students especially selected for their multi-interests–languages, sports, politics, music, art, even before you touch on academic gifts. </p>

<p>I invite you to watch some of the videos submitted for the Tufts supplement-- choreographed dances to different math concepts, anyone? </p>

<p>Finally, why don’t you talk to the folks at MIT, someone in your area of interest, about working under/for them?</p>

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<p>Don’t go to Tufts if you want to do something at MIT/Harvard (just go to MIT/Harvard). Similarly, don’t go to SLU if you want to do something at Wash U (just go to Wash U instead).</p>

<p>Every major research university has summer opportunities or programs for college students to do research. I know many Wash U students that have done research at other universities over the summer – usually it’s because they are from that area originally, but not exclusively. </p>

<p>While there may indeed be some Tufts kids who do various things at Harvard/MIT during the school year (similarly, there may indeed be a couple SLU kids who do things at Wash U’s med school during the school year), that amount is still going to be very small. 99% just do their research at Tufts. Trust me, on your resume, what matters is that you are doing research in undergrad and the type of project itself; not necessarily which school you did the research at. </p>

<p>Focus the decision strictly on Wash U vs Tufts.</p>