Pearsilk

Hello

I've narrowed down my choices to Brown or Tufts, both of which I've been accepted to.

I'm planning to major in English/Literature/etc., but I'm also on the fence about taking a premed track. I might or might not basically. I'm greatly interested in the biological sciences but not sure if I want to pursue a career in it. But I definitely love books and composition so a related major is pretty set. Love reading and writing. Since both are popular subjects/fields at many schools, I feel pretty confident that I can get a great education at either school.

However, I'm really looking for a well-rounded experience. I'm also interested in participating in theatre/drama/performing arts, learning many languages, and playing sports, mainly lacrosse and downhill/alpine skiing.

I'm definitely going to do study abroad. No questions asked. I don't care whether it's a semester, a year, during the summer, independent, with a program, etc., I am going to study abroad.

In terms of community, I'm just generally looking for open-minded, friendly, and just fun to be with sort of people. You know, love to learn and love to play. I absolutely cannot stand arrogance or self-importance.

For professors, I don't really mind because I adapt to many different teaching styles. I prefer the more personal touch but it's not a deal breaker.

Of course, for both students and professors, there will be some bad eggs but since I'm easy-going for the most part, I don't think I'll mind too much. I mean, I get along with a wider range of people than many of my friends do so that must mean something, right?

Location-wise, I was really looking for a suburban setting. I want the campus itself to be a little outside of a city but as a city girl, I also really want the convenience and fun of a city nearby.

Now one of my biggest problems are my parents. Both are Japanese immigrants and don't know as much as other parents might about the whole college process. My dad is a neurosurgeon and did both undergrad and grad school at the most prestigious school in Japan (Tokyo University). My mother only did undergrad and graduated from an all-women's school.

Both are pressuring me heavily to go to Brown because of it's reputation. They fear that I'll feel inferior to all the Ivy students nearby if I go to Tufts, and they also want me to have that Ivy advantage when I go looking for career opportunities.

I love both Tufts and Brown but right now I'm leaning ever so slightly towards Tufts. The thing is, I don't want to disregard Brown but the more my parents pressure me, the more I'm afraid that I'll ignore it just to rebel against my parents.

I'm really trying to give a fair eye to each school so I was hoping you could enlighten me to both pros and cons of the schools as well as anything you think will help my decision process.

I will be visiting both this weekend to get each of their "vibes".

Thank you!