Amherst vs. Tufts

Catfish
Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:57:52 +0000

It’s always good to see other bassoonists on CC. We’re an infrequent breed. I know literally nothing about music at Tufts, but the music program here at Amherst is quite strong. You would have opportunities for both orchestral and chamber playing. We’re playing Symphonie fantastique in a couple weeks (some of the bassoon parts are quite challenging).

Tufts rightly well known for their IR program, but I think Amherst offers just as many opportunities. There are lots of classes related to international relations (I’m in one right now called Post-Cold War American Diplomatic History, which is awesome) and there is a 5 college certificate in IR you could get.

Amherst itself is a small town, but because of the presence of UMass has a lot of establishments focused on serving students (read: lots of good food delivery places that stay open late). Northampton is also nearby and easily accessible by car or the free bus service and has lots of things to do. Boston is a two hour drive and NYC is 3-4 or so. Tufts is certainly geographically closer to Boston and I believe is accessible via public transit, but the town itself is a suburb.

Lots of people play sports, but I wouldn’t call it “intensely sports oriented”. I have never in my life played an organized sport and I’ve never felt like I’m missing something because of it. Most students are active in some way and keep themselves in shape, though.