<p>In general, you probably can’t go wrong either way. I personally feel Tufts admission requirements may be slightly higher. But, both schools are highly selective. My son will be an incoming freshman at Colgate and my niece will be an incoming freshman at Tufts. One difference is that Colgate is division 1 in all sports. What sold my niece is that that she will be a valued basketball player at Tufts (not division 1) and may not have made the team at Colgate. Not the most important factor to most kids but something to consider if all else is equal.</p>
<p>There is a personal feeling kids get when they visit the schools. Spend time at both of them over Spring break. Look around, talk the the kids and professors. Sure, Boston is a great city but is that the most important factor you are considering? If everything else is equal, then go with the great city. Discuss potential majors and find out which school will benefit your child more. For example, Colgate doesn’t have engineering. Or, if your child is considering dentistry, Tufts has their own graduate school. etc. etc. </p>
<p>What drove my son to apply early decision to Colgate was the strong alumni connection admissions officers at Colgate spoke about when we visited. I think this will be important when it comes time to look for a job after graduation. I would imagine that Tufts would say the same about their school but we never visited. My son didn’t want to write all the essays required to be considered!</p>
<p>BTW, both my son and my niece are “normal” kids - smart, athletic, personable, social, etc.</p>