<p>Nyyankees:</p>
<p>Both schools are certainly excellent but if you want to study polisci/IR, I don’t really see why you wouldn’t pick Tufts over Northwestern. I got into both schools as a high school senior and picked Tufts. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and my decision:</p>
<p>I wanted to study IR or a related subject like Poli Sci, Peace & Justice Studies. I knew those programs either neither existed at NU (like Peace & Justice) or were not ranked as high as the depts at Tufts (Poli Sci, IR… btw, NU has Intl Studies not IR). I also knew then, as I do now, that I probably want to be a journalist. However, I didn’t feel that studying journalism as an undergraduate at Medill was such a smart move. I generally don’t agree with pre-professional majors as an undergrad. I like the whole liberal arts idea better.</p>
<p>I’ve loved Tufts and have never regretted coming here. My IR major is fantastic, and had I wanted to study journalism, I could have minored in Communication & Media Studies. However, I have found that my experience on the Tufts Daily and my internships at respected publications have gotten me more of a journalism education than a minor/major in the subject could have. I’m 21 but have already been published in Newsweek, the Washington Post, Reuters, and the Associated Press!</p>
<p>As far as social life goes, I feel like NU and Tufts have similar social scenes except that at NU, the frat scene is significantly bigger. They’re both in similar locations with regards to cities (just outside Boston, Chicago). </p>
<p>You’re right in thinking that you should apply ED to either school to have a better chance of getting in. Try to bring yoru SATs up! Good luck and PM me if you have any questions re: IR, journalism etc.</p>
<p>P.S.>Though I fear sounding like a broken record: Post this in the Tufts forum, too!!!</p>