<p>classclown, there was a good discussion thread on brown v tufts last year <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1131818-tufts-vs-brown-2011-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1131818-tufts-vs-brown-2011-a.html</a> The OP on that thread also posted to the Tufts and Brown forums, but most of the responses came on the general college search board. Not an IR focus, but a useful comparison of some of the differences between the two schools.</p>
<p>JHU is different than your other two, with more of a reputation for students being intense or cutthroat, depending on your POV. Much of that may come from all of the premeds. A family friend’s daughter just finished undergrad there in IR, and was accepted to all of the usual great places for IR grad school. She clearly received an excellent education.</p>
<p>My freshman D is taking a grad class at Fletcher this semester, so yes, you can take classes there throughout undergrad. Even if you’re not an IR major. </p>
<p>My vote for you is to consider money/affordability and fit with the student population. There are no bad academic choices here. Congratulations on being able to choose among these schools!</p>