Tufts vs. Wash U?

mythmom
Thu, 08 May 2008 19:46:51 +0000

I know kids at both schools. D’s boyfriend goes to WashU. I think their both wonderful schools and kids can get a wonderful education at either.

Here two differences that aren’t really about the academics at the schools. One: Boston vs. St. Louis, sorry to Missourians, but IMO a no brainer. Two: Regionalism and here it is preference. We are northeasterners. D’s boyfriend is from the South and didn’t want to come to the northeast to study. He felt intimidated. He’s a brilliant kid so I don’t really understand that, but there it is. He adores the school. But I digress. You will find more eastern seaboard types at Tufts. They’re at WashU as well, but not in the same concentration.

Tufts has the issue of, well, Tufts Syndrome, standing in the shadow of Harbard and MIT. But I really think this gets to be less and less true and that Tufts shines brightly in itself.

If I had to make a distinction I would say WashU might be a bit stronger in some of the sciences and Tufts a bit stronger in social sciences and languages.

However, they are both excellent schools, so I think this is definitely a case where personal preference should decide.