Tufts vs WashU

ExistentialExp
Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:44:12 +0000

I’m really considering both schools equally and I see lots of pros and cons for both. I visited Tufts last year, and the campus was ok, but the vibe I got from the students was really nice (our tour guide was surprised mid-tour by her friends wishing her happy birthday [it was her birthday that day] and nearby students at the library were offering free hugs to students who had just finished finals, etc). Additionally, while Tufts isn’t IN Boston, it’s still very close by, possibly allowing me to utilize resources in Boston(?).

WashU is pretty good too–I’ve heard it’s academic programs are a bit better than that of Tufts, but I don’t give too much credence to word of mouth and rankings. The location is different (not better or worse), with a different feel (esp considering I come from New England, so a different culture would be very nice).

I also have a large interest in science and research–if all goes well, I plan on attending grad school and pursuing a PhD. My primary interest is in physics (astrophysics, cosmology, quantum physics) and at the moment that’s the major I’m eying (along with a possible double major or a minor in a humanities). Even if I decide not to major in physics for some odd reason, I’ll most probably be majoring in some science.

Which college would be better for physics? Which for general science and research? What do you guys recommend?

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