Affordability is not a concern for us. We’re thinking of potentially studying neuroscience or biology but we’re not completely sure yet and still’d like the academic flexibility to explore. We’re also considering whether or not there are good neuroscience labs around the neighborhood and how easy it would be for undergraduates to join. Another thing we’re thinking about is studying abroad, but don’t know much about it right now. We also have an offer from Imperial College London, not sure if anyone has a view on which school is better. Thank you very much!!
Who is “we” in the “we’re”. Are you the student or the parent. Only one of you is going to college…and the perspective of that college student needs to be considered the most, in my opinion.
We’re also considering whether or not there are good neuroscience labs around the neighborhood and how easy it would be for undergraduates to join
This is impossible to predict. A number of colleges have already stated that any lab opportunities will go to their grad students as they anticipate decreased funding, and staff lay offs potentially.
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Thanks for the reply. Actually my daughter posted this on behalf of herself and me (mom) as well. So it’s her seeking advice. And absolutely agree that her perspectives need to be considered the most!
Your point on the funding issue and uncertain lab opportunities is well taken. Thanks!
Do you want to be in Boston or San Diego.
Check the college requirements academically in San Diego.
UCSD is on trimesters. Tufts semesters I believe.
In general, one is a big flagship. One is not.
I’d also check in major flexibility assuming you want to change - I’m guessing easier at Tufts but don’t know - I’d check into it.
Study abroad - you can do from any school - but it’s likely easier by the semester vs. quarter - as most abroad are semester. Many do programs via other colleges.
As for labs, ask each department what kind of access and where kids get.
I’d probably think Tufts - especially if OOS given the costs for a large public - but you can ask questions and dig deeper.
Good luck.
The trimester system is really tough for some students. It’s fast paced and if they start off on the wrong footing, it is difficult to rectify that.
I think Tufts is going to provide a more engaging college experience. UCSD is gargantuan in comparison. I personally wouldn’t choose a UC over a smaller college, simply due to class sizes overall and sheer numbers of people. I also think Tufts is a better location for your child’s potential major.
Study abroad is not a strong factor, IMO. It’s going to be pretty similar across the board.
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If we’re talking about world ranking for Neuroscience, which is based on research output and accomplishments, UCSD would be the top, ICL is next, and Tufts is a far third. The neuroscience research labs at UCSD are probably the best ones of the lot.
However, that doesn’t tell you all that much about undergraduate education. Tufts is smaller and has smaller classes, so it’s possibly a better education experience. ICL follows the British system, which is based mostly on lectures and a small number of exams, rather than discussion groups with quizzes and assignments.
Ay ICL, like at other UK universities, you are accepted to a “course”, and transferring is very different than in USA universities. So there is a good chance that most credits will not be able to be transferred. I don’t know what the processes is in the UK to gain experience in an academic lab, so I cannot help you there.
If your kid is interested in doing a PhD, UCSD is by far the best choice. Reputation of undergraduate institution matters, an, as I wrote, UCSD is a top program. If they are not interested in a PhD, but in a different path (including an MD), Tufts may be the better choice.
Regarding student life, UCSD is in San Diego, and has the best weather by far. ICL is in London, one of the world’s great cities, while Tufts is in the Boston area, which has more students per square mile than any other major metropolitan area in the USA, and is a great place in its own right (my kid just spent two years as a post-bacc in Cambridge, MA).
PS. UCSD is not the state flagship. The CA state flagships are Berkeley and UCLA.
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Yes - but it’s similar - in size, scope. Why I said it like that.
OP can you do re-visit days? I would if at all possible. IME the feel of Tufts and UCSD are quite different.
Attended UCSD and have niece recent grad there. Friend graduated from tufts and visited the campus. I love UCSD, great college, city, weather, food, environment. But radically different than Tufts, east coast, Boston. The size is so different and the campus size as well. I would believe you would get much more attention at Tufts. If the price is comparable, purely from an experience standpoint, I’d probably suggest Tufts if you like a small school, college town, East Coast vibe. UCSD is a big school in a fairly large city that isn’t really a college town. You will likely interact with UCSD students only and an occasional SDSU student maybe. At Tufts, I’m sure you may fraternize with Harvard, MIT, BU and NEU students. It’s more collegial likely.
But…also, if you don’t find a course particularly lovely, it’s over in a shorter time. Same with instructors…you can be done with them more quickly.
Back in the Stone Age, I did semesters at one school, and quarters at another. I far preferred quarters. No wasted time.
Welcome to College Confidential, @t1na! I just sent you a DM (see the green bubble in the upper right). We ask that you setup your own account as it becomes confusing when two people post using the same profile. Thank you in advance and best of luck to your daughter as she makes her decision.
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That’s a definite maybe. My BU kid never once fraternized with students from these other colleges.
I guess it’s possible, but there isn’t any real guarantee that will happen.
Also true. But hopefully, when a student takes a class, the idea isn’t to get it over with quickly in case it’s awful.
I did a trimester once (transferable to my public uni) and I really disliked it because I was never able to immerse myself in the subjects. I was just getting into them and bam, the trimester was over. I slacked off in the beginning of one class and wasn’t able to improve much because it was so fast paced. Just my perspective, as I know some people like trimesters.