Tufts - what is the atmosphere like?

[Anonymous]

DC, a junior, is becoming more and more interested in Tufts. Interest seems driven by a friend who goes there and is having a good experience and the information in Fiske which describes a very friendly and engaged student body.

I am sure there are friendly students there as there are everywhere, but my impression from friends is that a lot of students keep to themselves and it isn’t that easy to make connections with other students, and also that the school doesn’t really have a personality other than it is near Boston (meaning, there isn’t a lot of programming and activities on campus that bring the students together).

I admit this is all secondhand and I’d like to be supportive of DC. Can those with kids at Tufts speak to how they like the school and what you think of my concerns. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

IME, anxious and pretentious. Lot of kids who couldn't make it into an Ivy or T20, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's a palpable aspect of the campus culture.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like someone is trying to drive down popularity for a school that her DC is considering. Nice try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IME, anxious and pretentious. Lot of kids who couldn't make it into an Ivy or T20, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's a palpable aspect of the campus culture.

[Anonymous]

My kid just completed his first semester there and had a blast. The general atmosphere on campus is well captured by the Fiske guide. Very friendly, outgoing students, with a good dose of school spirit. Students are smart, motivated, and very collaborative. He has already made a very good set of interesting, fun, supportive friends.

He spoke to a number of current students before deciding to apply and they were all very happy with their experience there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IME, anxious and pretentious. Lot of kids who couldn't make it into an Ivy or T20, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's a palpable aspect of the campus culture.

Good lord you’re an imbecile. OP, go visit and you’ll find a very engaged, intellectually curious, diverse and cooperative student body. Great size……larger than the bigger LACs and smaller than the smaller research universities. Proximity to Boston is an obvious benefit for internship opportunities, cultural events and opportunities to socialize with friends at other area schools. I had a fantastic four years there but have DC check it out for themself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid just completed his first semester there and had a blast. The general atmosphere on campus is well captured by the Fiske guide. Very friendly, outgoing students, with a good dose of school spirit. Students are smart, motivated, and very collaborative. He has already made a very good set of interesting, fun, supportive friends.

He spoke to a number of current students before deciding to apply and they were all very happy with their experience there.

This is great to read, thanks from OP. Has your son gotten involved with any campus activities, intramurals, etc? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

quirky. Very quirky.

[Anonymous]

Wow. Apparently one is required to say nothing but praises about Tufts lest they be shamed and shunted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid just completed his first semester there and had a blast. The general atmosphere on campus is well captured by the Fiske guide. Very friendly, outgoing students, with a good dose of school spirit. Students are smart, motivated, and very collaborative. He has already made a very good set of interesting, fun, supportive friends.

He spoke to a number of current students before deciding to apply and they were all very happy with their experience there.

This is great to read, thanks from OP. Has your son gotten involved with any campus activities, intramurals, etc? Thanks.

Yes, he has, primarily in an intramural sport and it was a great way to meet and get to know people. No shortage of kids into sports and a wide range of other activities. A few of the clubs require an application, others are open to everyone. Lots going on.

[Anonymous]

My daughter, now a senior, has been very happy at Tufts. The first semester was difficult, but after that she just clicked. The academics are challenging, the size of the school is big enough to have a lot of activities and she has been involved in a variety of them. I think everyone is.
On the other hand, the school is small enough to get to know your teachers and have a meaningful connection with them.. The location is great, she loves Somervile and Cambridge, and Boston is 15 minutes away.
It can be cold in the winter and they have to look for off-campus living for their junior and senior years: it can be stressful the first time around but at the end it works out well.
Good luck to your kid.

[Anonymous]

Tufts is in a more suburban area of Boston. It's far outside where you could party. That said, don't believe the negative Nancy's i knew plenty of people at Tufts or went to Tufts when I was at MIT, no one had a bad experience or negative things to say about it.

The only colleges I would discourage my own child to attend is Wellesley or Smith. Smith because it's very militant liberal (I say this as a liberal). Wellesley because they all party in Boston, kind of have a bad reputation as a result and I knew people that were far too bored there.

[Anonymous]

I'm enjoying the positive feedback from parents of current students. My DC just ED'd at Tufts so will be attending in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm enjoying the positive feedback from parents of current students. My DC just ED'd at Tufts so will be attending in the fall.

Congrats!

[Anonymous]

I know two Tufts grads from DMV who graduated last year and have had trouble finding jobs.