Tufts University Top Questions

there are some people like that but most are not. i would say that almost everyone there is actually very happy

Yes.

Maybe, but so is everyone at the top schools. It's just that we are so close to Harvard. Students at Wesleyan and other similar schools are Ivy League rejects too. Furthermore, there are certainly people that chose Tufts over Ivies.

Do we even have an athletic program? Yes, it's very true that Tufts is oblivious to sports, except for Homecoming weekend, but even then, students rarely know who Tufts is even playing against! I personally have not experienced the lack of parties AT ALL while at Tufts. If you want to find a party, you will. I am heavily involved in the theater community at Tufts, and I almost find that I am looking for a break from parties sometimes because the weekends are crammed with cast parties and many other off-campus festivities. The wealth factor at Tufts is apparent, but Tufts is extremely diverse. I know people who are getting almost full rides to Tufts because of financial aid and people who could probably pay for 7 tuitions without breaking a sweat.

For the most part, yes, but there exists some diversity within this homogeneous mixture

Well, I don't really know about how much people drink, because it all seems like too much too me. Sometimes the smartest people are the ones who make dumb decisions... strange, eh?

no. lots of kids have fun and work hard

To some degree--there are all types of people on Tufts' campus, though

Especially in the last couple years, I really think Tufts has outgrown its place as a wannabe Ivy. It's a prestigious university in its own right and we've attracted smart kids who want to be here. Kids aren't as bitter as they used to be that they are at Tufts (instead of an Ivy) because they realize what a great school it is and they appreciate that Tufts kids know how to have fun. I will admit that we are all a bit socially awkward, but it's usually hilarious; I also think our generation is obsessed with awkwardness, so Tufts just basks in it. In terms of preppiness, Tufts definitely attracts its share of Connecticut preps (especially in the frats). We seem to be getting more indie/hipster kids in the last couple years, so we have a pretty varied group. As a prestigious school, Tufts does tend to attract kids from fairly wealthy families, which is why we do have some preps and japs.

Nope. I would agree that Tufts is not a "Michigan" but it sure does know how to have a good time. While Greek life is not huge on campus, they still are home to lots of weekend parties. Tufts has themed houses that have parties, and lots of kids throw house parties. Overall, we find our way to have a good time.

Sure.

Well there is certainly some truth to all of them, but (thankfully) not all Tufts students are awkward IR or pre-med kids that were rejected from yale...but some are. :)

Tufts has become so competitive in the past few years it's ridiculous to call it any kind of safety school. I think kids at Tufts generally work hard, but play hard too - at least they have in the past - it's becoming more and more difficult for students to party as the administration cracks down more and more on Greek life on campus. The sorority system is almost unrecognizable to what it was when I was a new member only three years ago. It seems the school is trying to weed Greek life out of Tufts, but the truth is that, at least historically, most of the parties and fun stuff on campus happens within Greek life. It plays a vital role for most students regardless of whether or not they want to become formally involved. I know boys who still show up to frat parties as seniors that have never pledged a fraternity in their lives. Freshman definitely all rely on the frats to party though, because they are forced to live on campus under strict watchful eyes, rather than off campus where upper classmen enjoy the freedom to do what they want.

to an extent

Students definitely take their classes very seriously. However, there isnt much competition between students. Its primarily students being competitive with themselves and holding themselves to high standards.

There are a lot of students who were rejected from ivy league schools, but Tufts is a ton of fun, there is plenty to do.

Yes, but that doesn't imply that the students aren't excellent or that Tufts isn't a really good school.

sort of, yes (some students fit)

yes.

No way! Tufts was my number one choice, and I applied ED. I know so many other people who were thrilled to have gotten in to Tufts and would never have chosen elsewhere-- even a couple who turned down Harvard to be a Jumbo.