Tufts, UMass, and Amherst

Hello there! I just returned from February vacation and, like many of my friends, I was not on a beach in St. Tropez. Instead I was sitting in on info sessions and going on college tours in my home state of Massachusetts (yay?).  I visited two state schools, Amherst College, and Tufts University. And boy do I have some news for you.

But first, a segway; I have developed a new system of measurement for schools that I visit. Because it really isn't just about how median test scores match up, what your GPA is, or whether you were a published writer at the age of seven; schools all have their own perspective and feel. 

Here is my proposal:  Pick one single word (preferably a noun) that can define the "feel" of a school.

For example: Georgetown's word? Competition.  It's everywhere, and maybe its just the heightened political atmosphere, but it seemed to me that everyone was thriving on the hope of becoming THE best. Some people would find this unattractive; I, however, loved it.

So to shorten a week's worth of college visits, I'm going to give you "the word" on the four tours I went on (expanding on those which I liked the most ;) ).

UMass Lowell- Tired  Enough said.

Tufts University- Open-Minded  I went to this school with my friend, Liz, and her dad with no expectations of my own. But WOW, when I walked on campus, I felt completely at home. Jumbos are the coolest, most unabashed nerds you have ever seen. From the mural by Shepard Fairey to the greatest information I have ever seen (it included bee dances!), Tufts has become one of my favorites!

UMass Amherst- Hodgepodge  My cousin goes here and gave me a tour of the MASSIVE campus (mostly revolving around the best places to eat of course!) and my mom is an alum. UMass feels like a school that can be whatever you make it, and I really admire that. This is also probably the most financially responsible school for me to go to.

Amherst College- Focused  It's the "king of the little Ivies" and they're not kidding. A gorgeous school, but much too small for me, not to mention out of my reach. At the information session, a rep told us they have a 400 person freshman class- that 8,000 people applied for!

Thoughts?