College Admissions 101 - Going to School Far From Home
We asked our 2024 Summer Interns to give advice on a variety of topics for student-athletes entering the college admission process. First up, we talked to Jameer Alves about going to school far from home.
Q: What school do you go to?
JA: I go to Tufts University.
Q: Why did you choose your school?
JA: The opportunity to keep playing the sport I love with great academics.
Q: What factors influenced your decision?
JA: My coaches throughout my entire recruiting process before coming to Tufts were huge on family. That was really important to me because I wanted to go to a school that valued me as a person outside of football. This way, if something happens and I have to stop playing, I will still be supported.
Q: Did you plan on going to school far away?
JA: My plan was always to go to school out-of-state but I did not see myself going this far.
Q: What things do you have to think about compared to local schools? (i.e. how far is the airport, how can I get around, what is the community like, etc.)?
JA: I think what is so great about Tufts now is the addition to the green line. Its only a 30 minute train ride into Boston. If you want visit all the other great schools that the city has to offer. Or you can take the Tufts Shuttle to Davis Square which has pretty much everything you will need along with a Red Line stop as well.
Q: How often do you go home?
JA: Every thanksgiving and Christmas break. My family is a big part of my life and I try to visit when we have enough time off from school.
Q: Does your family visit you at school to see your games?
JA: Yes, last season my mother and sister attended 5 games along with few other family members at a few games.
Q: What advice do you have for an incoming college student or someone going through the process of choosing?
JA: Go to a school that wants you to be there, that could be for sports or for academics. Make sure you are welcomed.
Q: Now that you have been in school what are some things you wish you knew beforehand?
I wish that I knew how challenging it would be to balance school along with a varsity sport being so far away from home.
About Jameer Alves
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Jameer is a senior at Tufts University playing defensive back for the Jumbo football team while studying biopsychology and chemistry. He was an operations intern during the 2024 Summer Games, working on the operations for volleyball, track & field, and fencing. He also interns for multiple departments for Tufts Athletics during the school year. In his free time, Jameer enjoys spending time with family & friends, riding his skateboard, or watching sports.
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