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The Admissions Process for International Students

Tufts uses the Common Application.  Everything you need to apply, including the supplement, is hosted there.

International Admissions Philosophy
Secondary School Course Selection & Standardized Testing
Foreign Diploma & International Baccalaureate Credit
Interviewing - International Students
Visa Information
Financial Aid - International Students
Campus Resources for International Students


International Admissions Philosophy

Assessing potential for success at Tufts involves considering not only the quality of academic preparation and a student's passion for learning, but also qualities such as leadership and devotion to community service. The admissions office is aware of the varying levels of extracurricular opportunities available for many international students.

International students should start the application process well in advance of the deadlines .

Due to potential delays with airmail, applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the admissions office via e-mail, fax, and registered mail. Students are also strongly encouraged to apply for admission electronically to eliminate any potential delays with airmail. For more information about applying electronically, please visit the first year applicant section of this website.

 

Secondary School Course Selection & Standardized Testing

The admissions process is individualized and designed to focus on the intellectual strengths of applicants while understanding the richness and breadth of backgrounds. Primary emphasis is placed on evaluating candidates within the context of their national academic system. Close attention is paid to the secondary school record, standardized testing, recommendations, and any information providing insight into the work of the student. The admissions office is familiar with evaluating credentials from many different educational systems, such as the GCSE and GCE A-levels, the French Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, and the Arbitur, among others.

Although we ask applicants to complete standardized tests for a U.S. secondary system, these tests are interpreted in the context of one's international background.

Applying to: Testing Requirement:
School of Arts and Sciences
(contemplating a major in the Sciences or Mathematics)

OPTION 1: SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests. We recommend the submission of Math Level I or II and a science test.
OPTION 2: ACT with the Writing Section.

 

School of Arts and Sciences
(contemplating a major is the Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts, or Undecided)

 

OPTION 1: SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests of your choice.
OPTION 2: ACT with the Writing Section.

School of Engineering
OPTION 1: SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests: one Math exam (Math Level I or II) and one science exam (either Physics or Chemistry).
OPTION 2: ACT with the Writing Section.


Students for whom English is not the primary language, or not the language of instruction in their secondary school, should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in addition to the options listed above. The minimum required TOEFL score is 250 on the computer based test or 100 on the internet based test. We also accept the IELTS, with a minimum of 7 required.

Tufts’ code for the SAT and SAT II exams is 3901.  The code for TOEFL is 3499

 

Foreign Diploma & International Baccalaureate Credit

Tufts does not automatically grant credit for the diploma as a whole; rather, acceleration credit is awarded for each subject passed at an appropriate level. Students can receive up to but no more than eight credits total of acceleration. Students receiving all eight credits will be allowed to graduate in six semesters instead of eight; however, this advanced standing will not be instated until after the student completes four semesters at Tufts. These credits may be used to satisfy foundation and distribution requirements and as prerequisites for advanced courses. For more information about foreign diploma credit and international baccalaureate credit, please see the "Foreign Diploma Credit" and the "International Baccalaureate Credit" sections of the Tufts Bulletin.
 

Interviewing - International Students

Most first-year applicants to the university will have the opportunity for a personal interview in his or her country with a member of the Tufts Alumni Admissions Program (TAAP) after the Supplemental Form of the application is submitted. In addition to the United States, TAAP committees are available in the following countries:
Argentina
Austria
Australia
Bahamas
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Finland

France
Germany
Greece

Guatemala
Hong Kong
Indonesia
India
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Korea
México
The Netherlands
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Philippines

Pakistan
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Sweden
Singapore
Spain
Switzerland
United Arab Emirates
Thailand
Turkey
Taiwan
Russia
Venezuela

For more information on interviewing, please see the Alumni Interview page of this website.

 

Visa Information

When international students have paid the enrollment deposit to be a full-time undergraduate at Tufts, the International Center will send the necessary documents along with proof of financial support. Once the information has been returned, the Form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant "F" student status, will be sent to the student. Students will then submit this form to the Consul in the United States Embassy for the issuance of the "F" student visa. Finally, the student will present the visa to the Immigration Inspector at the port of entry to the U.S. for issuance of an entry permit.

 

Financial Aid - International Students

The university awards financial aid only on the basis of demonstrated need. We do not offer any academic merit aid.

Since the university relies on several federally subsidized funds for which international students do not qualify, the university must draw only on limited institutional resources (primarily grants) when aiding international students. Each year we anticipate that a fairly small and highly qualified group of international students will be offered financial aid.  If you expect that you will need financial aid at Tufts, you must apply for it when you apply for admission. Do not wait until you receive a decision from Tufts to apply for aid; you will not receive it.

Financial aid is not available to international students who did not receive aid upon admittance. The family contribution that is determined upon acceptance will remain the same as long as the student is eligible to receive financial aid. While competition for international student financial aid is strong, it is also the case that the University is committed to maintaining and expanding its global campus community.

The following form is required for consideration of financial aid for international students:

               CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

The PROFILE application, accessible at www.collegeboard.com/PROFILE, can be completed and submitted online. If you are accepted to Tufts and choose to enroll, you will be required to submit the International Student Certification of Finances to the International Center. All documents should be written in English or accompanied by certified translations from a local consulate, embassy, or school official. Please note the deadlines for submitting application materials, as late applications may not be considered.

Davis United World College Scholars

The Davis United World College Scholars program, generously funded by the Shelby Davis family, entitles graduates of United World College (UWC) to receive a need-based grant of up to $10,000 per year towards the costs of undergraduate study at Tufts. UWC graduates with additional need may apply to Tufts for additional need-based financial aid. Both the Davis United World College Scholars grant and all Tufts financial aid grants are multi-year awards (up to four years) and are renewable if the student maintains good academic standing.

 

Campus Resources for International Students

The Tufts International Center

An active International Center helps the many students from around the globe make the transition to Tufts. The Center provides special services for international students and faculty and serves as a focal point for international, cultural and social activities on campus. Staff members are available to advise and counsel international students and their families on cultural adjustment, academic and personal issues, housing questions and employment regulations. The International Center coordinates an International Orientation for incoming undergraduate international students, students from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam; and U.S. permanent residents and American students who live abroad. A small number of domestic American first-year students are also invited to attend this Orientation. The Orientation program includes an introduction to Tufts, academic advising sessions, and recreational activities. International Orientation runs just prior to the campus-wide Orientation program.

Higher Education in the United States

Given the complexity of applying to university in the USA, the following web site is a useful resource to address broader questions regarding pursuing higher education in the States. 

http://educationusa.state.gov