The application review process includes the evaluation of the following items:
Academic Background
The following parts of the application are used by the admissions committee to gain a sense of an applicant's academic accomplishments and potential:
- Course selection and rigor of courses selected by the student.
- Grades since the first year of high school
- Level of academic competition in the secondary school setting.
- Standardized Test Requirements (see chart below)
| 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.
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School of Arts and Sciences
| OPTION 1: SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests of your choice. |
| 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. |
A NOTE ABOUT THE SAT AND "SCORE CHOICE"
Beginning with the Class of 2014, the College Board allows each student to submit or withhold selected SAT question scores to colleges. It is Tufts' longstanding admissions policy to use a student's highest score for each section of the SAT (Critical Reasoning, Math and Writing) regardless of the test date. Accordingly, Tufts asks applicants to submit all SAT testing from all test dates. The University will continue to use the highest combination of SAT section score (from one or multiple test dates) in rendering each admission decision.
Our goal is to keep the admission process as straightforward as possible. Since our database already selects the highest sectional score for inclusion in the application file, "score choice" is redundant.
Helpful Links:
College Board
ACT
Letters of Recommendation
Tufts requires one letter from a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course (math, natural science, social science, English, or a foreign language) and one letter from a guidance counselor. Additional letters, though not encouraged, may be submitted if the student feels they can add new perspective to his/her application.
Personal Statement
Application for both freshman and transfer admission requires the submission of the personal statement found on the Common Application.
Short Answer Essays: Required of Each Applicant
Tufts requires each applicant to respond to two short answer questions (200 words or less).
Optional Essay
In addition to submitting the Personal Statement as a part of the Common Application, students may also submit an optional second essay.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to evaluating an academic fit, the admissions committee looks for ways a student may contribute to the community as a whole. They will assess the level and type of involvement in each activity and may ask questions such as: Has the student been a significant contributor or leader? How has the involvement contributed to the school or larger community? Does the student have a special talent in a particular area?. We do not expect that every student be captain, president or editor-in-chief; rather, we look for meaningful involvement with their school and/or community.