Information for First-Year Applicants
Tufts uses the Common Application. Everything you need to apply, including the Tufts writing supplement, is hosted on the Common Application website.
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Application Checklist
A complete application includes the following ten (10) items, which are required:
- Completed Common Application
- Completed Tufts Writing Supplement
- High School Transcript(s)
- Senior Grades - All applicants will be required to send their senior grades as part of their application. Students applying Early Decision I should send first quarter or trimester grades no later than the last week in November. Students applying Early Decision II should plan for their first semester or trimester grades to arrive no later than the third week in January. Finally, Regular Decision applicants should submit their first semester or trimester grades by the middle of February. Students studying abroad (where predicted grades are common) should send those if senior grades are not available.
- SAT and 2 subject tests or ACT with writing - See the standardized test requirements for information on which subject tests to take.
- TOEFL scores (only for students for whom English is not the first language or who attend a school where English is not the language of instruction)
- 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 or her application.
- Personal Statement - Application for admission requires the submission of the personal statement found on the Common Application.
- Short Answer Essays - As part of our supplement, Tufts requires each applicant to respond to three short answer questions (200 words or less). See the Essay Questions page for required short answer essay topics.
- 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 all students to be team captains, class presidents, or editors-in-chief; rather, we look for meaningful involvement in their school and/or community.
- $70 Application Fee or Fee Waiver - You may have the application fee waived by submitting either i) a written request from your college counselor or school official who can attest that the fee would represent a financial hardship, or ii) a College Board Request for Waiver of the Application Fee form. You may consider the waiver approved unless a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions notifies you otherwise. Without an application fee, or an approved fee waiver, we cannot continue to process your application to Tufts University.
This addition to the application is optional, meaning it is not required:
We prefer that students apply online, but we also provide access to printable forms. Please keep in mind that all information must received by the application deadlines. Also note that applying for financial aid is a separate process, with its own required documents and deadlines.
Mailing Address
Application fee waiver requests, recommendations, and other supplementary material can be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
2 The Green
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155-7057