Early Decision

The Early Decision Program is a binding option for students who have decided that Tufts is their first choice and that they will enroll if accepted. Early decision deadlines allow the student to apply and be notified well in advance of the regular decision notification dates.

The Commitment

Applying early is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you are accepted early decision, you have agreed to come to Tufts and will become a member of the class of 2016. If denied, your application is taken out of the applicant pool and you are unable to reapply for that academic year.

The third possible outcome is that your application is deferred. If deferred, your application is sent into the regular decision applicant pool. You will not need to reapply and admission will no longer be binding. Deferred ED applicants receive their admission decision by April 1, when regular decision candidates are notified.

The Process

In order to acknowledge that you wish to be considered under the early decision program, you must submit a signed Early Decision Form. The form must be signed by the student, either a parent or a guardian, and a guidance counselor. You will find the Early Decision Form on the Common Application site when you apply.

Early Decision applicants are held to same standard as regular admission applicants, and the application requirements are the same. The only difference is that they agree to binding admission and they apply sooner.

The Deadlines

Please keep in mind that financial aid application deadlines may differ from admissions deadlines. 

SAT and ACT Score Submission

For candidates applying Early Decision I, Tufts will accept standardized test scores from exams taken in October and November. Scores should be sent directly to Tufts from the testing agency. They do not need to be rushed. Make a note in the testing section of The Common Application that your scores are forthcoming. 

If we do not receive your official scores from the testing agency or your high school, we will be unable to make a decision on your file. Please plan accordingly.

Applying by Mail

We prefer that applicants apply online, but we also provide access to printable forms. Printed applications submitted by mail must be postmarked on or before the admissions application deadline. Application fee waiver requests, recommendations, and other supplementary material can also be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
2 The Green
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155-7057