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
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.
Due to potential delays with airmail, applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the admissions office via e-mail, fax, and registered mail. International students should start the application process well in advance of the deadlines. Students should apply electronically.
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 grant credit automatically for the diploma as a whole; rather, credit is awarded for each approved subject passed at an appropriate level. No more than five credits total from all types of pre-matriculation credits will be awarded to liberal arts students. Students receiving five credits will be allowed to graduate in seven semesters instead of eight; however, this advanced standing will not be instated until the student completes four semesters at Tufts. These credits may be used to satisfy Liberal Arts foundation and distribution requirements and as prerequisites for advanced courses. However, only one pre-matriculation credit may be used toward each of the five distribution areas. 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
Many 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. 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.
Campus Resources for International Students
The Tufts International Center
An active International Center helps Tufts’ many students from around the globe make the transition to college life. 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.