Just over four years ago, I wrote this in response to “Why Tufts?”:
“Tufts is a place where I can see myself happy and thriving. It is a university with the feel of a liberal arts college. The campus is intimate, but has full access to Boston and all that the city has to offer. The University’s uniquely international focus opens the minds of its undergraduates to the world. I see a place where I can take an Art History course and see the works for myself, but I can also attend an English class where the professor knows me both as a student and as a person.”
While I have found these things to be true to my expectations, I think it’s time for an update. On my tours, I always tell the group that the question is a bit one-sided—I mean, how are you supposed to write about Tufts without knowing it from the inside. The view shifts drastically whether you are a prospective applicant, a prospective student, current student, or a graduate. Now that many of you looking at this are accepted (CONGRATS!) or considering applying next year, I thought it was time to give this a rewrite. Here goes:
Why Tufts?
When we think about college, we think of schoolwork and extracurriculars. As I’ve discovered, there is another factor: the people I see every day. At Tufts, I’ve met amazing people. From my housemate, who built a water filtration system in the backyard then went to El Salvador to install it, to the fellow art history major studying manuscript conservation, Tufts is full of interesting and engaged people, each motivated by his or her individual passions and supported by the community. I have no doubt that years down the road, I will see new and exciting things from my fellow Jumbos.
So there you have it. In the spirit of the admissions prompt, I'm going to let that stand as is, but if you have any questions about Tufts, comment below and I'll respond ASAP :D