It’s never too early to start thinking about your future college experience. If you think Tufts might be a good fit for you, here are some things to keep in mind over the next year (or two or three).
- Visit if you find yourself in the Boston area, or do a virtual visit. While you’ll probably do more college visits in the future, there’s no reason not to stop by our campus earlier if you find yourself in the area. Check out our visit calendar to sign up for information sessions, campus tours, and more! Click here for information about virtual opportunities.
- Concentrate on planning your high school curriculum. Build a schedule of solid academic subjects—math, science, English, second language, history/social sciences—for all four years. (Note: This is a recommendation, not a requirement. We understand that you may not be able to take four years of a second language at your school, or your science lab may conflict with the most rigorous history course you have your eye on—and that's OK. You need to build a schedule that is both realistic and intellectually engaging, as well as balanced.) Challenge yourself within reason, and don’t be afraid to take some AP classes or the IB diploma program if that’s available.
- Meet with your school counselor early in your high school career. Find out what your school has to offer. Familiarize yourself with the counseling office so it is not intimidating to you when you actually need to go there.
- Think about testing. Tufts University is test-optional for all undergraduate applicants. First-year and transfer applicants have a choice about whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for undergraduate admission to Tufts University. If applicants would like us to consider their exam results as one component of their candidacy, we will do so in a nuanced and contextual way. If students choose not to submit exam results, we will evaluate their candidacy in a nuanced and contextual way without scores. We do not require SAT Subject Tests, the SAT Essay, or the writing section of the ACT and will not consider them in our process. Tufts accepts self-reported testing on the Common Application, QuestBridge Application, and Coalition Application when students are applying. Students who are admitted and choose to enroll at Tufts will be required to send their official scores. Should you choose to pursue standardized testing, here are some tips to make the process less stressful:
- If you are disappointed with your scores on the SAT, rather than retaking it three or four times, try taking the ACT. Some students seem to do better on one versus the other.
- Try taking the test a little earlier in the year to give yourself time to re-take it if you'd like.
- Learn about admissions, academic programs and student life at Tufts through our blogs, YouTube, and Instagram (@tuftsadmissions). They’re informative as well as entertaining.
- Sign up for the Mailing List to get more information and be notified if we're visiting your school.
- Start to investigate scholarship and financial aid options. Talk with your family about paying for college, and keep in mind one very important fact: private colleges may seem too expensive, but students who qualify for financial aid often pay a small fraction of that cost - and sometimes, nothing at all. Check out the College Board Cost Calculator to get a sense of your eligibility for financial aid.