QuestBridge

Tufts is proud to partner with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting high-achieving, low-income students with highly selective colleges and universities. Each year, Tufts admits QuestBridge-affiliated students through the binding National College Match and through our three application rounds: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision.

The QuestBridge National College Match application becomes available in late summer and is typically due in late September. The National College Match is open to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents and students, regardless of citizenship status, currently attending high school in the United States. Students who are selected as Finalists and “match” with Tufts will receive a comprehensive, four-year financial aid package with no student loans. Finalists who are not matched with a binding college, as well as non-Finalists who submit the QuestBridge application to Tufts, will receive a financial aid package that meets 100% of demonstrated need, if admitted.

For additional information about the application process and requirements for QuestBridge-affiliated students, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below, as well as Tufts’ partner page on the QuestBridge website.

QuestBridge FAQs

How do I begin my QuestBridge application?
I am a QuestBridge Finalist interested in ranking Tufts in the National College Match. What materials do I need to send to Tufts?
Does Tufts require QuestBridge applicants to submit supplemental materials?
What are the financial aid application requirements for QuestBridge students?
Can I apply to Tufts through the National College Match if I am not a US citizen?
Is the National College Match binding at Tufts?
I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but was not matched with Tufts. Can I still apply?

How does the application process work for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students?
How does financial aid work for QuestBridge students who are admitted through EDI, EDII, or RD?
Can I have an interview if I apply through the National College Match?
Will Tufts accept standardized test scores taken in October or November of my senior year?
Is there an application fee?
Who can I contact for more information?
Is a visual art portfolio required for QuestBridge applicants applying for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or BFA + BA/BS Combined Degree program?

How do I begin my QuestBridge application?

To learn more about QuestBridge and get started on your application, just click here. The National College Match application is due in late September.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist interested in ranking Tufts in the National College Match. What materials do I need to send to Tufts?

A completed application to Tufts through the National College Match will consist of the QuestBridge application, one counselor recommendation letter, one academic teacher recommendation letter, an official high school transcript, and senior year progress report/grades once available. Beginning with applicants for fall 2024, Tufts has renewed a three-year SAT/ACT-optional policy. Students may choose whether to submit the SAT or ACT for consideration. We also ask that students who rank Tufts indicate their school/program using the Tufts/QuestBridge National College Match Information Form available in your Tufts applicant status portal.

See below for details about the materials required to apply for financial aid.

Does Tufts require QuestBridge applicants to submit supplemental materials?

QuestBridge Finalist and Non-Finalist applicants who were NOT selected during the National College Match process are required to submit responses to two Tufts-specific short-answer questions. For these students, an online QuestBridge/Tufts ED/RD Applicant Form will be included in your Tufts applicant status portal. You will receive an email to set up this applicant status portal once your QuestBridge application has been received by Tufts. Additionally, applicants should submit the QuestBridge Midyear Report as soon as first trimester or first semester grades are available.

What are the financial aid application requirements for QuestBridge students?

Like all first-year applicants who are seeking financial aid, QuestBridge applicants should complete the CSS Profile and upload copies of their parents’ 2023 income tax returns to the College Board's IDOC portal. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the FAFSA. Additionally, students with a Social Security Number should provide this information to the Tufts Financial Aid office using the secure link in their applicant status portal labeled “Add or Update your Social Security Number.” This will help the Financial Aid office match your QuestBridge application with your financial aid materials.

Can I apply to Tufts through the National College Match if I am not a US citizen?

Yes. All students attending high school in the United States are eligible to apply through the QuestBridge National College Match.

Is the National College Match binding at Tufts?

Yes. If you match with Tufts University, you are accepting a binding offer of admission and are required to withdraw any applications submitted to any other colleges or universities.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but was not matched with Tufts. Can I still apply?

Yes, we welcome your application if you did not match with another QuestBridge partner college through a binding offer of admission. You will need to submit the Tufts/QuestBridge ED/RD Applicant Form to be considered for admission. This form will ask you to indicate your academic interests, select your application round, and submit responses to two Tufts-specific short-answer questions. The form will be included as a link in your Tufts applicant status portal. You will receive an email to set up the applicant status portal once your QuestBridge application has been received by Tufts. Applicants should also work with their school counselors to have their first trimester/semester grades submitted as soon as they become available. You do not need to submit the Common Application or Coalition Application in addition to your QuestBridge application. QuestBridge Finalists who pursue Early Decision will also need to submit the Early Decision Agreement, which must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and school counselor.

How does the application process work for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students?

Tufts welcomes all undergraduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students who apply to Tufts are treated identically to any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident in their high school. Undocumented and DACA students should follow the same application procedure as other domestic applicants to Tufts. Tufts meets 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students, regardless of citizenship status. While procedures for financial aid vary between domestic and international applicants, undocumented and DACA students are considered for domestic, need-based financial like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented and DACA students, Tufts provides institutional financial aid in its place. Students with undocumented status must submit the College Board's CSS Profile. More information about the application process for undocumented students is available on our website.

How does financial aid work for QuestBridge students who are admitted through EDI, EDII, or RD?

Exactly the same! Tufts’ financial aid packages cover 100% of the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student, regardless of citizenship status, throughout your four years. This policy makes Tufts a very affordable option for low-income families, regardless of the student’s method of application. For families with an annual income below $60,000, Tufts will not include loans in our financial aid packages. We encourage you to use the MyinTuition Quick College Cost Estimator to learn more about your eligibility for financial aid at Tufts.

You will have to reapply for financial aid every year, and every student is expected to contribute toward their own expenses (such as books, travel, or personal expenses) from their summer income or part-time work during the school year. For the National College Match process, Tufts is only able to match with QuestBridge Finalists whose completed financial aid documents qualify them for a $0 parent contribution according to Tufts’ financial aid policies. To learn about financial aid and the related deadlines, please visit the website of our Financial Aid office here.

Can I have an interview if I apply through the National College Match?

Unfortunately, the tight timeline of the National College Match does not allow for Finalists to participate in Tufts' optional alumni interview process. Students who do not match with Tufts and wish to be considered in Early Decision II or Regular Decision are welcome to request an optional alumni interview. In your applicant status portal, there will be a link to request an interview once Tufts has received your application.

Will Tufts accept standardized test scores taken in October or November of my senior year?

No. Unfortunately, October ACT scores and November SAT scores will not arrive before admissions decisions are made for the QuestBridge National College Match process. However, students who do not match with Tufts and wish to be considered in Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision may self-report additional test scores if they wish.

Is there an application fee?

There is no fee to apply to the QuestBridge National College Match and therefore no application fee for students who send their QuestBridge application to Tufts. For students applying with the Common Application or Coalition Application, you may request an application fee waiver if the $75 application fee represents a financial hardship. Please indicate your request for an application fee waiver within your online application; this waiver request will be verified by your school counselor

Who can I contact for more information?

Questions about the QuestBridge application process or Tufts’ partnership with QuestBridge can be directed to Sean Ashburn, Director of Communications and Outreach, by emailing sean.ashburn@tufts.edu.

Is a visual art portfolio required for QuestBridge applicants applying for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or BFA + BA/BS Combined Degree program?

Yes, all applicants to the BFA and BFA + BA/BS Combined Degree must submit a visual art portfolio. You can read more here about the requirements for BFA and Combined Degree applicants, including the instructions for creating and uploading a portfolio within the applicant status portal.