SAT and ACT Tests

Standardized Test Requirements

Tufts University is extending its current test-optional admissions policy for all undergraduate applicants seeking to enroll in the Fall of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. 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.  

Emerging research shows that when applicants have clear guidance about how admissions offices evaluate test scores as part of a holistic admission process, and about the types of scores that are most helpful to that evaluation, they make better informed choices about score submission. To that end, Tufts Admissions offers the following:

• Evidence of academic preparation and potential for success in an applicant’s intended area of study is essential for admission to Tufts. Alongside many other components of the application, an applicant’s test scores, even when they are below the middle 50% of our admitted cohort, can provide some evidence of academic preparation.
• Generally, we encourage applicants with scores of 1300 or higher on the SAT, or 28 or higher on the ACT to include those scores with their applications for admission. 
• In the most recent admissions cycle, first-year applicants who submitted scores were admitted to Tufts with scores ranging from 1240-1600 on the SAT and composite scores ranging from 26-36 on the ACT.
• Importantly, we will not assume that an applicant’s scores fall below those ranges if they are not submitted. We understand that the SAT and ACT are still not widely available in some parts of the US and in many regions of the world, that there are financial barriers associated with sitting for either test, and that test scores do not always reflect an applicant’s true potential. We are test-optional – really.

We do not require the writing section of the ACT, nor do we review it in our evaluation process.

Our proof of English proficiency requirements remain in effect for certain applicants. Click here for more information. 

Tufts' code for the SAT is 3901. The code for the ACT is 1922.

On Submitting SAT/ACT scores with your application:

Prior to submitting the application, we ask students whether or not they want test scores to be included with the review of their application. Once students submit their application for admission, the answer selected in the application cannot be changed. We encourage students to have thoughtful conversations about this decision prior to the submission of the application with school counselors and educators who are advising them. 

On Score Suppression, for those wishing to have SAT/ACT scores considered:

Tufts has made the decision to suppress (hide) the SAT and ACT test scores on the Common Application for all students applying. This means that when you submit your standardized test scores, you will not see them in the application or on the PDF preview of your Common Application. Even though they will not be visible to you, those test scores will be a part of the data our admissions team receives, and they will become a part of your application and be visible in your Tufts application to our admissions officers.

On Self-Reporting:

Tufts will accept self-reported testing on the Common Application, QuestBridge Application, and Coalition Application when students are applying. Scores may be self-reported within the online applications or via the score report form in the Tufts applicant status portal. Students who are admitted and choose to enroll at Tufts will be required to verify their self-reported testing by sending their official scores. If any discrepancies are found during the verification process, it may jeopardize the student's offer of admission.

On Super Scoring: 

The College Board and the ACT allow students to submit or withhold selected scores from colleges. When applying to Tufts, if students submit all testing across multiple dates, the admissions committee will evaluate the highest scores for each section of the SAT or the ACT. Alternatively, students may choose to submit only the highest sections across multiple test dates.  

For the SAT, we review the highest individual Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores from all test sittings.

For the ACT, we review the highest subscores and calculate a superscore ACT Composite.

Exam Timing

If you are planning to submit standardized testing, please use the following as guidance:

These are the latest possible test dates that can be considered for each round:

• Early Decision I: Students may take the October ACT / November SAT
• Early Decision II: Students may take the December ACT / December SAT
• Regular Decision: Students may take the February ACT / December SAT

In these cases, it is advised to send your scores directly to Tufts University through the College Board when you sit for your exam. This will ensure that we receive your scores in time to be considered in your application.