Short Answer Questions
First-year applicants to Tufts University are asked to respond to two required short answer prompts, which vary depending on the program to which you are applying (read carefully below). Responses offer the Admissions Committee insight into the interests and qualities that make you you and help us better understand your interest in Tufts. We’ve created this page to allow you to review the prompts prior to completing your application. Visit the Common Application site or the Coalition Application by Scoir site when you’re ready to apply online.
Short Answer Prompts for the Class of 2031
- Short Answer Prompt #1: Please describe how you have learned about and engaged with Tufts during your college search process (75-150 words).
- Short Answer Prompt #2 is specific to your intended school/program at Tufts:
- Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences are required to answer the following question in 100-200 words:
- Tell us about one of your favorite school assignments in the past two years. What was the assignment and why did you enjoy it?
- Applicants to the School of Engineering are required to answer the following question in 100-200 words:
- Tell us about an engineering-related project that you have helped build, design, create, or iterate in the past two years. What was the project and what was your role?
- Applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program are required to answer the following question in 100-200 words:
- Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. What were the ideas you intended to explore, and how did those ideas inform the process of making the piece?
- Applicants to the Combined Degree (BFA+BA/BS) program are required to answer the following question in 100-200 words:
- Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. How did an academic course, project, or interest inspire the ideas that you explored in this piece? Or, how did making this piece influence your academic interests?
- Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences are required to answer the following question in 100-200 words:
An important note
Tufts Admissions strongly discourages the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for writing college admissions essays and short answer responses.
Our observations are that generative AI often produces formulaic responses that are less creative, distinctive, and persuasive than an applicant’s own writing. The Admissions Committee expects to read an applicant’s original ideas presented in their own words.
As you plan for the upcoming application cycle, we encourage you to learn more about Tufts University by exploring the admissions website, registering for admissions events, reading Jumbo Magazine or our student blogs, and following us on Instagram. We look forward to learning more about you through your application.