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 all U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents OR 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

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 U.S. citizen?
How does the application process work for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students?
Is the National College Match binding at Tufts?
Will Tufts accept standardized test scores taken in October or November of my senior year?

Can I have an interview if I apply through the National College Match?
I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but was not matched with Tufts. Can I still apply?
Is there an application fee?
How does financial aid work for QuestBridge students who are admitted through EDI, EDII, or RD?
Who can I contact for more information?
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?

A completed application to Tufts through the National College Match will consist of the QuestBridge Application, including one counselor recommendation letter and one academic teacher recommendation letter, your official high school transcript, and senior year progress report/grades when available. Beginning with applicants for fall 2024, Tufts has renewed a three-year test 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 QuestBridge Finalists Intended Program Form available in your Tufts Application Status portal.

See below for details about what is 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 Applicant Form will be included in your Tufts Application Status portal. You will receive an email to set up this Application 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’ 2020 income tax returns to the College Board IDOC. US 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 by clicking the link in their Application Status portal labeled “Add or Update your Social Security Number.” This will help the Financial Aid office to match your QuestBridge Application with your financial aid materials.

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

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

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. More information about the application process for undocumented students is available on our website.

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.

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 decisions have to be 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.

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 Application Status portal, there will be a link to request an interview once Tufts has received your application.

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. 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 Application Status portal. You will receive an email to set up the 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 you 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.

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

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.

Who can I contact for more information?

Questions about the QuestBridge application process or Tufts’ partnership with QuestBridge can be directed to Rhiannon Pabich, Associate Director of Admissions, by emailing Rhiannon.Pabich@tufts.edu.

How do I begin my QuestBridge application?

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