SAT and ACT Tests
Standardized Test Requirements
Tufts University is extending its current test-optional admissions policy for all undergraduate applicants for a 3-year period, beginning with applicants who would enter in the Fall 2024 semester. 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.
We believe this policy provides students with maximum flexibility in determining whether to sit for SAT or ACT exams and whether to submit SAT or ACT scores at the time of application to Tufts. 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. Our holistic, committee-based approach to application review provides us with the flexibility to evaluate academic and extracurricular accomplishments within a student’s individual context.
We do not require SAT Subject Tests, the SAT Essay, or the writing section of the ACT, nor are they reviewed 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.
Submitting test 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 teachers 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 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. 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.