Three Students Share their Path to Tufts
A joy of being an admissions officer is sharing so much of Tufts with so many different students. We never know which part of our community will resonate…
"Am I an international student?" and other FAQs from the international inbox
Spring is almost here and I know many 10th and 11th grade students are starting to really think about their college search. Just like the process of breaking down a big essay question into smaller chunks, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but at the end, you will find a college list that makes you smile!
Whether you're a French student on a student visa at a school in Iowa, or a dual US and Korean citizen who has grown up all around the world and applying from Panama, or a Kenyan student at a public high school, we will read you as an unique individual in the context of your high school.
Which brings me to this post - I love the reader advice columns of websites and magazines, so I thought I'd bring this to my blog. I'm emptying out our virtual inbox with some FAQs to help you in this process:
Am I an international student? Should I apply as domestic or international?
This is the most popular question I get in person and by email. On the Tufts application, there is no 'domestic' or 'international' box to check. The admissions application process and requirements are exactly the same for all students. However, if you are not a native speaker of English and you attend a school where English is not the main language of instruction, we do require you to submit TOEFL or IELTs scores.
There is a difference in the financial aid application forms. US citizens applying for aid (regardless of where they live in the world) will apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Non-US citizens apply for aid using the CSS Profile, unless it would cause their family a financial hardship - then they should apply using the International Student Aid form. There is more information on the international student financial aid page.
What are your requirements? Do you understand my curriculum?
Our application requirements depend on whether you're a first year or transfer student. In any case, we require the same materials as we do for students applying from high schools and colleges in the US. If your school will only share external exams and predictions (e.g. IGCSE or O-Levels followed by IB or A-Level predictions) to cover that four year period, that is acceptable.
What if I've transferred schools/school systems/countries?
Don't worry! While you might be unique in your school, we understand that students move near and far for all kinds of reasons and we see this all the time. We just need to see transcripts that cover the whole period from 9th grade through to 12th grade.
What if my school doesn't offer many activities?
We are looking for you to use your time outside of school productively and responsibly. Your extracurricular activity will give us an idea of what you might continue to explore on our campus. So if your high school doesn't offer much, think about if there are other ways you can use that free time when you're not studying. Perhaps you can set up a club to share your passion for cinema, social justice or ultimate frisbee, an outside choir you'd like to join, or a local group who would appreciate your involvement? Remember that this is also a place to tell us about any work, internships or leadership within your school (such as prefect duties!)
What are senior grades?
Good question! When you apply, we need to know how you are doing in that final year. We will ask you to submit senior grades after the first quarter (end of November) or at the mid-year (end of January). If your school cannot provide senior grades, but they can offer predictions for final exams, predictions are acceptable.
Photo Credit: Flickr, Nicholas Schnur
