I’ve spent my entire career working in undergraduate admissions in a variety of institutions – and there isn’t a playbook for the current challenges facing those of us in higher ed. As everyone has experienced, the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) has unfolded quickly and required some dramatic decisions to be made in a very short period of time. Everyone has been affected in some way – and for students just starting their college search or seniors trying to figure out where they may want to go in the fall of 2020, the closure of college campuses, cancellation of campus programming and prohibition of visiting a campus is especially challenging, confusing and really disappointing.
We thought it would be helpful to let you know where we are right now. First, know that we are very disappointed that we will be unable to greet students and families on campus through the end of April. Jumbo Days, our programming for admitted students on the Medford campus, and Bessie Day, aimed at our SMFA admitted students are the highlights of our year. And starting in mid-March, we welcome hundreds of juniors and their families to our campus and enjoy providing an introduction to Tufts and the selective admissions process.
So – what to do? Tufts is so fortunate to have an amazing admissions team (yes, I know I’m biased – but it’s true!). As soon as the possibility of cancelling on campus visits was posed, our creative wheels started to turn – and I can promise some great content is on the horizon. But…..we are just concluding the selection process for the Class of 2024 and need to give them our undivided and thoughtful attention. We anticipate that next week some members of the admissions team will turn their full attention to creating content – and that will continue well into April.
We understand the decisions made by Tufts and many other colleges and universities have provided an opportunity to look at our work through a different lens – and we need a bit more time to get those plans in motion. Your patience is greatly appreciated – and we promise to be in touch very soon with different ways to learn about Tufts. Stay tuned – and please stay healthy!
To read more on the university response, check this website.