Tufts Blogs

So, you’re interested in alumni interview? That’s great! First things first, please know that admissions interviews are a completely optional additional piece to your application. If the thought of scheduling or completing the interview sounds like a daunting thing to add to your to-do list, please don’t feel like you need to request one. Many successful Tufts applicants do not request or complete an interview. Additionally, due to the number of interview requests Tufts receives each year, we cannot guarantee all interview requests can be fulfilled.

There can be a lot of pressure built around the admissions interview that we’d like to dispel. We don’t want this experience to add any stress to your college search process. A Tufts interview should be a relaxed conversation where you can share thoughts and ideas beyond what you wrote in your application and have a chance to ask a Tufts alum or senior about their experience too. We want to provide a few tips so you can feel at ease around requesting, completing, or perhaps not completing, an interview.

Tip #1: Patience is key. After you request an alumni interview, it may take some time before you hear from an interviewer. Typically, once you are matched, your interviewer will reach out to you via email. I would check your inbox every few days, but no need to feverishly refresh your browser! Also, be sure to check your spam folder too.

Tip #2: All interviews are virtual this year, so make sure that you are connecting with your interviewer on a virtual platform you feel comfortable with and that you’re in a quiet and well-lit environment. Feel free to download a neutral virtual background. Also, wear something presentable that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You got this!

Tip #3: With any college interview, the college itself is naturally going to come up in conversation… so you should feel prepared to talk about it! Reflect on your research and feel ready to share in conversation why you’re excited about Tufts. Maybe things about the academic programs, the community, or opportunities you are excited about. The best part: your interviewer loves Tufts too! Think of it as a chance to talk about the points you couldn’t squeeze into your “Why Tufts?” essay.

Tip #4: During the interview, remember to breathe! If you need a moment to think about how you want to answer a question, that’s totally appropriate. Quickly answering each question does not equate to well-answered questions. Feel free to take a moment to consider your answer. A thoughtful answer is better than a fast one.

Tip #5: Think of a few questions to ask the interviewer as well. What are you still wondering about? What questions do you have that can’t be found with a quick online search? Are there aspects of the student experience you are curious about? You have a Tufts alum right in front of your screen; take advantage of their knowledge and experience!

Tip #6: If you don’t complete an alumni interview with Tufts, don’t sweat it. Unfortunately, we have many more interview requests than volunteers. While we try our best to fulfill as many requests as possible, unfortunately all interviews are not guaranteed. As said above, interviews are optional and not requesting or completing an interview will never affect your candidacy to Tufts.

I hope the above advice helps you feel more comfortable going through this process. As a reminder, interested applicants can request an interview via a form found in your Tufts Status Portal after you submit your application. Interviews for Early Decision 1 occur through late November, Early Decision 2 interviews occur through late January, and interviews for Regular Decision through late February. If you request an interview and don’t have a successful match, we will be in touch to let you know! Good luck, and we sincerely hope you enjoy connecting with our interviewers at Tufts!