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Congratulations to our newly admitted Jumbos! Being admitted to college is an incredible achievement and now, for Regular Decision admits, you’re faced with an equally important decision: where will you spend the next several years? Brochures and statistics are nice, but now that it's time to commit, you’ll want to dig deeper to further understand if a college is a fit for you. Here are some elements to consider when making your decision: 

Seek out the specifics

Sure, the college you're considering has your intended major, but what would your full academic journey look like? What exactly does the general education curriculum entail? How much (or little) flexibility is available? What kinds of projects do students complete? What kinds of internships have students in similar fields pursued? What support exists for finding an internship? What happens after graduation? And don’t stop there. Find the stories of current students, alumni, faculty, and staff: are there blogs you can read? (*ahem* like Jumbo Talk and Inside Admissions). Are there publications that go further in depth? (see Jumbo and Jumbo Engineer magazines). Is there a way to see the impact of the community at large? (oh look, it’s Tufts Now).

Revisit (or visit for the first time)

If you’re able to visit campus, take advantage of an admitted students event (referred to as Jumbo Days at Tufts!) or a campus tour. Visit student spaces after the tour, eat in a dining hall, learn about traditions, and simply spend time observing how students interact with one another.

If visiting in person isn’t feasible, virtual tours and online events can also be powerful. Tufts offers a full month of virtual programming (Jumbo Month!) dedicated to admitted students. Pay attention to how students and faculty engage with each other during webinars or panels. Do you see yourself in that environment? Are there specific resources shared that would enhance your undergraduate experience and support your success??

Take a look at the school’s social media accounts. Current students are often eager to share their experiences. You can check out content such as day-in-the-life videos, watch residence hall tours, learn about students’ favorite study spots on and off campus, discover how students navigate the surrounding cities, and see so much more on the Tufts Admissions Instagram. The social media accounts for current student organizations and campus offices, not curated by the Admissions office, can also provide insight into recent events, social activities, and professional development.

Reflect on the intangibles

Consider the community. How is the campus culture? Have you looked into social experience and student organizations? How do students get involved locally, if that’s important to you? What does collaboration with peers look like? Do you feel a sense of belonging? Will you be challenged? Will you be supported? Look for evidence of these things and reach out to current students or the Admissions office should you have questions.

Trust your instincts

After all the research, conversations, and visit programs, take a moment to check in with yourself. Which college feels right? Where can you imagine yourself thriving? Where do you believe you will develop academically, professionally, and personally?

Choosing a college is a major life decision and by taking the time to deeply consider all your options, you’re setting yourself up for a college experience that is meaningful and transformative. Remember, this is only the beginning of your next journey. We hope to see you on the Hill soon!