Tufts Blogs

 

6:30 ~ Snooze my first alarm

6:35 ~ Wake up to my second alarm and scroll on my phone for a few minutes

6:45 ~ Open my laptop for textbook reading and note-taking as part of my MCAT study plan

Studying for the MCAT can feel incredibly daunting, and I’ll be the first to admit that I by no means have it all figured out. Luckily, Tufts offers an amazing support network of hundreds of fellow pre-med students who are incredibly helpful when it comes to navigating both studying and the application process. If you have any pre-med–related questions, feel free to check out the Tufts Pre-Medical Society on Instagram (@tuftspremedical) or read my other blog post, The Pre-Medical Track at Tufts for additional resources.

8:30 ~ Leave my off-campus apartment and head to the Tsungming Tu Complex 

8:45 ~ Stop by Kindlevan Cafe for a coffee before heading to my first class of the day

9:00-10:15 ~ Cancer Biology class

Cancer Biology is a new course this year, taught by Dr. Jaye Gardiner, a new professor at Tufts with extensive expertise in the tumor microbiome from her doctoral work and current research. As an upperclassman who has completed most of my prerequisites, I’m now able to enroll in classes on more specific subjects that really pique my interest, like Cancer Bio. The class is relatively small, with fewer than 30 students, which allows for in-depth discussions, close communication with our professor, and the opportunity to dive deeper into specialized topics. 

10:15 ~ Hike up Memorial Steps to the Crane Room in Paige Hall

10:30-11:45 ~ Biology of Aging class

Like my previous class, Biology of Aging is a fascinating elective that I’m especially excited to be taking. Taught by my chosen major advisor, Dr. Mitch McVey, the course explores the biological mechanisms of aging and how human intervention can influence its rate. The class meets biweekly in the Crane Room – a Hogwarts-Great Hall-esque space used for lectures, club meetings, performances, and more. If you’re interested in joining any of Tufts’ sketch comedy or improv groups (or even a mime troupe!) or attending their shows, chances are you’ll find yourself in this iconic hall.

11:45 ~ Walk over to Bendetson Hall

12:00-1:15 ~ Admissions Interns Meeting

This spring, much of our meeting time is dedicated to planning Jumbo Days – Tufts’ admitted student events. If you’re an admitted (or future admitted!) student, be sure to visit campus or tune in virtually on one of the select April dates to experience tours, special classes, information sessions, and more.

1:15 ~ Walk down to the Jackson Hall Dance Lab

1:30-2:45 ~ Dance, Movement & Creative Process class

Thanks to Tufts’ liberal arts curriculum, students in the School of Arts and Sciences are encouraged to take courses across five fields: arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. While many of these requirements overlap with major coursework, some classes – like my afternoon dance class – offer a refreshing break from traditional academics. Spending 75 minutes rolling, jumping, striding, or slinking across a dance floor is the perfect way to reset during a packed day.

2:45 ~ Head to the Steve Tisch Sports & Fitness Center and Gantcher Sports Pavilion

3:00-3:30 ~ Sports-Medicine Suite: injury treatment and rehabilitation

Available to all 28 varsity programs, the Sports Medicine department supports student-athletes through injury prevention, rehabilitation, recovery, and strengthening. With seven full-time athletic trainers and two physicians, the department provides treatment, rehabilitation plans, and guidance for training. If you pursue varsity athletics at Tufts, the sports med suite will quickly become your second home.

4:00-6:00 ~ Track & Field Practice 

While being a student-athlete is undoubtedly a major time commitment, athletics actually enhance my academic experience. Training serves as a built-in study break, a chance to move my body, spend time with close friends, and stay competitive. Even if varsity sports aren’t your thing, Tufts offers 30 club sports and numerous intramural opportunities.

6:00-7:00 ~ Strength Training in the Ames & Lunder Varsity Weight Room

In addition to practices, most athletes follow sport-specific lifting programs. The varsity weight room offers plenty of space, high-quality equipment, and an energizing atmosphere – thanks to both the music blasting from the speakers and the people training alongside you. Working out with a diverse group of student-athletes fosters a strong sense of unity and support across Tufts Athletics.

7:15 ~ Walk back to my off-campus apartment

7:30 ~ Cook dinner and debrief with my housemates

8:30 ~ Homework, more MCAT studying, or blog writing!

10:00 ~ Relax and chat with housemates

11:00 ~ Get ready for bed