Applied to Tufts: Now What?
Three years ago, I abandoned my New Year’s Eve plans to put the finishing touches on my Tufts application. After months of writing and rewriting essays and obsessing over every word, every sentence, every comma - I still found myself making last-minute edits to what felt like the application that would change my life.
Looking back… I probably could have been a little less dramatic.
But still, now that the Tufts application deadline has passed once again, I know many of you are asking the same question I was back then: What now?
First and foremost: congratulations. The hardest part is done. The next few months will be filled with anticipation, excitement, and some truly life-changing moments. As you navigate this in-between time, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you prioritize enjoying your final months of high school. You have worked incredibly hard to get here, and you deserve to take a breath while you wait.
That said... if you can’t help wanting a step-by-step guide, here’s what I wish someone had told me.
Step 1: Finish Strong
It is important to keep showing up academically through the end of the year. This does not mean grinding nonstop or denying yourself rest - but it does mean staying engaged and responsible. You have earned your momentum. Keep it!
Step 2: Have Fun
If you’re anything like me, application season may have caused you to miss out on a few things. Now is the time to reclaim them. Spend time with friends. Try new routines. Say yes a little more often. For me, that meant lots of coffee shop hopping, an unreasonable number of card games, and soaking up time with people I loved. (Hmm... maybe I should write a blog on the best card games.)
Step 3: Thank Your Support Systems
This process is intense, and no one gets through it alone. Parents, siblings, teachers, counselors, and friends all played a role, whether they realized it or not. Before I graduated, I wrote thank-you notes and baked cookies for the people who supported me during application season. It matters!
Step 4: Fall in Love with All of Your Options
Whether you applied to three schools or thirty, do yourself a favor and let yourself be excited about each one. Research them. Imagine yourself there. Find things to love. This mindset creates a win-win scenario and, for me, reduced my stress dramatically.
Step 5: Celebrate
When decisions arrive, celebrate you. Plan the graduation party. Buy the balloons. Get the college merch (Tufts has elite stuffed Jumbos, trust me). Take time to be proud of what you’ve accomplished and get excited for what’s ahead.
You’ve earned this moment - Enjoy it!!