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Dear Natalie: Questions from Transfer Students on Applying, Tufts, and More.

Mar 12
Natalie Bricker Jumbo Talk

 

Welcome back to my blog! I’ve been getting lots of emails recently from prospective transfer students, so I’m starting a new segment in which I answer those emails! To write in your transfer questions, send an email to: natalie.bricker@tufts.edu. We’ll get started with an email someone sent me recently asking: what makes Tufts unique, specific Tufts events, my advice for approaching the “Why Transfer” and “Why Tufts?” essay questions, and more…

Dear Natalie, 

Thank you for being willing to answer my questions! My first question is: what are some specific and unique aspects of Tufts University that make it a special place for you? Anything that stood out to you after transferring or something that you expected before coming to Tufts that turned out to be true?


The second would be in what way Tufts University shows its commitment to building a sense of community among students. What are some specific events and student gatherings that allow students to make the most out of their time at Tufts?


The third would be regarding the student body at Tufts. What would you say are the key values that one Tufts student should possess?


This one is tricky, but I think it would help me a lot. If you had to write a “Why Tufts” essay now, having this experience at Tufts, what are some things that you would write about that you know are important and unique to Tufts and represent its true values?


Lastly, as I am working more on my application for Tufts, I wanted to ask you what approach you have taken to make sure that you do the best research possible and how you approached your “Why Transfer” essay.


Thank you a lot Natalie, and looking forward to your answers!

Dear prospective transfer student,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your questions! When I was applying to transfer, I had many of these same questions, so I’m happy to answer as many as I can. 

1. To answer your first question: what are some specific and unique aspects of Tufts University that make it a special place for you? 

My answer: There are so many aspects of Tufts that contribute to its special environment, but I’ll list a few that stand out to me …

  • unique clubs, like Boxing club and Cheese club (two that I've had a lot of fun in!)
  • really cool classes (take a look at the Ex-College courses that we have every semester! I took one in Publishing that was super interesting)
  • lots of places to study nearby (I go to Davis Square all the time to study because it's super close + it's nice to get off campus sometimes)
  • Animal Aid club – you get to walk a dog who lives nearby!! (I still walk the dog I met last year and it's the highlight of my week!)

Anything that stood out to you after transferring or something that you expected before coming to Tufts that turned out to be true? 

My answer: I was expecting the transfer process to be difficult, and it was, to a certain extent. I don’t want to pretend it was super simple and easy, because it’s hard to start over at a new school. However, I also expected that it was going to be next to impossible to make new friends right away, and that was not the case for me nor for other transfer students I’ve spoken to. It was much easier to make friends as a transfer student than I expected! I've written more about this in a previous blog.

2. For your second question: In what way Tufts University shows its commitment to building a sense of community among students. What are some specific events and student gatherings that allow students to make the most out of their time at Tufts?

My answer: I’ve actually written a blog all about finding my community at Tufts, so make sure to check that one out, if you’re curious about my experience! In terms of specific events/student gatherings, Tufts has a lot of traditions and events that contributed to me feeling included as a student. I’ve listed some below and linked information so you can dive into specifics on these events: 

  • Pre-Orientation programs!
  • O-Week: check out last year's program here
    • Orientation week has specific events for transfer students! Let me know if you’d like a blog post about my experience at transfer orientation events.
  • Illumination Ceremony
    • a very special and beloved tradition at Tufts
  • Spring Fling concert: one of the most highly-anticipated events at Tufts each Spring!
  • Painting the cannon
  • Senior Week: check out last year's program here
  • Tuftonia’s Day and more events by TUSC
    • Check out their Instagram to see other TUSC events!

These are only a few specific events, and you can see more Tufts events here.

3. I’m very excited to answer your third question: What would you say are the key values that one Tufts student should possess?

My answer: All Tufts students are super different, which is part of what makes it such a special place, so there aren’t any values a student should possess, but some common values/personality traits I’ve found that a lot of Tufts students possess include:

  • Open-minded
  • Passionate about many areas of study/subjects/extracurriculars
  • Approachable + will go out of their way to help you
  • Adventurous + excited to explore new classes/clubs/areas of Boston
  • Smiley :) … seriously, everyone is so friendly here!

4. If you had to write a “Why Tufts” essay now, having this experience at Tufts, what are some things that you would write about that you know are important and unique to Tufts and represent its true values?

My answer: Questions about application essays are difficult to answer because these essays are so specific to each person — that’s the whole point of them! The best advice I could give is to be specific and do your research. It’s one thing to say, “I want to study English at Tufts and think the Department would be really good for that.” A more effective answer might be something like, “At Tufts, I would love to take classes like a specific class with a specific professor because of a specific reason." Show the admissions team that you’ve really thought this through and will be intentional with your time at Tufts, should you get in/choose to go here!

5. Now, I’ll answer your final question: what approach you have taken to make sure that you do the best research possible and how you approached your “Why Transfer” essay.

My answer: This is also specific to each person, so I’ll give some ideas and things to think about:

  • What are you hoping to get out of your college experience?
    • Furthermore, why do you think you haven’t been able to find this yet / how would you be able to find this at Tufts?
  • How well do you know yourself?
    • How would Tufts help you explore parts of yourself that you haven’t discovered yet? Or, how will Tufts help you continue to know yourself better?
  • Browse through past Tufts course guides and find specific classes that fascinate you and excite you, then write about why 
  • Find some clubs at Tufts that you’d like to join and write about those
    • Don’t be afraid to do some deep dives into the club’s history, purpose, current members, previous events, alums, etc. — Add details!

*Bonus tip*: I wouldn’t recommend ever talking poorly of your current/past school, because there’s no need to complain or point out all the negatives. Instead, try to phrase things in positives, focusing on how Tufts could offer something you’re not finding at your current school.


Now for some cliché advice… Be yourself. Be honest. Allow your personality and unique voice to come through in your essays! Perhaps let a trusted friend, family member, professor, guidance counselor, or trusted advisor read over your essays, but make sure your essays are still yours. 

I hope this helps, and make sure to check out my other blogs for any remaining questions you may have, like:

I look forward to answering more emails! Until next time, 

Natalie