FAQs From a Tour Guide!
In January of this year, I embarked on a new journey with the Tufts Admissions Department—I became a tour guide! Since I started tour guiding, there have been a few questions I have gotten multiple times on my tours. As I answered these questions, I realized how helpful my answers would have been to me when I was applying to Tufts, so with that, here are a few frequently asked questions I get on my tours:
1. What is the average class size at Tufts?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Tufts is 10:1—which is pretty small compared to other universities. Of course, some courses are larger,lecture-style courses, but on average, most of my courses are about 20-30 students. Having smaller courses allows students to get to know their professors, and vice-versa. The small classes are one of my favorite aspects of academics at Tufts!
2. What does a typical weekend look like at Tufts?
My weekends are usually a mix of social events, homework, and club activities. I try to do something fun with my friends every weekend, whether that is a movie night or going to Boston, I always like to have something to look forward to throughout the week. I also do homework on the weekends, but I try to make it fun by studying with friends or going to a coffee shop to work. I also participate in student theater, so I usually have rehearsal on the weekends as well. I love my rehearsals and it allows me to have a break from homework to do something fun and creative. I also have other club meetings on the weekends. These usually last about one hour each.
3. How would you describe the student body?
Tufts students are passionate and multi-faceted. Whether they are passionate about robotics or visual art, Tufts students care deeply about how they are spending their time, be it for academic purposes or just for fun. Tufts students are also extremely interdisciplinary. Some of my friends are Cognitive Brain Sciences and Theater and Performance Studies double majors, or Computer Science majors and Dance minors. Though these majors and minors may seem very different, there are links between them, and trust that Tufts students are going to find them!
4. How approachable are the professors?
Professors at Tufts are super approachable. Professors are more than happy to speak with students, whether it be about a course or just to chat about shared interests. I have made some wonderful connections with my professors at Tufts. Even if you are in a bigger class, it is possible to form a strong connection with a professor. I highly recommend going to office hours if you are in a bigger class, even just to say hi and introduce yourself!
5. How easy is it to get the courses you want?
Course registration can seem a bit daunting, but I promise it’s not as bad as it seems. I have never not gotten any of the classes I wanted. I always end up with a mix of my first or second choices. Registration in the School of Arts and Sciences goes by grade level, with seniors getting first pick. A course that a senior wants to take is usually different than a course a freshman wants to take, so in my experience, I haven’t had too much trouble with courses filling up before I register. Of course, registering for courses varies by major, but personally, I have been able to get most of, if not all, of the courses I wanted. Even when I haven’t gotten a course I originally wanted, I’ve ended up taking courses that I hadn’t planned on taking which I ended up loving.
These are just a few of the many frequently asked questions I have gotten on my tours. If you have any questions you would like answered, feel free to send me an email, emma.desserault@tufts.edu!