Tufts Blogs

Happy application season to all the prospective transfer students out there! I remember this time very well and I empathize with any stress, anxiety, nerves or feelings of apprehension you may be experiencing right now. Try to remember to breathe and prioritize sleep — I know I sound like a parent saying that, but sleep seriously helps so much! It can be tempting to stay up late trying to perfect your applications, but also make sure you’re taking care of yourself. These applications are important, of course, but there are so many other things that matter, too. This isn’t going to make or break your whole life — there are so many paths for you out there!

Here’s the thing about applying to college the second time around: You’ve already done most of the work to show who you are. Yes, schools care about essay questions, but they will be looking at what you did at your previous schools and how you’ve grown as a person — those things will be clear regardless of how “perfect” your essays are. I could give you the obvious advice to reread your essays (especially out loud! I’ve caught so many typos that way) and be specific in your reasons for your interest in Tufts, but what I really want to get across is: Do the very best you can, then just press “submit.” That’s really all you can do. No application is going to be perfect, so try not to dwell on your work after you submit your application. You’ve done what you can do, and it’s up to the admissions board now. 

Oh and, be nice to yourself! It’s easy to drive yourself crazy overthinking every single little word in your essays. But it’s amazing you’re even considering transferring — that shows so much bravery and determination. It’s not easy to decide to transfer, and having to apply to schools a second time around is … not super fun. But I assure you, it will be worth it, no matter where you end up going or what you end up doing once you hear back from schools.

Something that might help is listening to this playlist I made, “If Tufts was a Spotify Playlist.” I tried to capture the vibe of being a student at Tufts on this playlist, and I hope that listening to it will bring you some excitement about Tufts — or at the very least, some new music! If you’re someone who believes in the power of manifestation, then why not hit “shuffle” and go on a little walk, envisioning yourself at Tufts? It might help you focus on why you’re doing all of this hard work applying in the first place: to find a college experience that works best for you. 

One last thing, in case you’re not telling yourself this already, I’ll say it here: I am proud of you. You’re doing great. This is an exciting moment. And decision results don’t define you; you are already an incredible person (I mean, I don’t know you, but I’m sure you are)! 

Any school would be super lucky to have you, and if that school ends up being Tufts, we can’t wait to welcome you to the herd. :)