Tufts Blogs

One of the most common questions asked during the college application process is the “Why us?” question. It’s a common question to determine who truly sees themselves in a university and who applied simply because someone suggested it. I was recently asked by a high school senior the same question 33,000 other applicants had to answer last year: “Why Tufts?”. Today, I join countless other high school seniors in writing this essay while sharing my perspective as a current student at Tufts. 

Voices of Tufts offers students the opportunity to fly in and experience Tufts and its commitment to diversity and community first-hand. If you read between the lines, Voices allows students to add Tufts University to their college lists, to dream. Access to this program can change everything for high school seniors from marginalized communities, as it did with me. I remember receiving the acceptance letter (along with a care package!) from Tufts’ Voices team; It felt like my dreams could soon become a reality. I felt capable, and empowered, to take that final step. Any high school senior knows how important support is during the college application process; I just didn’t expect it to come from the same university I was applying to. I had previously considered ranking Tufts University on my QuestBridge National College Match list and Voices was the factor that convinced me that this was something I wanted to be a part of; Tufts University had become my dream school. Although I attended virtually, I felt the Jumbo vibes that we’re known for. Everyone who was leading the meeting was enthusiastic — wait no, ecstatic!!! — to be there. Through virtual tours with sprinkles of useful tips (like the controversial opinion that Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center is better than Carmichael Dining Center) and lots of rounds of Gartic Phone, I got a sense of what Tufts was like from my laptop screen in New Jersey. After the presentation of our various volunteering clubs, such as TUPIT, Green Dot, and Ears of Peers, I got the notion that Tufts understood that being academically rigorous was simple. They were not concerned with admitting just the valedictorians of every school. It became evident to me that they wanted people of character, people who could make positive change in the communities they stepped into. They seek individuals who can make a positive impact in their communities and whose names inspire goodwill and pride. The university aims for every student to embody the “intellectually curious and playful” spirit that defines Tufts. 

Fast forward through one acceptance letter, one Admitted Students Day, and numerous transition documents, and I found myself with the opportunity to host overnight Voices students. I immediately knew that hosting was something I wanted to do. I ended up being the host to four high school seniors who were to fly in at Tufts and get a glimpse of life in Medford. When they arrived, my roommate and the neighbors in my hall took the high schoolers under their wings as if they were the hosts. This moment reminded me why I love Tufts—people here genuinely care. Whether it’s through academic success tutoring, staying up late as an “Ears for Peers” volunteer, or simply helping make the process of hosting four Voices students smoother, Tufts University is a school that encourages its students to be a part of something more. 

So, when I’m asked, “Why Tufts?” I know just how to respond. To anyone considering Tufts: We are not defined solely by our academic rigor, as many colleges are. We take immense pride in our commitment to helping the communities we are part of. By choosing Tufts, you enter a community that not only prepares you to excel academically but also teaches you how to support yourself and those around you in the process.