Voices of Tufts Diversity Experiences FAQ
On this page, you will find frequently asked questions about the Voices of Tufts Diversity Experiences. We hope you find these responses helpful. If you have any additional questions, please email voices@tufts.edu.
Voices FAQ
- Who attends Voices?
- Is the program open to international students?
- What are the main differences between the Engineering Experience and Arts & Sciences Experience for Voices?
- Are there separate applications or requirements for the Engineering and Arts & Sciences Experiences?
- Can I be considered for both experiences?
- How many students apply each year?
- Will my application be reviewed before you receive my transcript and/or recommendation letter?
- Do I have to submit an official high school transcript?
- Can I send in a teacher recommendation instead of a high school counselor letter?
- When will I find out if I have been accepted into Voices?
- Do my parents need to do anything for Voices?
- What should I do if I am applying to the QuestBridge National College Match?
- What if Tufts has already purchased my transportation and I am unable to attend?
- What happens during Voices?
- Do I have to miss school?
- What should I bring to campus?
- What should I expect from my host during Voices?
- Who should I contact for additional information?
Who attends Voices?
While Voices has traditionally attracted participants from underrepresented backgrounds – including but not limited to students of color; first generation college-bound students; LGBT students; students from low-income backgrounds; and students from rural communities – any student interested in learning about diversity on the Tufts campus is welcome to apply. Last year, students traveled to Voices from 39 states and Puerto Rico. New York, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois were the most represented states. More than a quarter of the attendees last year were prospective engineering majors.
Back to topIs the program open to international students?
Due to the short duration of the program, only students residing in the United States will be selected. Non-US citizens studying in the US are welcome to apply.
Back to topWhat are the main differences between the Engineering Experience and Arts & Sciences Experience for Voices?
Both Voices experiences will introduce students to the broad academic and social offerings on campus. The Engineering Experience provides students an overview of the School of Engineering (SOE) in conjunction with our Engineering Open House on October 18th. Students will have the opportunity to meet professors and current students from various engineering departments and tour the engineering and science facilities. If you are primarily interested in studying engineering and want to learn more about opportunities to engage in STEM diversity at Tufts, you are encouraged to apply to this experience.
Students interested in all other academic disciplines (including the natural and physical sciences, and the SMFA at Tufts) should apply to the Arts & Sciences Experience. The A&S program provides an introduction to the liberal arts and sciences at Tufts, and students will have the opportunity to attend mock courses in a range of academic disciplines during the program.
Back to topAre there separate applications or requirements for the Engineering and Arts & Sciences Experiences?
Yes, please use the specific application link for Engineering or Arts & Sciences. The requirements to apply (online application, essay, transcript, recommendation letter, and available test scores) are the same.
Back to topCan I be considered for both experiences?
No, students must choose and apply to one Voices Experience. If you are unsure of which one to apply for and would like to connect with admissions, please contact Evelyn Ocampo (Evelyn.Ocampo@tufts.edu) with questions or concerns.
Back to topHow many students apply each year?
Last year we received over 1,000 applications for approximately 300 spots. Due to limited space, we are unable to offer a spot to every student who may be qualified for admission to Tufts.
Back to topWill my application be reviewed before you receive my transcript and/or recommendation letter?
No – we will only review and invite students who have completed the application requirements (online application, high school transcript, and counselor letter).
Back to topDo I have to submit an official high school transcript?
High school transcripts submitted as part of your Voices application do not have to be official. They do, however, have to be submitted directly by your school counselor and list the classes you are taking during your senior year.
Back to topCan I send in a teacher recommendation instead of a high school counselor letter?
No – we ask for high school counselor recommendations as they usually can give us a better sense of your overall academic record.
Back to topWhen will I find out if I have been accepted into Voices?
Decisions are released on a rolling basis – the earlier students apply before the deadline, the quicker we are able to render a decision. Students applying to the Engineering Experience will receive a response no later than Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Students applying to the Arts & Sciences Experience will receive a response no later than Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
Do my parents need to do anything for Voices?
While we do not require any parental forms for participation in Voices, students should make sure their parents or legal guardians are kept informed about their travel plans to and from Boston, the timing of the program, and what is expected of them during Voices. We also require an emergency contact in case of an unexpected event or situation during a student’s time on the Tufts campus.
Back to topWhat should I do if I am applying to the QuestBridge National College Match?
Tufts University is proud to be one of 40 QuestBridge partner colleges. Many students who attend Voices also apply through QuestBridge. Applicants submit their list of college rankings (up to 12 partner institutions) through the National College Match; these rankings are due in early October. Please be aware that you may not add any additional colleges to your list after the due date.
Once decisions are released in late October, Match Finalists are allowed to re-rank their lists until early November. As both Voices Experiences take place in late October, students who become Match Finalists will have the opportunity to consider re-ranking Tufts on their Match lists but will not be able to add Tufts or any other school that was not part of their original rankings.
All QuestBridge finalists who rank Tufts, but do not match with Tufts or another binding institution, will be automatically rolled into our regular decision applicant pool and required to complete the Tufts Writing Supplement.
Please visit www.questbridge.org for additional information on the National College Match application process and timeline.
Back to topWhat if Tufts has already purchased my transportation and I am unable to attend?
Students who cancel their participation after their airfare and/or train tickets have been purchased must reimburse the full cost of the ticket to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Back to topWhat happens during Voices?
Students will meet with current Tufts undergraduates, faculty, and admission officers to learn about the academic and extracurricular offerings on campus. From the moment students arrive on campus until their departure all meals are provided at no cost to the student by Tufts. Below is a brief sample schedule for Thursday and Friday:
Engineering:
Thursday, October 17
- Arrival and Registration
- Campus Scavenger Hunt or Campus Tour
- Welcome & Introduction to Tufts with the Dean of Admissions
- Hands-on Engineering Activity
- Explore the Center for STEM Diversity
- Small Group Sessions
- Dinner/Dessert Social
- Student Performance Showcase
Friday, October 18
- Engineering Open House which includes:
- Introduction to the School of Engineering
- Student Experience Panel
- Engineering Facility Tours
- Meet & Greet with Professors
- Admission Info Session
- Departure
Arts & Sciences:
Thursday, October 24
- Arrival and Registration
- Campus Scavenger Hunt or Campus Tour
- Welcome & Introduction to Tufts with the Dean of Admissions
- Student Experience Panel
- Dinner/Dessert Social
- Student Performance Showcase
Friday, October 25
- Small Group Sessions
- Mock Classes
- Admission Info Session
- Departure
Do I have to miss school?
Yes. For both programs, Voices begins Thursday morning and runs through Friday afternoon. Upon arrival on campus, students will receive a letter that verifies their attendance for their high school.
Back to topWhat should I bring to campus?
In order to make your stay more comfortable, please bring:
- Change of clothes
- Pillow and sleeping bag or blanket
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Light jacket
- Spending money (you will not need to pay for any meals or events, but you may want to purchase a Tufts souvenir at the book store)
- Any homework you may need to complete for school
- Cell phone
What should I expect from my host during Voices?
Tufts students are excited to host you for the night while you’re on campus. You will receive your host’s name and contact information shortly before you arrive on campus. However, please know that some current Tufts students may be unable to show you around due to previous commitments such as coursework and student activities.
Back to topWho should I contact for additional information?
For questions about the processing of your Voices application, contact voices@tufts.edu. For all other questions, contact our Diversity Admissions Council, comprised of students who assist with coordinating the overnight visits. They are current students who can address questions or concerns you may have about Voices or Tufts University.
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