Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience FAQ
On this page, you will find frequently asked questions about the Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience. We hope you find these responses helpful. If you have any additional questions, please email voices@tufts.edu.
Voices FAQ
- Will Voices still be happening due to COVID-19?
- Who attends Voices?
- Is the program open to international students?
- Are there separate programs based on my intended school/major?
- How many students apply each year?
- Will my application be reviewed before you receive my transcript?
- Do I have to submit an official high school transcript?
- When will I find out if I have been accepted into Voices?
- Do my parents or guardians need to do anything for Voices?
- What happens during Voices?
- Do I have to miss school?
- What should I expect from my virtual host during Voices?
- What should I do if I am applying to the QuestBridge National College Match?
- What if I do not match with Tufts or another binding institution through QuestBridge?
- Who should I contact for additional information?
Will Voices still be happening due to COVID-19?
Yes, we have moved this year’s Voices program to a virtual format that will take place on October 17 and 18th.
Back to topWho attends Voices?
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 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. New York, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Illinois were the most represented states among Voices attendees. More than 25% of the attendees last year were prospective engineering majors.
Back to topIs the program open to international students?
Due to the timing of the program, only students residing in the United States will be selected. Non-U.S. citizens living or studying in the U.S. are welcome to apply.
Back to topAre there separate programs based on my intended school/major?
No. We will not be hosting two Voices programs this year, since we have moved the program to a virtual format. The Virtual Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience is open to students regardless of intended field of study.
Back to topHow many students apply each year?
Last year we received over 1,000 applications for approximately 300 spots. 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?
No – we will only review and invite students who have completed the application requirements (online application and high school transcript).
Back to topDo I have to submit an official high school transcript?
No. We will accept official or unofficial transcripts submitted by students, school counselors, or school administrators.
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 release a decision. All applicants will receive a decision no later than Thursday, October 1, 2020.
Back to topDo my parents or guardians need to do anything for Voices?
While we do not require any parent/guardian forms for participation in Voices, students should make sure their parents or legal guardians are informed of the timing of the program. We also require an emergency contact in case of an unexpected event or situation during the virtual program.
Back to topWhat happens during Voices?
The Voices program will include a virtual tour with current students, interactive student panels, application and financial aid presentations, and conversations with representatives from our identity-based resource centers. Below is a sample schedule for the program:
Saturday, October 17, 2020
- 12-1PM Eastern / 9-10AM Pacific(optional)
- Discussion and meal with Tufts staff and students
- 1-4PM Eastern / 10AM-1PM Pacific (required)
- Welcome from the Dean of Admissions
- Guided virtual tours with Tufts students
- Interactive student panel
- Sessions with student organizations
- 8-10PM Eastern / 5-7PM Pacific (optional)
- Social activities and entertainment with Tufts students
Sunday, October 18, 2020
- 12-1PM Eastern / 9-10AM Pacific (optional)
- Optional lunch with Tufts staff and students
- 1-4PM Eastern / 10AM-1PM Pacific (required)
- Sessions with Tufts’ identity-based resource centers
- Admissions and financial aid presentations
During the week of October 18, 2020, students will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one or group interviews with Tufts admissions officers and members of the Diversity Admissions Council, a group of Tufts students who assist with coordinating the program.
Back to topDo I have to miss school?
No. The program will take place on Saturday and Sunday so it should not interfere with your academic schedule. Please plan to miss any weekend activities that may conflict with the Voices program agenda. If you are planning to take the ACT exam on Saturday, October 17, it is unlikely that you will be available for the full Voices program.
Back to topWhat should I expect from my virtual host during Voices?
You will receive your virtual host’s name and contact information the week before the online program. You will be able to contact them and ask them questions you have regarding Voices, academics, and student life at Tufts.
Back to topWhat should I do if I am applying to the QuestBridge National College Match?
We would love for you to participate in Voices! Tufts University is proud to be one of 42 QuestBridge partner colleges. Many students who attend Voices also apply through QuestBridge. 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 Finalist decisions are released in late October, Match Finalists are allowed to re-rank their lists until early November. As Voices takes place in mid October, students who become Finalists for the National College Match will have the opportunity to consider re-ranking Tufts on their ordered Match lists, but will not be able to add Tufts or any other school that was not part of their original rankings.
Back to topWhat if I do not match with Tufts or another binding institution through QuestBridge?
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 respond to two short answer questions. They may also elect to apply under Early Decision I or Early Decision II.
Please visit www.questbridge.org for additional information on the National College Match application process and timeline.
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, a group of Tufts students who assist with coordinating the program. They are available to address questions or concerns you may have about Voices or Tufts University.
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