Admission

Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
Admission to Tufts is highly competitive, but not based solely on numerical signs of success or traditional patterns of achievement. The admissions committee feels a responsibility to reflect in its decisions the variety and excitement of the university community.

The applicant's potential for academic success at Tufts is the most important factor in determining admission. The quality of the applicant's high school academic program, performance in that program, results of standardized tests, recommendations from those with substantial knowledge of the applicant, and special talents are considered carefully. Additionally, the committee seeks individuals who display evidence of enthusiasm for scholarly work, genuine intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independence.

Candidates who have engaged in a substantive extracurricular life offer important advantages to the residential college experience. The exceptional qualities of applicants--including a commitment to service; leadership ability; unusual talent in the arts, athletics, or other areas--add an important dimension to the educational experience.

A key element in an educational institution is the diversity of ideas and perspectives which derives most readily from differences in experience. Consequently, Tufts makes a major effort to recruit and enroll students from a range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences, including students from all racial, ethnic, and economic groups. Special attention is given to university grants and financial assistance to assure access to the university. 

Tufts is committed to affirmative action for underrepresented students of color and seeks an atmosphere of nondiscrimination for all. Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed, and the university works to provide an accessible campus and adequate support services. University faculty and staff are committed to working closely with students with disabilities to help each succeed academically. Tufts brings together people who share a desire for intellectual growth and who challenge and reward each other with their different backgrounds, talents, styles of learning, and goals for the future. The satisfaction students feel with their education is reflected in the fact that of an average first-year class, more than 90 percent remain and are graduated from Tufts.

Preparation
The best preparation for study at Tufts is a sound foundation in English, both in literature and writing, plus mathematics, foreign languages, social studies, and laboratory science. Most successful applicants will have followed a college preparatory program in secondary school. Prospective applicants are urged to develop their competence in analytical reading and effective writing. The importance of continued writing under criticism cannot be overemphasized. Applicants deficient in written expression will be at a serious disadvantage.

The increasing importance of mathematical applications in the social sciences (economics, psychology, and sociology) and in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, and physics) emphasizes the value of a strong secondary school preparation in mathematics. A three-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics is acceptable, but most applicants will find it advisable to carry mathematics throughout secondary school. Computer courses should be considered a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, traditional mathematics courses. Students especially interested in mathematics, engineering, and science, including medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, are expected to continue mathematics throughout secondary school and are advised to study both chemistry and physics. All other applicants should have studied at least one laboratory science, although most applicants will have taken at least three years of science.

Applicants interested in arts and sciences are expected to have begun their study of foreign languages in secondary school. Continued study of one foreign language, ancient or modern, to the point of reasonable proficiency (ordinarily three or four years in secondary school) is urged. Although engineering students are not required to study foreign languages as part of their program at Tufts, a working knowledge of a modern language is useful for these applicants. The challenges students set for themselves throughout secondary school, including the senior year, strongly influence admissions decisions. Most successful Tufts applicants have enrolled in the most challenging courses available at their secondary school, such as honors, international baccalaureate, or advanced placement courses. During the senior year, most of these students will have taken courses from at least two of the following areas: laboratory science, traditional mathematics, and foreign language, in addition to English and social studies.

International Students
There has always been an interest at Tufts in students whose perspectives, ideas, and international backgrounds will enrich the university community. International students share their unique and special experiences, and make a singular contribution to the Tufts learning environment.

In evaluation of applicants from international schools, the admissions committee is mindful of the vast difference in educational systems around the world and the variety of grading methods and examinations employed in assessing fitness for work at the university level. The committee also realizes that in many schools extracurricular activities are either not available or are severely limited. Although applicants are asked to complete standardized tests used in the American university system, these tests are interpreted in the context of the international background, with primary emphasis placed on the results of indigenous methods of assessment. The review of international credentials to determine intellectual promise and the expectation of future achievement is a qualitative process supported by an understanding of international education.

First-Year Student Admission
Requests for applications should be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155-7057 or through the admissions Web site at http://admissions.tufts.edu. The application deadline for first-year admission is January 1. The admissions office requests that the Supplemental Form of the application be submitted prior to January 1 to ensure the assignment of the alumni interview. Applicants will be notified by letter and e-mail of the decision of the Committee on Admissions by April 1. Admitted candidates must reply by May 1.

Early Decision
The Early Decision program is for candidates who have decided that Tufts is their first choice and that they will enroll if admitted. Two options may be explored for early decision. The application deadline for the first round of early decision is November 15 with notification occurring by December 15; the second round has a deadline of January 1 and a notification date in early February. A written request for consideration under the early decision program may be submitted either with the application or separately at any time before January 1. Early decision requests may be sent after the application has been submitted, but must be signed by the candidate, the candidate's parent or guardian, and the secondary school counselor. The applicant agrees that upon acceptance to Tufts all applications to other institutions will be withdrawn.

Ordinarily, the admissions committee will consider early decision candidates on the basis of their credentials, including the results of the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, or results from the American College Testing Program (ACT). If all tests have not been completed at the time the application is submitted, the admissions committee may act without them or inform the candidate in writing that the missing tests must be taken no later than December. Dual-degree applicants to New England Conservatory or the School of the Museum of Fine Arts should file their applications at either school well in advance of the deadline. The conservatory and the museum school will make every effort to make preliminary assessments of candidates applying to Tufts through the Early Decision Program.

Combined-Degrees Programs in Engineering
The School of Engineering offers undergraduates the opportunity to be a part of one of two combined-degrees programs with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (a six-year B.S./M.A.L.D.) and the Gordon Institute (a five-year B.S./M.S.E.M.). Both programs require an Early Decision Round 1 application. For more information, see Combined Degrees Programs in this bulletin.

Early Admission
Each year Tufts is prepared to admit a few high school juniors who present clear evidence of exceptional ability and maturity. Such candidates submit all regular credentials for admission, including College Board test scores or American College Test results, and are notified in April.

Deferred Admission
During the process of exploring alternatives in higher education, some candidates may decide that their purposes will be better served by delaying actual enrollment for a year. Under the Deferred Enrollment Plan, admitted candidates may request, before the Candidates Reply Date (May 1), a postponement of their matriculation for an entire year. Deferrals are ordinarily granted for travel, work, community service projects, or special experiences relating to a student's background or talent. Deferrals for additional structured academic programs are not usually granted. Deferred matriculants must notify the admissions committee of their progress and agree to reconfirm their intention to enroll by the following March 1.

Alumni Interviews
The majority of applicants to the university will have the opportunity for a personal interview in their local area with a member of the Tufts Alumni Admissions Program. Once the Supplemental Form of the application has been received by the admissions office, the student will be contacted by a member of the local alumni committee to schedule an interview. While not required, the alumni interview enables students to highlight their interests and achievements, and all prospective students are encouraged to participate. All interviews for admission to Tufts University are conducted by local-area alumni interviewers, thus allowing the applicant the opportunity to meet with women and men who have experienced Tufts. In those areas where a TAAP committee has not been established or where the volume of requests for interviews exceeds the capacity of the committee, candidates should be assured that this will not lessen the chance for admission. We do recommend that students who wish to have an interview file their Supplemental Form well in advance of the admissions deadline. The large volume of applications we receive at or near the deadline may prevent us from assigning all candidates for an alumni interview.

Testing - Recommended Examinations
All applicants should register for the Scholastic Assessment Tests administered through the College Board or for the ACT Assessment administered through the American College Testing Program. A student has the choice of submitting the results of the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT Assessment with writing. Information about College Board tests may be obtained by writing directly to the College Board, Box 6200, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Information about registration for the American College Testing Program may be obtained by writing to ACT Registration, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243; score reports may be obtained through ACT Records, P.O. Box 451, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

Any of the testing dates from January of the junior year to January of the senior year are acceptable for the Scholastic Assessment Tests or for the ACT Assessments (the February ACT is also acceptable). Should an applicant repeat any test, the higher score will be used in evaluating his or her application for admission. We will not, however, take a higher score from the tests administered prior to March of 2005 and use it with a higher score from a test administered after March 2005. Applicants should arrange for all SAT, SAT Subject Tests, or ACT results to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Tufts. It is to the advantage of candidates applying under the Early Decision Program to complete the two SAT Subject Tests no later than November of the junior year (December if applying under Early Decision Round II). All applicants, however, must request that the Educational Testing Service of the College Board or the ACT Records Department send their scores to Tufts. The Tufts CEEB code number is 3901; the ACT code number is 1922. A repeat of any test is not necessary. A candidate may submit tests from an earlier date if taken in terminal subjects.

For students submitting the SAT Reasoning Test, the following recommendations are offered for the SAT Subject Tests:

The two subject tests selected are left to the candidate with the following recommendations:

• It is inadvisable to submit a foreign language test unless an applicant has had three or more years of study in the language.
• Applicants who are planning to prepare for medical, dental, or veterinary school, or to concentrate in science should register for a science test and Mathematics Level IC or IIC.
• All engineering applicants should register the physics or chemistry test and Mathematics Level IC or IIC.

Candidates who have attended another college should submit the results of all College Board and ACT Assessment results previously taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English or who are not currently attending a school where English is the language of instruction should submit, in addition to the above, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For information about test dates and registration, write to: Program Director, TOEFL Institutional Program, Box 6155, Princeton, New Jersey 08541.

Advanced Placement and Foreign Diploma Examinations
Applicants who have taken or are planning to take an Advanced Placement Test offered by the College Board or have completed or plan to complete examinations for foreign diplomas should have the results sent to the admissions office. (See General Undergraduate Information.)

Advanced Standing
(See General Undergraduate Information.)

Information for Transfer Students
Transfer students bring a welcome diversity of experience. Students seeking to transfer to Tufts should file a Tufts transfer application for admission as early in the academic year as possible, complying with the following deadlines: November 15 for admission in the January semester and March 1 for admission in September. Candidates are notified of the committee's decision in December or between May 15 and July 1, respectively. Interviews are not offered for transfer applicants.

Tufts welcomes transfer applications for January admission, but does not accept applications from students in their first semester of college. Such students should plan to complete a full year in their present college and apply to Tufts for admission in September or January of the following year. Students who have been unsuccessful in their application for admission to Tufts are eligible to reapply. However, one full year must elapse between the filing of each application, so that the student may provide the admissions committee with additional credentials for consideration. All transfer students must complete two years in residence at Tufts.

Resumed Education for Adult Learners (R.E.A.L.)
The Resumed Education for Adult Learners program is open to students 24 years of age or older. This unique undergraduate program meets the need for greater academic flexibility in the education of older students. It is open to those who have some college experience, which should include at least two recent courses. The R.E.A.L. program is particularly receptive to prospective students who have assumed leadership roles in local community affairs as well as to residents of Medford and Somerville. Students in the program are enrolled in regular undergraduate courses and pursue a course of study leading to a college degree in liberal arts or engineering, for which they are expected to fulfill existing requirements. Part-time study is encouraged for the first semester and full-time study thereafter. For more information about the program, call the director, Jean Herbert, at 617-627-2000, or visit Dowling Hall. 

Guest Students
Students attending other colleges who wish to enrich their experience by studying at Tufts for one or two semesters may apply as guests. These students are generally interested in taking courses in academic areas that supplement work at their home institution or in experiencing a different university environment for a year. They are expected to enroll in a full-time academic program. While Tufts welcomes applications for this special opportunity, guest students are expected to return to their home college upon completion of their semester or year at Tufts. Guest students who wish to transfer to Tufts must return to their home institution for one year before submitting an application for transfer admission. Guest applicants do not need to submit a high school record, but they must submit a college transcript and a statement of reasons for wishing to attend Tufts. Financial assistance is not available for guest students.

Visits to Campus
A visit to the university is encouraged so that prospective students may learn more about the academic opportunities and student life on campus at Tufts. Orientation meetings for prospective students and their parents, conducted by an admissions officer, and tours of the campus, are available from mid-January through mid-December. On selected Saturdays during the fall and in the month of April, a session and tour are offered as well. The schedule for orientation meetings and campus tours is available by calling the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 617-627-3170 or by checking the Web site: http://admissions.tufts.edu. Throughout the year the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is open on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.