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Why Tufts?
Frequently Asked Questions About the M.A. Program
Questions about
Admission
What materials are required for admission?
The materials required for admission are your application for
admission, official copies of all your transcripts, 3 letters of
recommendation, your resume, a personal statement describing your
reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study, your financial aid
application (if you are applying for financial aid), a $70 non-refundable application
fee, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if you are an international student), and TSE scores
(if you are an international student interested in being considered for a teaching
assistant position). Send your application materials to: Graduate and Professional
Studies, Tufts University, Ballou Hall, Medford, MA 02155. For further information,
please visit Graduate
School's web site.
How can I request an application packet?
All applications are processed through the Graduate School. Visit
the
Graduate School’s web site in order to request an application, download an
application, or to apply online.
Where do I send my application?
Applications are sent directly to the Graduate School. If you have questions about
the processing of your application, please contact the Graduate School at:
Graduate and Professional Studies
Tufts University
Ballou Hall, first floor
Medford, MA 02155
Phone (617) 627-3395
Fax: (617) 627-3016
How can I check whether all my application materials have been received?
Contact the Graduate School since all applications are processed through that
office. You may reach them by phone at (617) 627-3395 or by e-mail at
gradschool@ase.tufts.edu.
Do you still accept applications after the February 15 application deadline?
We will still accept applications from non-foreign students on a case-by-case basis.
We can offer tuition scholarships to late applicants; however, we cannot offer teaching
assistantships or grader positions. Applications from international students cannot
be accepted after the deadline, as there is insufficient time to handle visa processing.
When are admission decisions made?
Admission decisions are made in March.
Can I defer admission or reapply?
Application materials are kept on file at the Graduate School for
one year. Students who would like to reapply (after being denied
admission) should submit a new application fee of $70 and a letter indicating that they would like their file reactivated for
review. Students who were accepted but did not enroll should contact the Graduate
School in the fall in order to reactivate their application.
Can I transfer from another graduate institution?
Yes, and you can transfer a maximum of two graduate-level courses from another institution
to count for credit towards the Tufts program. You should indicate on your admission
application which courses you would like to transfer so they can be reviewed during
the admissions process.
How are tuition scholarships awarded?
Our tuition scholarships are offered based on a combination of an applicant’s merit
and need. In order to be considered for a scholarship, an applicant must complete
the financial aid application, which is part of the admissions packet.
Do you only accept letters of recommendation from professors?
We will accept letters of recommendation from an applicant’s professors as well
as his or her employer(s).
What sort of undergraduate course work is preferred or required for admission?
There are no course work requirements per se, but we are most concerned with an
applicant’s mathematics background. Applicants who did not major in economics can
be successful in the graduate program, but we do expect applicants to have taken
a few economics courses.
Questions about Tests & Test Scores
What are the average GPA and GRE scores of admitted students?
Of the students accepted for Fall 2006 admission, the average GPA is 3.58; the average
Verbal GRE score is 586; and the average Quantitative GRE score is 775.
Can I submit other standardized test scores, such as the MCAT or GMAT, instead
of the GRE scores?
No, you must submit GRE scores in order for your application to be considered. Other
standardized test scores will not be accepted as substitutes. The only exception
is made for Tufts undergraduates, who are not required to submit GRE scores.
I haven’t taken the GRE before the application deadline. Can I still submit
my application and send my scores later?
You should have your GRE scores sent immediately. We will not review applications
without the GRE scores, unless the applicants are Tufts undergraduates.
Do I ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send my GRE and TOEFL scores
to both the Tufts Graduate School and the Department of Economics?
It is only necessary to send your scores to the Graduate School; the ETS code for
Tufts University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is 3901.
Will you accept a photocopy of TOEFL scores?
The University requires your official TOEFL score. This requirement cannot be waived.
What TOEFL scores are accepted?
The Department of Economics normally accepts a score of 600 or higher on the TOEFL's paper version (or 250 or higher on the TOEFL computer version, or a total minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT with a score of 21 or above in any section strongly recommended).
Would the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score
serve as a substitute for the Test of Spoken English (TSE) test score?
Yes, we will accept the IELTS test in lieu of the TSE test for those foreign applicants
who are interested in being considered for teaching assistantships.
Do I need to submit a TSE score as an international student in order to receive
a tuition scholarship?
No, international students do not need to submit TSE scores in order to receive
a tuition scholarship. The TSE score is only necessary for international students
who are interested in being considered for a teaching assistantship.
Questions about the
Program
Can I specialize in a particular field within Economics?
The two elective courses that are part of the program will allow you to focus on
a particular area of study.
What is the process for pursuing the joint degree program in Economics and
Urban and Environmental Policy?
Students need to apply to both programs and be accepted into both to be in the joint
program. Courses in each program would be taken simultaneously.
Do you admit students in the spring semester?
Our program consists of three core two-semester sequence classes, and it is not
possible to take the second course in the sequence, which is offered in the spring
semester, before taking the first course in the sequence, which is offered in the
fall semester. Therefore, we only admit students in the fall semester.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Students generally complete the program within one year.
Can I enroll in the program part-time?
Yes, you may as long as you design your curriculum to complete the program within
two years. However, classes are offered in the mornings and afternoons so it would
be difficult for students to work during the day and attend classes.
Are students allowed to take summer courses?
Yes, but students may only take courses that count towards their degree and only
courses that would satisfy an elective, since core courses are not offered in the
summer.
How many students are admitted into the Master's program each year?
Our average class size is 20 students.
How many people apply to the program each year?
It varies from year to year, but on average, 100 students apply each year.
Are there any research assistantships available for graduate students?
Research assistant positions are available on an irregular basis depending on when
professors obtain grant funds with which they can hire research assistants.
Other questions?
Email us at ecgrad@tufts.edu.
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