FAQ for Potential MA Program Applicants
What sorts of GRE scores are you looking for?
GRE scores are mandatory for all applicants. We do not have any explicit or
implicit minimum scores in mind, and scores vary widely among successful
applicants. The scores are considered within the context of the application as a whole
(which
also must include
your post-secondary-school transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal
statement and writing sample). Strong GRE scores are a plus but are not
necessary for acceptance into the program.
What is the ideal writing sample?
We are looking for students who have the potential to do significant and
interesting work in philosophy and to succeed in top-tier PhD programs. The
ideal writing sample would therefore be a piece of your writing that best
manifests your philosophical capacities. It need not be a philosophy paper. The
ideal length of a writing sample is about 15 pages.
I didn't major in Philosophy. Will you still consider my
application?
Many of our successful applicants have majored in something other
than Philosophy. However, we usually do not admit students who have never taken
a philosophy course or who do not seem to be familiar with the analytic
philosophical tradition. In some cases, we encourage such students to try a
course in analytic philosophy and then reapply.
So do you teach only analytic philosophy?
No. But because our main mission is to prepare students for
placement in top-tier PhD programs in Philosophy, we do emphasize the analytic
tradition.
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation for my
application?
The ideal letter writers are people who can testify to your potential to do
significant and interesting work in philosophy.
Do you have any financial aid?
We provide partial tuition remissions to many of our successful
applicants who demonstrate financial need. The average tuition remission is
about 65% of the total tuition cost. Tuition is paid to Tufts in two
installments during the first year of the program.
Do you have teaching assistantships?
We do not award teaching assistantships as part of our admissions
package. However, we do offer one-off teaching assistant positions each term
according to our needs. These positions currently pay slightly more than $4,000
per course or section of a course. Though we ordinarily can accommodate all MA
candidates in good standing, when there is a shortage of positions, priority is
given to students with less teaching experience--all other things being equal.
Except under unusual circumstances, we do not assign teaching to first-semester
MA candidates.
How long does it take to finish the program?
The program is designed to be finished in two years. Some students elect to
stay a third year. The continuation fee is currently $800 per semester (though
you should check for updates on the
Tufts GSAS Website - Tuition Page).
How many students are admitted to the program every year?
Usually about 10, although in recent years some classes have been as small as
six students and others as large as 13.
Can you review my application with me?
Because of the large volume of applications we receive, we cannot
review applications with candidates either before they apply or after we
complete the admissions process.
I really want to get an MA in Philosophy, but I'm not sure I want
to go on to a PhD program in the field. Am I automatically disqualified?
No. Though most of our students are at least open to going on in
Philosophy, some apply to the program knowing that they want to do other things.
When the fit between the program and such students is excellent, and if we have
the space, we don't hesitate to admit them.
What if I have a question you haven't answered here?
If it's a question about academics, please contact
Prof. Avner Baz, our Director of
Graduate Studies. If it's a question about non-academic matters,
please contact, Caleb Davis, our
Department Administrator.
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