Tufts University is a private research university in Massachusetts. It is on the border of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, which probably doesn’t mean much to you unless you are from Massachusetts - It’s right outside of Boston. Tufts was founded in 1852 by Christian universalists, however, it is no longer a religious school. They have some great and out-of-the-box programs such as Tufts Civic Semester. They have three undergrad schools School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and School of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts. SMFA, however, is in Downtown Boston. Tufts had a record low acceptance rate last year at just 9%. Their supplement is only 2 questions, but the second has multiple prompts, so let’s break it down.
Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (100-150 words)*
This question might be especially important for Tufts. They had been called out before for “Tufts Syndrome.” Tufts Syndrome is also called “yield protection.” It’s a practice where colleges reject highly-qualified or overqualified students because they do not believe these students will actually attend. This practice gives them a lower acceptance rate and it lifts them in ratings. While this is all allegedly, it doesn’t look great when the thing you are being called out for doing is named after you. The best way to protect yourself from this alleged practice is to really convince them that you want to go to Tufts. This is your opportunity to do that.
This prompt is annoyingly short, but you should include a couple of key points. The first thing you need to do is state your intended major. If you aren’t sure what you are going to study, choose one that you might. You can always change it once you are on campus. Once you have stated your major mention specific details from that course of study to show that you have done your research. You should at least mention two higher-level courses you hope to take and a professor whom you want to do research with and why. If you have the space, you can also speak to any unique academic opportunities at Tufts that you are excited to take advantage of.
Once you have talked about academics, you can speak to campus life. We recommend mentioning at least one extracurricular activity on campus, ideally, that connects to something you already do. For example, if you dance, talk about an extracurricular in the arts. It doesn’t have to be an exact match, but it should relate. If you have any time, you can speak to traditions, etc. but honestly, you will probably have a hard time squeezing more in.
This is a short word count, but try to add as many specifics as you can. You should try to show that Tufts is the only school for you and you would be a great student there.
The next question will ask you to choose one of three prompts and asks you to get creative with your answer.
Think outside the box as you answer the following questions. Take a risk and go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it, but feel comfortable being playful if that suits you, too.
Pick one of the following (200-250 words):*
It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?*
We love this question. Mostly because 1) anyone can answer it and 2) you can get as creative as you want with your answer. However, this question is going to scare off some.
For this question, you don’t have to talk about your intended major. You can if you really want, but this is a great opportunity to show a new side of you. However, this question can be a little tricky for some. The biggest trap is not being cool. If you feel yourself writing “I have loved biology ever since I can remember…” you aren’t capturing the right vibe. Think more, “When I first read about cicadas, I was hooked.”
Whatever you write about, it should be a story. Think about a time you have done research or found out about something that you just needed to know more about. What prompted you to do the research? What did you find? The answer should feel like a fun Wikipedia rabbit hole that we get to go down with you. Your story needs to be specific and dynamic. They want to see your passion for learning here so don’t be afraid to show it.
How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?*
This is probably the easiest question to write. All you need to do for this prompt is to write a story about where you come from. You should give the reader a window into your world.
Maybe you live in a tight-knit urban community or maybe you live in the middle of the woods. These experiences are going to give you super different perspectives. You should use a story to talk about how the people around you shaped you. Maybe your neighborhood does block parties every summer and you always make the mac and cheese. Maybe you take care of your siblings. Maybe you help the old man down the hall in the garden. Show us what your world looks like.
Where are you on your journey of engaging with or fighting for social justice?*
This is probably our least favorite question. We think it’s a little unfair to ask 17-year-olds what they are doing to fix injustice… like ok Tufts, but what are you doing? Questions about diversity and injustice popped up on a lot of supplements after 2020’s BLM protests. These types of questions were written to speak to that. However, last we checked Tufts, 70% of your professors are white. And only about 5% of the student body is black. So this kind of feels like virtue signaling.
This question is not for people whose idea of fighting injustice is tweeting a black square or going to one protest. However, if you are a student that is putting in the work and engaging in social justice initiatives, this isn’t a bad question for you. Tell a story about the important and sustained work you have done. Maybe you run a community fridge. Maybe you work closely with a mutual aide group. Maybe you volunteer at a reproductive health clinic. Tell a story about what you have done and why it’s important to your community. Try to choose a specific story. This essay is only 250 words. You won’t have time to cover everything about social justice.
Tufts’ supplement isn’t very long and it’s pretty similar to a lot of other supplements so don’t freak out about it. Give yourself some time and choose the prompt that’s right for you and you should be golden!
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