How to Get Into Tufts

How to get into Tufts—General Information

Founded in 1852, Tufts University is student-centered research university in Medford, Massachusetts. Tufts has an undergraduate population of almost 6,000 and a total population of almost 12,000 that includes their other campus locations. 

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into Tufts guide: 

  • Tufts average GPA
  • Optimal Tufts SAT scores
  • Information on Tufts class size and campus life
  • Tufts application process and requirements
  • Tips for the Tufts supplemental essays
  • Tufts interview advice, and more! 

In this How to Get Into Tufts guide, we’ll break down some of the most frequently asked Tufts University admissions questions. If you’ve frantically googled things like Tufts average GPA, Tufts SAT scores, average Tufts class size, and more, then this guide is for you! 

Figuring out how to get into Tufts takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Tufts graduates. Want to maximize your Tufts admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How do I get into Tufts University?

When thinking about how to get into Tufts, you should make sure that your Tufts application is flawless. Ideally, applicants will have competitive GPAs (that match the assumed Tufts average GPA), exceed the average Tufts SAT scores, write impactful Tufts supplemental essays, and impress alumni in the Tufts interview. 

So, wondering how to get into Tufts? Start early! Procrastination is not your friend when it comes to the Tufts application process. Instead, start planning early to make sure your Tufts application is as competitive as possible. 

Is it hard to get into Tufts University?

Ranking #28 on U.S. News Best Colleges list and #38 on Forbes Top Colleges, Tufts is a popular school. Accordingly, it has a competitive admissions process, with over 30,000 applicants yearly and an acceptance rate of 14.95%. The low Tufts acceptance rate ensures that the average Tufts class size stays at around 20 students. 

Ensuring you know how to get into Tufts takes more than stellar academics. Check out this article to be sure you stay competitive in the Tufts application process. 

What is the acceptance rate at Tufts University?

Tufts University is a mid-sized university that offers world-class research facilities while maintaining a personalized feel. The average Tufts class size is small, and it isn’t rare to grab a coffee and chat with your professor. However, to maintain this atmosphere, Tufts is highly competitive. 

The Tufts university acceptance rate is just 14.95%. This should come as no surprise—after all,the Tufts average GPA is likely high, as are the average Tufts SAT scores.  

Last year, Tufts received over 30,000 applicants. The average Tufts class size is around 20 students, with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. So, wondering how to get into Tufts when it seems like every student is thinking the same? Try to craft the most compelling Tufts application narrative possible. Thoughtfully complete the Tufts supplemental essays, try to match the assumed Tufts average GPA, and submit strong standardized test scores if you have them.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert guide.

What GPA do I need for Tufts University?

The Tufts average GPA for admitted students is not published on the Tufts University admissions page. However, it’s safe to say the Tufts average GPA is high. While standardized test scores are now optional, the middle 50% of applicants who did submit Tufts SAT scores had scores ranging from 1460-1560. 

Admitted Tufts applicants are at the top of their class, so aim to have a competitive GPA. The average Tufts class size tends toward the smaller side; Tufts keeps classes small by careful selection of their many eager candidates. 

Tufts University admissions states that academic rigor is an important part of their admissions criteria. But what does that mean in terms of how to get into Tufts? Even though we don’t know the exact Tufts average GPA, you should be taking challenging high school courses. This includes honors, AP, and IB classes.

Play to your strengths

When choosing your high school courses, think about your academic strengths. It doesn’t make sense to take all AP courses, overwhelm yourself, and struggle to maintain your grades while participating in extracurriculars. Instead, choose tough courses where your strengths lie. Opt for AP Chemistry if science is your thing rather than floundering through an AP Language and Composition class. 

The Tufts acceptance rate keeps the average Tufts class size small. On the bright side, Tufts University admissions takes your whole profile into account when reviewing your Tufts application. If you find yourself worried about the assumed high Tufts average GPA, make sure you excel in other areas of your Tufts application. Maybe that means extra test prep to hit the average Tufts SAT scores, or crafting even better Tufts supplemental essays, or opting for a Tufts interview. There are other areas to shine in the Tufts application! 

What is in the Tufts University application?

Tufts applicants should use the Common App or Coalition Application. Start the application process by first checking out the Tufts University admissions page for all things Tufts application-related. 

The Tufts application process requires much more than a high GPA and SAT scores. Tufts University admissions takes into account the entire Tufts application, including the Tufts supplemental essays, the Tufts interview, and your extracurriculars. 

Tufts University has two Early Decision deadlines. The first is November 1st, and the second is January 6th. The Regular Decision deadline is January 6th. For Early Decision II, the supplemental materials, including recommendations and grades, are due earlier.

There is no way you will figure out how to get into Tufts without submitting all of the required materials. 

Here’s what you need to submit: 

  • Common App or Coalition App
  • Tufts supplemental essays
  • High School Transcripts
  • Senior Grades
  • English Proficiency Test Scores: only if English is not your native language
  • Art Portfolio: required only if applying specifically to BFA program
  • Application fee

Applicants may submit the following optional materials: standardized test scores, a Tufts interview with alumni, or an Arts or Maker portfolio (required if applying to the BFA program). If you are worried about meeting the assumed Tufts average GPA, these materials are a great way to stand out. 

Remember that the mid-fifty Tufts SAT scores range from 1460-1560. About 40% of admitted applicants did not submit standardized test scores last year. Submitting standardized test scores is meant to boost your Tufts application. So, if you don’t meet the average Tufts SAT scores, it’s best not to submit them.

Are you overwhelmed by the Common App? Don’t let that keep you from figuring out how to get into Tufts. Check out these tips to make sure you’ve crafted the strongest Common App possible. 

What extracurriculars does Tufts University like?

There are no specific extracurriculars that Tufts University admissions requires. Tufts values curiosity, creativity, and engagement. That leaves you with many options, so choose activities that speak to you. 

With over 300 student organizations, it seems clear that Tufts looks for applicants who will enrich the Tufts community. As a general rule, avoid joining extracurricular activities for the sole purpose of college admissions. Instead, look at extracurriculars as a way to pursue your passions, grow as a person, and get involved in your community. 

While it’s wonderful to show leadership in your activities, you shouldn’t be the president of your class if that doesn’t interest you. Instead, leadership could mean heading a community garden project or choreographing a ballet for a class you teach. When it comes to extracurriculars, it’s not necessarily what you do that’s important—it’s the passion and consistency with which you do it. 

Does Tufts University require interviews?

Tufts offers an optional Tufts interview with an alumnus. Due to the high number of applicants, interviews are not guaranteed. If you think an interview will advance your application, be sure to request one early on. 

According to Tufts University admissions, choosing not to request an interview will not negatively impact your admissions prospects. So, if the interview has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry about requesting one! However, if you’re eager to go to Tufts, an interview can be a great chance to show what makes you special. 

What to know about the Tufts interview: 

It’s virtual

Be prepared to charm your interviewer through a screen. However, even though it’s a virtual interview, you should still dress to impress! Come as though it were in person—no PJs.

Prepare some questions

Make sure to prepare some thoughtful questions about Tufts for your interviewer. We know the average Tufts class size is around 20, but what are the interactions like between the professor and students? This is your chance to get all the details from experienced alumni. 

Be ready to expand on the “why Tufts” question

Try to add what you didn’t already write in your Tufts supplemental essays (spoiler alert: there is a “why Tufts” question!). Many find Tufts appealing, but what specifically has you googling “how to get into Tufts?” Don’t be generic—really delve into the “why.” 

It’s just a conversation

Tufts University admissions stresses that the interview is laid-back and conversational. While you should come to your Tufts interview prepared, get excited about the opportunity rather than stress over it. This is a great way to learn about college life at Tufts. 

If you’re worried about meeting the expected Tufts average GPA or Tufts SAT scores, a Tufts interview can really advance your application. The Tufts interview, paired with outstanding Tufts supplemental essays, could be just what you need to catch the eye of Tufts University admissions. 

Check out this webinar for more college interview tips. 

How do I write a Tufts supplemental essay?

An important part of how to get into Tufts lies within the Tufts supplemental essays. The first of the two required Tufts supplemental essays focuses on the “why Tufts” question. The second is about your interests and passions. 

With the average Tufts class size at 20 and over 30,000 yearly applicants, Tufts University admissions have never been so competitive. So, use these essays to make your Tufts application shine.

Our first supplemental essay prompt asks, why Tufts? This essay has a maximum of 150 words, so best to choose one or two big ideas to expand on. First, choose something unique to Tufts that interests you. Then, expand on how that Tufts-specific activity, major, or professor would further your goals, interests, or passions.

The second Tufts supplemental essay gives you a choice of three prompts, all of which aim to get to know you better. The word count is 250, so again, be concise. Choose a topic that will let you discuss something you haven’t mentioned elsewhere in your Tufts application. Like the first essay, don’t share an expansive list. Instead, choose one or two experiences that show who you are. 

Tufts Supplemental Essays Checklist: 

  • Are my responses unique and specific to me? 
  • Do they show my unique voice and writing style?
  • Do my essays add value to my Tufts application narrative? 
  • Are they tailored specifically to Tufts?

Check out this breakdown on how to write Tufts supplemental essays that will impress Tufts University admissions.

How does Tufts University review applications?

To craft a perfect Tufts application narrative, you must understand what Tufts University admissions looks for. With the average Tufts class size hanging steady at 20 but over 30,000 yearly applicants, how do they decide who makes the cut?

There are no guarantees in the college admissions process. However, there are things you can do to make your Tufts application as competitive as possible. So, if you’re wondering how to get into Tufts through the eyes of a Tufts University admissions officer, here are some tips. 

What Tufts University admissions looks for: 

Academic achievement

This is a top criterion when reviewing applications. Assume the Tufts average GPA is high, like the mid-fifty Tufts SAT scores. Plan early by strategizing around your high school course load. Take APs and IBs in your strongest subject areas to show you are up for a challenge without compromising your grades.

Impactful essays

Your Common App or Coalition App essay matters, but so do your Tufts supplemental essays. Dedicate time to them all. Tufts admissions carefully reads the school-specific essays, so don’t neglect them. 

Consistent Passion

Tufts University admissions wants to see passionate students who are active in their community. This should come through in your extracurriculars. You don’t have to be in every school club—you just need to be involved in something. Through your Tufts application narrative, show how those activities have prepared you to be an active community member. 

When investigating how to get into Tufts, check in with the ultimate source of Tufts information—Tufts itself. Tufts University admissions has some great advice for interested students. 

Will Tufts University consider my social media?

Tufts University admissions has a dispelling myths page. They explicitly state that their admissions officers do not check applicants’ social media accounts. Instead, they say, they have enough information in the rest of the Tufts application to evaluate applicants. 

So, social media won’t be part of your “how to get into Tufts” strategy. However, you should still be aware of how it could affect other aspects of your future, including internship or employment prospects. If you’re unsure of best social media practices, check out this article.

Is Tufts University the school for me?

You think you’ve figured out how to get into Tufts. You’re not worried about the unknown Tufts average GPA. You’re confident with your grades and are well within the mid-fifty Tufts SAT scores range. You’ve prepared for your Tufts interview, written the perfect Tufts supplemental essays, and spent countless hours crafting a strong Tufts application. Also, you can spout out Tufts facts like no one else, bragging that the average Tufts class size is 20 and there is a 9:1 student faculty ratio to anyone who will listen. 

But, have you pictured yourself there? Do you know what student organizations you would participate in? Or, have you forgotten to think about if Tufts is a good fit for you? Figuring out how to get into Tufts is irrelevant if it’s not the school for you. After all, it’s your future that’s at stake. 

Before obsessing over how to get into Tufts (or any school), decide what’s important to you. Make a list of everything you want from your college experience, including size, location, areas of study, student organizations, etc. The list may change as you learn more about different universities, and that’s ok!

Check out this blog post from the Tufts University admissions team that will help you to decide if a school is a good fit for you. 

Additional tips to get into Tufts University

Figuring out how to get into Tufts can be an intimidating process. With over 30,000 yearly applicants and an acceptance rate of 14.95%, it takes careful choosing from Tufts University admissions to keep the average Tufts class size at 20. 

Extra tips on how to get into Tufts: 

Start preparing early

It takes careful planning to have a competitive GPA. Assume the Tufts average GPA is high, and keep in mind the mid-fifty Tufts SAT scores when preparing your academic plan. Craft a well-rounded, rigorous course load. This will include APs and IBs. Start your Tufts application early to ensure that it shows how you would perfectly fit into Tufts. 

Write with passion

The Tufts supplemental essays are important. Spend time outlining, drafting, revising, and editing multiple versions of your essays to make sure that they are the best they can be. Use them to show your personality, passion, and love of Tufts University. 

Get active

This doesn’t mean you should play every sport or attempt to be the president of every school club. However, you should get involved in activities that genuinely interest you and make you a more involved member of your community. Don’t forget to mention these activities in your Tufts application!

Find the best recommendations

Recommendation letters are often a forgotten part of the college process. However, these letters can really set you apart from the crowd when done well. Make sure to choose your recs carefully, and give your teachers ample time to prepare their letters.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to ace your “how to get into Tufts” plan. And remember, while the college application process can be stressful, you can succeed with planning and strategizing. 

This guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. If you want to know how to get into Tufts, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former Admissions Officers) includes Tufts graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 506-7275.