Overview
Tufts University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Medford, Massachusetts. The school accepts 9.7% of applicants and enrolls 6,804 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 9.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,500
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,450–1,550
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 6,804
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Tufts admissions officers prioritize intellectual curiosity over perfect test scores, looking for students who ask unexpected questions and pursue learning beyond classroom requirements. Your application should demonstrate how you think, not just what you've accomplished.
The "Why Tufts" essay matters more here than at most peer schools because Tufts competes with Ivies for the same applicants. Write specifically about professors you want to work with, research opportunities in your intended field, or how you'd contribute to student organizations like the Leonard Carmichael Society or Tufts Dance Collective. Generic responses about Boston or small class sizes won't distinguish you.
Reference specific Tufts traditions like the Naked Quad Run or painting the cannon, but connect them to broader themes about community building or school spirit rather than just listing them. Mention the Experimental College if you're genuinely interested in student-designed courses, or discuss how the Fletcher School's presence creates unique undergraduate opportunities in international relations.
Don't assume Tufts is a safety school because it lacks Ivy League prestige. This misconception leads to weak applications that admissions officers immediately recognize. Tufts has higher yield rates in certain programs than some Ivies, particularly in engineering and international relations.
Early Decision provides a significant advantage, but only apply ED if you're genuinely committed. Tufts tracks demonstrated interest heavily, so visit campus if possible, attend virtual information sessions, and engage meaningfully with admissions representatives at college fairs.
The school of engineering requires separate consideration during application review. If you're applying to engineering, highlight specific projects or research interests rather than general STEM enthusiasm. Computer science and biomedical engineering are particularly competitive, so show depth in these areas through competitions, internships, or independent projects.
Your supplemental essays should reflect Tufts' emphasis on active citizenship and global perspective. Write about how you've created change in your community or how international experiences have shaped your worldview. Avoid writing about wanting to "change the world" without specific examples of local impact you've already made.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $35,435/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $67,844
- Students Receiving Aid
- 12%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 93.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $83,214/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Tufts is test-optional for undergraduate admissions. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the early decision deadline for Tufts University?
Tufts offers Early Decision I with a deadline of November 1 and Early Decision II with a deadline of January 1. Both are binding admission plans.
Can you transfer to Tufts University as a sophomore or junior?
Tufts accepts transfer students for fall and spring admission. Transfer applicants must have completed at least one full year of college coursework before enrolling.
What makes Tufts University admissions different from other schools?
Tufts requires applicants to answer specific supplemental essays that focus on intellectual curiosity and community fit. The school also offers combined degree programs like liberal arts with engineering.