Tufts University is one of the most prestigious private institutions in the United States, but its acceptance rate is a concern for intending applicants.
Tufts, a renowned university in Massachusetts, is the preferred destination for many high schoolers, including international students. The mid-size institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in different areas of study.
If you intend to get into Tufts, there are a few things you need to know about admission to this university. How applications are reviewed during admission and the process to apply to Tufts University.
We have included information about admission at Tufts University alongside the acceptance rate from previous admissions. So, stay with us to find out what it takes to get into Tufts.
About Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research institution in Medford, Massachusetts. It was established in 1852 by Christian universalists, initially as Tufts College.
However, since its inception, Tufts University has become one of the top private institutions in the United States. The university is a member of the Association of America University.
Tufts University is a mid-sized institution with an enrolment of over 12,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Its main campus spans 150 acres, with over 90 undergraduate and 160 graduate degree programs offered at the university.
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Schools and Colleges at Tufts University
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Tufts University are educated through the School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
The School of Dental Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, the School of Engineering, the Fletcher School, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the School of Medicine, University College, Tisch College of Civil Life, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts complete the list.
Tufts University Ranking
According to U.S. News and World Report, Tufts University is ranked #32 in National Universities and #27 in Best Value Schools.
Tufts is also ranked #379 on the list of the world’s top universities (QS World University Rankings).
Student Life at Tufts University
Tufts University has one of the finest campuses in America. The community on campus is diverse and friendly for college beginners to settle in.
Tufts provides housing options for undergraduates who want to live on campus, and there are also other housing options for those who decide to stay off campus.
You will also find several dining halls across campus where you can treat yourself to healthy meals.
Tufts has over 300 student organizations and clubs for students who are passionate about socializing. Recreational sports are also available on campus for students to compete among themselves. Tufts athletic facilities are designed to keep students active and healthy.
Admissions at Tufts University
Tufts is highly selective when it comes to admission. It uses a holistic review to weigh each application, in other to find worthy candidates for admission.
Tufts is more interested in students who have something more to offer to the community on campus. The admission committee at Tufts is searching for applicants with the right motivation to change today’s society.
To be successful at Tufts University, you need more than good academic records. Your application should have something the university is looking for in applicants.
Extracurricular activities and achievements outside the classroom are a good start to stay ahead the race to get into Tufts University.
Recommendations from teachers and school counsellors are one of the contributing factors that will increase your chances of admission.
What Is the GPA Requirement at Tufts University?
Tufts University is extremely selective when admitting students, and it requires an average GPA of 4.04. To meet this standard, you will need to be in the top 10% of your graduating high school class.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Tufts University is test optional for undergraduate applicants applying for the fall term of 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
According to statistics, half of the applicants who applied for a place in the Class of 2026 did not submit SAT or ACT scores, and more than 40% of the admitted students did the same.
Students who enrolled at Tufts University in that particular admission year had a middle 50% SAT of 1450-1530. To be considered a strong candidate for admission, you will need an average SAT score composite of 1465.
Enrolled students at Tufts from the previous admission year had a middle 50% ACT score of 33-35. On the ACT, the average score at Tufts is 33.
The Acceptance Rate at Tufts University
Tufts intend to increase its undergraduate student body, but its acceptance rate is not aligned with that intent.
Tufts offered admission to 11% of applicants who applied to the university in the previous admission year. This was the university’s lowest admission rate before the recent admission.
The university has become more selective than ever with its acceptance rate hitting single digits. Tufts admitted only 9% of applicants who applied to the university for a place in the next graduating class.
It is getting more competitive at Tufts as the years go by. More students are applying, and only a few are selected to enrol at Tufts University.
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Early Decision Acceptance Rate at Tufts University
Since admission for Regular Decision is very selective, let us find out admit rate for Early Decision.
Tufts University offers an Early Decision I and Early Decision II plan. The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, while Early Decision II is January 1.
Tufts University does not release its Early Decision acceptance rate, but statistics show an increase in ED applicants. Those who apply to Tufts University in Early Decision are approximately 2,500. And whatever the admission rate is, is unknown to the public.
Tufts University Application Process for First-Year Applicant
Tufts University will accept all first-year applicants who have graduated from high school and earned a diploma or equivalent. The application to Tufts University follows a sequential process.
Ensure you have the essential materials for the application before you begin the process.
Application Options
Tufts University will accept the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
Letter of Recommendation
You will be required to submit letters of recommendation from a teacher and school counsellor. The teacher recommendation should come from a teacher who has lectured you in core academic subjects.
Complete Tufts University Short Answer Questions
The Tufts Shorts Answer Questions is part of the application, and all applicants are required to complete it.
Submit official high school transcripts.
You are required to submit secondary/high school official transcripts.
Senior Grades
You will also be required to submit grades obtained in your senior year at high school. This requirement is part of the application, and those applying for Early Decision are required to submit first-quarter or trimester grades before the first week of December. Students applying for ED II are also required to submit their first semester or trimester grades before the last week in January.
Applicants to the BFA or Combine Degree BFA+BA/BS programs at the SMFA at Tufts University are required to submit a 15-20 piece portfolio of the latest work.
Tufts Application Fee or Fee Waiver
The application fee to apply to Tufts is $75. Students who are unable to pay the application fee due to financial reasons must get a written request from their college counsellor or school official.
SAT or ACT Score
Tufts is test optional and will also allow students to self-report test scores. If you think that your test scores will contribute to your admission into Tufts, submit them to the university.
Please note: Application materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Tufts.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Tufts University
Bendetson Hall
2 The Green Medford,
MA 02155-7057
Transfer Application Process and Admissions
Tufts University is open for transfer admission and will admit worthy candidates to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Who is eligible for transfer admission at Tufts University?
You are eligible for transfer admission if you have previously graduated from high school and enrolled in a degree-seeking program at any college or university.
Tufts University is selective with an acceptance rate in the single digits, and transfer applicants are expected to have an impressive academic record to be considered for admission.
In other to be successful for transfer admission at Tufts, the university recommends that you complete at least a year of college study before you enrol at Tufts.
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How to Apply to Tufts as a Transfer Student
All transfer applicants to Tufts University are required to apply via the Common Application. Apply the Transfer Application and respond to the Tufts Short Answer Questions.
You are required to submit College Report for every college attended.
Next, on the application checklist is an academic evaluation. This should be obtained from a college-level instructor or advisor.
All secondary school transcripts and official college transcripts are required as part of the application.
The remaining items on the application include a brief description of college courses, a list of courses in progress, and a transfer midterm report.
The application fee for transfer students is $75.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer Students at Tufts University?
Most of the transfer applicants applying to Tufts University hail from community colleges across Massachusetts. Transfer students who have been successful at Tufts University had excellent academic records.
In a particular admission year at Tufts, the university admitted 167 students out of 1,154 transfer applicants. By admitting 167 students, the acceptance rate at Tufts University was 14.4% which is also very selective.
Application Process for International Student and Admissions
Tufts University shares a diverse community with over 90 countries represented on campus. International students are welcome at Tufts to join the vibrant community on campus.
Tufts University will accept international applicants who have graduated from secondary/high school and obtained a certificate appropriate for university admission in their home country.
All first-year applicants to Tufts University are treated equally regardless of nationality, race, religion, or language. As an international applicant to Tufts, you will submit the same documents required from domestic applicants.
English Proficiency Testing
All international applicants from countries where English is not the official are required to submit proof of English proficiency. The requirement for English proficiency can be waived if you have enrolled for at least three years at any school where English is used as the language of instruction.
Tufts University will accept these English language tests and the recommended average score.
- TOEFL (Internet-based): minimum score of 100 or higher
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7 or higher
- PTE: minimum score of 68 or higher
- Duolingo: minimum score of 120 or higher
How Can I Apply to Tufts as an International Student?
For a successful application to Tufts, international students can apply via the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Completing the Common Application or the Coalition Application requires a letter of recommendation from a teacher and school counsellor.
Next, you will complete the Tufts Short Answer Questions. Submit secondary/high school transcripts and grades from senior year.
Submit English proficiency test scores (for applicants whose home country’s official language is not English). After that, pay the application fee of $75.
SAT or ACT scores are optional.
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What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at Tufts University?
Tufts University is home to thousands of international students, enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. More than 90 countries are represented in the Tufts community, and international students make up 21% of the university student body.
In terms of the acceptance rate for international students at Tufts University, there are no official statistics from the school.
Tufts University Tuition and Fees
Here is the estimated cost of attendance at Tufts University.
| Resident | Commuter | |
| Tuition | $63,804 | $63,804 |
| Residence Hall | $9,160 | — |
| Meal Plan | $7,652 | $6,812 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $1,006 | $1,006 |
| Activity Fee | $412 | $412 |
| Estimated Health Insurance (Waived upon proof of approved alternate insurance) | $3,900 | $3,900 |
| Books | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Personal | $1,566 | $1,566 |
| Total (w/o University Health Insurance) | $84,600 | $74,600 |
Contact Address of Tufts University
- School Address: 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, United States
- Phone: +1 617-628-5000
Visit the official website of Tufts University for the latest news on research, academics, and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the acceptance rate at Tufts University.
Is Tufts University as good as an Ivy League?
Tufts University is not among the famous Ivy League. However, Tufts University is one of the prestigious that offers top-quality education accosted with intensive academic research.
What is the average GPA to get into Tufts?
Getting into Tufts is challenging. The average GPA for admission at Tufts is 4.04. This is very competitive for applicants who intend to apply to the university.
Is it hard to get into Tufts University or Cornell University?
In terms of acceptance rate, Cornell is more selective than Tufts University. Cornell University is an Ivy League school, famous for being one of the most selective institutions in the United States.
Is it difficult to get into Tufts University?
Tufts University is very selective when it comes to admitting students. The university evaluates applicants from different perspectives. The acceptance rate at Tufts University is 9% which is very selective and challenging.
Conclusion
Tufts University is a private university that wants to see students excel in academics and become great leaders for the future. The admission process at Tufts is selective and will admit worthy candidates with the best application profile.
If you intend to be among the next freshman class at Tufts, then your academic records should be promising.
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References
- Admission Tufts: Profile of the Class of 2026
- U.S. News & World Report: Tufts University
- Times Higher Education: Tufts University
- Top Universities: Tufts University
