Join us for How They Did It: Early Decision Success Stories on 1/29 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for How They Did It: Early Decision Success Stories on 1/29 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Prospective Jumbos – listen up! Here’s a look into how to best answer the Tufts supplemental essay questions.
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.
Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering:
Please respond to one of the following three prompts in 200-250 words:
– It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity and why?
Admissions officers use this question to learn more about an applicant’s core interests. Remember, this can be anything – so don’t be afraid to be honest if the answer is playing video games, doing makeup, cleaning up litter or cooking – anything goes. This prompt can reveal your diversity in interests and how you will bring that diversity to campus.
Before sitting down to write, take some time for self-reflection. Admissions officers are trying to learn more about you as a person, not just the topic you’re passionate about.
– How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?
Tufts wants to know what makes you, you. Feel free to use an anecdote to reveal who you are and why you are that way. After you use your anecdote or story, be sure to discuss how that has shaped who you are and how you plan on bringing your experiences to Tufts.
– Using a specific example or two, tell us about a way that you contributed to building a collaborative and/or inclusive community.
If this question doesn’t allow you to expand upon a topic you’re passionate about, skip it. However, if you’ve been engaged in the news and an active participant in society throughout high school – or even just recently – then this is your space to explain. Tufts seeks a socially engaged student body, so the admissions officers want to know where your passions lie, what you’ve done about them in the past and how you intend to continue pursuing those passions at Tufts.
Applicants to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts:
Please respond to the following prompt in 200-250 words:
– Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world. What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work?
Be specific! In the previous answer, you described your intended major, courses and/or favorite medium. In the response, though, you’ll want to talk about what inspires you to create art. What are your ideas? What do you want to explore with your art?
In addition, we will ask all applicants to complete this sentence in 100 words or less:
“I am applying to Tufts because…”
Answering the question “Why Tufts?” should be viewed as the culmination of your demonstrated interest and a reflection of your “fit” on campus. Universities are constantly trying to assess fit in the same way their applicants are. Craft a thoughtful and honest response here. Be as specific as possible! You should also consider doing some research on Tufts’ academic and extracurricular offerings. If Tufts is your top choice, then this answer should come easily. Students who find themselves forcing the answer may want to reassess their decision to apply.
Have you visited the campus and taken an official tour and information session? You will more easily be able to write this essay if you have done so!
