I've been crunching the numbers and thinking over my university choices a lot lately. I'm highly considering Tufts as an Early Decision II option - are there fellow students who pursued this path? What were your experiences like and any tips on impressing the Ad-Com?
When considering the Early Decision II (ED II) route to Tufts, it's helpful to reflect on the two unique aspects of this approach: the timeline and the commitment. The timeline is tighter - this means you need to have all your application components—including essays, recommenders, and test score submissions—ready by the ED II deadline. The commitment means, if accepted, you are obliged to attend Tufts, assuming the financial aid offered makes it feasible. Before applying ED II, make sure to use Tufts' Net Price Calculator (https://provost.tufts.edu/institutionalresearch/cost-of-attendance/) to gauge what your financial aid package might look like.
When it comes to impressing the admissions committee, it's crucial to demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with the institution's ethos, culture, and offerings. Tufts is known for its emphasis on active citizenship and public service, global awareness, and interdisciplinary studies. Reflecting these values in your essays can make your application compelling.
For instance, the supplemental essays are a perfect opportunity to display your familiarity with Tufts-specific opportunities and how you plan to leverage them. If you're interested in International Relations, you might talk about looking forward to the Perspectives Program. If you're keen on community service, you might mention participating in the Leonard Carmichael Society.
Lastly, highlight evidence of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Tufts prides itself on students who are self-starters, innovative, and ready to dig deep into their interests. You can use your academic and extracurricular endeavors to reflect this. If you worked on an in-depth research project in Chemistry, spearheaded a fundraiser for a local charity, or took up a new skill during the lockdown, these are instances that can underline these attributes.
Remember that the process is about conveying a coherent picture of who you are, where your passions lie, and how you intend to contribute to the Tufts community. Good luck!
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