Learning about the International Relations Major at Tufts

I'm super intrigued by global politics and am thinking about majoring in International Relations. I hear Tufts has a great program– does anyone have any experiences with it they can share? Or any tips on getting into such a program?

The International Relations major at Tufts is indeed very highly regarded and for good reason. The program is interdisciplinary, meaning that you'll have the chance to take classes in various fields including history, economics, political science, and even languages, to gain a holistic understanding of global affairs.

To shape your candidacy for acceptance into Tufts, it would be beneficial to show a passion for international affairs in your extracurriculars. You could participate in activities like Model United Nations, volunteering with globally-focused non-profits, or starting a club related to global politics or a particular regional issue at school. Particularly noteworthy achievements in these activities (like Tiers 1 or 2 in the CollegeVine 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars) can be especially compelling.

Furthermore, the essays you write for Tufts should reflect your interest in International Relations. When discussing 'Why Tufts?', make sure to mention specific aspects of the International Relations program that draw you to it, such as specific professors, classes, research initiatives, or the interdisciplinary nature of the degree. You could consider discussing experiences that sparked your interest in global politics, but try to shy away from cliched narratives and instead provide a unique perspective on how you engage with this interest.

Lastly, demonstrating strong academics, particularly in history, government, economics, and languages, would be key to showing your readiness for the rigorous academics at Tufts.

More generally, a strong application will give you the best shot at Tufts and its International Relations program. This includes good grades, rigorous courses, solid test scores at schools where they're considered (remembering Tufts is test-optional), and strong letters of recommendation.

On the whole, an admissions committee will value authenticity and depth of interest, so finding your own unique angle on your interest in international issues will be key.