APPLICATION ADVICE

When you hear the word “optional,” do you think it’s too good to be true? Well, let me con rm that at Tufts Admissions, optional really does mean optional. We receive this question often and want to ease your concerns. Check out our advice column to see how we tackle the question, “Is it really optional?”

Dear Admissions Committee,

Hi! I am really committed and extremely excited to apply to Tufts this year. I am very involved in my school community, have good grades, and want to enrich the Tufts campus environment, if accepted. Also, I did the virtual campus tour and Tufts is such a beautiful campus. I can’t wait to be a Jumbo. I have a couple questions about what is “optional” in the admissions process. Will I be at a disadvantage if I am not offered an interview? Do I need to submit a portfolio? Will my application be seen as “more competitive” if I submit my SAT/ACT test scores? I don’t want you all to think that I am hiding them or slacking off.

Thanks!

Concerned Student, Future Tufts Class of 2026

Dear Concerned Student,

Thanks for reaching out! Your concerns are quite common. Let’s dive into them, shall we? When we say optional, we mean it’s up to your discretion. You will not be penalized if you do not submit an optional material.

Interviews: Do not fret! More students ask for interviews than we can accomodate. Therefore, you are not at a disadvantage if you do not receive an interview.

Portfolios: If you are applying to a program at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), then the Art Portfolio is required. If you are applying to the School of Arts & Sciences or the School of Engineering, you may submit an optional arts or maker portfolio if you’d like to highlight a talent. Please note that there is an additional $12 charge for the submission of your portfolio.

Standardized test scores: When it comes to testing, we are test-optional for the next two admission cycles. If you submit test scores, you will not have an advantage and will not be seen as a “more competitive applicant.” And if you don’t submit test scores, you will not be at a disadvantage and will not be seen as a “less competitive applicant.” When I was applying to college, I remember stressing over my testing. I was fortunate to have a community that supported me. I went to tutors and spent summers working on practice problems, but it didn’t feel like enough. Allow me to let you in on a little secret: when I applied to Tufts, the admissions committee didn’t look solely at my testing. They looked at my voice and data holistically. Data takes into account your grades, the rigor of your classes, and your test scores if you send them in. Ultimately, we want to see how you are doing in the context of your school. Voice takes into account your personal statement and two Tufts-speci c questions. We look for your authentic voice that tells us your narrative in a direct and genuine way. If you choose to submit your test scores, great! And if you don’t, that’s ne, too! It really is up to you and whether you feel that the admissions committee needs to see your scores.

When you’re applying to college, you want to make sure that you are applying to a place where you can see yourself thriving. We ask “Why Tufts?” because we want to know why you want to become a Jumbo. Are you interested in organizing Kids’ Day with the Leonard Carmichael Society? Excited to share your culture at the Parade of Nations show? Do you want to be part of a community that is engaging, kind, and full of people who genuinely care about your success? Use your application to let your life speak. Tell us who you are, what motivates you, what you’ve done, and who you strive to be while at Tufts and beyond.

We look forward to reading your application and, hopefully, welcoming you into the Tufts community soon.

’Til next time,

Kella Merlain-Moffatt ’20, Admissions Counselor

A large drawing that says "Is It Really Optional?" in the middle, with mirrored images around it including doves, elephants, pencils, hands, and an academic building in the center.