Ask Admissions

The college search process can feel daunting. We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed when figuring out where to start, much less in finding the right college(s) for you. That’s where we come in! You probably have a million questions like “what does it take to get in’’ or “how will my extracurriculars be looked at” or “who is the best economics/biology/ political science professor to take classes with.” And some of these can be great questions to ask later on in the process. But before you dive into super specific questions, we think it would do you well to mull over some deeper questions to help you understand what type of college environment is the best fit for you. Plus, that will make asking those previous questions even more impactful down the line. So, here are some good questions to ask yourself as you begin your college search process, with some Tufts-specific answers to boot. BY SAM NICOL, ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

A person sits reading a book at the top of a floating staircase in the clouds.

1) What are your values, and what do you want from your college experience?

> Now I know this is a really big question to start, but the answer to this will help you the most in the long run. One great way to start thinking about how a college or university shows what they value in their students is to look at the ways they talk about them. Think about what a school says it values in its students, and if you are a fan of the kind of people the school attracts, that’s a really good sign! Here at Tufts, we like to say that Jumbos are kind, collaborative, civically engaged, and intellectually playful. We like to say that because it’s true! If you’re walking around campus and look lost, chances are a student will walk up to you and help you find your way. Professors encourage students to collaborate on assignments and projects because it’s incredibly important in both your personal growth and professional trajectory. Student activism is strong, and the Tisch College of Civic Life helps everyone on campus stay engaged as active citizens, both in the classroom and in the community. And finally, at Tufts, students like to have fun while doing really impressive things. A favorite story of mine was hearing how one day in the dining hall, some Jumbos had a lively debate about what exactly constitutes a thermodynamically perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Tufts students are intelligent and grounded, driven and fun, dedicated and supportive. If that sounds like your kind of people, then you’ve found the right spot.

2)What kind of environment is most beneficial to your success as a student? As a person? What support systems are most important to you?

> For a question like this, think about what resources and institutional support a school offers and whether or not that is what you need to do your best. Does the university provide advisors, and what kinds? Every incoming student at Tufts is assigned a pre-major advisor—a faculty or staff member who is a resource and sounding board as you explore many academic and intellectual paths. And they stick with you until you declare your major! We also have pre-professional advisors who will help you (even as an alum!) prepare for and apply to medical, dental, veterinary, and law schools. Our Career Center provides more general support for graduate school, as well as more unique offerings like career communities, which are collections of professional resources and supports tied to specific industries. Some examples include Education, Nonprofit, & Social Impact; Arts, Communications & Media; and Finance, Consulting, Entrepreneurship, & Business. For academic support, our Student Accessibility and Academic Resource (StAAR) Center helps students advocate for their needs both in and out of the classroom. From writing support, to academic accommodations like extra time on exams, to the new Lyft program for students with mobility impairments, the StAAR Center is there for you. In terms of communities outside of the classroom, our Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI) Centers provide a home and place of belonging for students interested in thinking about social identities and the ways they impact our lives and our world. From affinity group spaces to special leadership and mentoring events, our eight identity-based resource centers in the DSDI provide a home away from home and specialized services for everything students may need.

3) What do you want to do outside of the classroom? Extracurriculars, the local area? Internship, research, or co-op opportunities?

> Your time in undergrad will be a lot more than just the classroom. A good fit comes from more than just the academic life—it’s everything: student organizations, community engagement, location. Some of the most common ways to get involved outside of the classroom at Tufts are through the over 300 student organizations. With the majority of your time spent outside the classroom, finding a community within the broader university is a great way of supporting your mental health and making life-long friends. There are, of course, more academic ways of spending your time. Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of many students’ experiences, and with labs and projects in nearly every discipline, it’s easy to understand why. But there’s more to college life than what happens on the campus. Tufts is lucky to be in incredible neighborhoods, with our Medford/Somerville campus straddling (you guessed it) the Medford and Somerville city lines just five miles outside of Boston. And our SMFA Fenway campus is nestled in the Avenue of the Arts amongst world-renowned institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston right next door. Community events are accessible from our shuttle (called the Joey), and the T (what we call the Boston subway and train system) has a new stop opening right next to the Cummings Center on campus! Tufts also offers opportunities for programs even further away. Students have access to hundreds of programs around the world—we even have a campus in Talloires, France that offers summer programs for Tufts students. We also have US-based programs like Tufts-in-Washington where undergraduates interested in political science, international relations, civic studies, or American studies spend a semester in Washington, DC taking classes and interning. About half of our juniors go abroad or study away each year, so there are many ways to expand your knowledge and to expand your “places I’ve been” list.

There are lots of ways to think about what it means for a college to be a good fit for you, and hopefully this helps you think about what matters most to you in your future college home (and has given you a head-start on figuring out Tufts). Whatever your ultimate decision is, going in with clear eyes and a full heart will set you up for success for years down the road. Good luck and have fun!