<p>ok, i'm known for being pretty harsh with my criticism... get ready.</p>
<p>i find your style extremely stilted. Do you really say things like "The reasons by which I have chosen to apply early to Tufts University are myriad. " ???? How about "There are many reasons I am applying early decision to Tufts." Not that you would even include an opening sentence like this, because it's superfluous. I would just cut to the chase.</p>
<p>As I read your essay, what strikes me is how it sounds like you're just rattling off stuff you'd find in a Tufts catalog. As presented it's rather ho-hum. Have you visited? Did you sit in on a class or two? Talk to the kids and ask them about their Tufts experience? Find an activity that, if you were to go to Tufts, you'd be excited about participating in? I would try to personalize your responses more. Some examples of how to do this:</p>
<p>This paragraph:
"Through research and informational meetings, I have come to learn of the existence of the Experimental College. No where else in the country can be found such an exceptional and unique program. Having such diverse courses available to the students fosters such an enlightened and academically nurturing atmosphere."</p>
<p>Yikes! If you found Ex-College exciting your prose certainly doesn't reflect it, especially that first sentence. Tufts KNOWS it's an exceptional and unique program offering diverse courses, yadda yadda. Try something like, "After poring over countless college course catalogs to get a feel for prospective schools, it was a delightful surprise to read the quirky and fun offerings of Tufts' Experimental College, with titles, such as ________ and _____________ . "<br>
or
"The students I spoke with during my Tufts visit gave an overwhelming thumbs up to the Ex-College program. One was taking a class in _____<strong><em>, another in _</em></strong>_____. I'm intrigued and excited about the possibilities!" </p>
<p>Another faux pas:
"I wanted the liberal arts experience, but with the academic opportunities that only a major university can offer. With this requirement in mind, my choices were severely limited, until I found Tufts. There are not many schools that are as scholastically excellent as Tufts and have a student population of fewer than 10,000. "</p>
<p>This sounds like you're applying to Tufts because it was the only school that fit these requirements, sorta like saying, "My requirements were a school with no less than 3 types of frozen yogurt, an advanced basket-weaving class and a half-day of classes on Wednesdays." </p>
<p>In other words, either reword the "liberal arts with resources of a university" part or leave it out entirely.</p>
<p>And...about this mess:</p>
<p>"Lastly, I am very fond of the highly advocates international study program. Being an avid traveler myself, I have always jumped at any opportunity to immerse myself in and explore new cultures."</p>
<p>C'mon, do you really talk like this? Try something like:
"As an avid traveler who loves exploring new cultures, it's impressive that Tufts values and encourages immersion in foreign study so much that 60% (don't know the real number) of Tufts students study abroad during their junior year. " </p>
<p>Also, though I do understand that the location is appealing, I certainly wouldn't make that your first listed reason. Don't make the adcoms think "Sheesh, if he's so in love with Boston that he listed it first, why doesn't he just apply to Suffolk University or Emerson ED?" In fact, I wouldn't mention Tufts' location AT ALL except if you want to say something to tie it into the other reasons you give, e.g. reason 1, reason 2 reason 3, "and the culture and fun of Boston just a T ride away!"</p>
<p>So:<br>
1. Write like you speak
2. Personalize your reasons more
3. Somehow mention that you visited Tufts (if you actually did of course)
4. Make sure your reasons are specific to Tufts and Tufts only. </p>
<p>I'm rooting for you and want to make sure your "why Tufts" essay is as appealing as possible. I hope you find this helpful and not too harsh.</p>