<p>I am wondering how to show interest in Tufts or any school for that matter. Do you have better chances of getting in if you take a tour and stay overnight (because i have heard this before but it doesnt seem true)? </p>
<p>Also, at tufts you can only have an interview after you apply right?</p>
<h1>1 on the list would be to apply Early Decision.</h1>
<p>Agree.</p>
<p>You only get an alumni interview if you apply. I don't waste my time driving 2 hours each way to meet with someone who can't even fill out the Common App. </p>
<p>For ANY college, unless your reasons for applying are blindingly obvious (such as your parents are professors there), that you write a cover letter and include your reasons for applying. If you cannot tour, address that both in your cover letter and at the end of your interview, when you are asked if you have any questions. "I wasn't able to tour; we just don't have the money to go to Massachusetts. Can you tell me about....?" </p>
<p>Some schools have an optional "Why Podunk" essay. If that is there, write it. It should not be too hard to churn out a few hundred words. Heck, we do that on CC every day!</p>
<p>If any of your teacher-recommenders have a connection to any of the schools to which you are applying (alums, daughters who went there), sit down with them and talk about it. One of my teachers always thought I would be a good match for the school, based on his kid's experience there. Not sure if that came across in recommendations or not, but that's the kind of thing you are looking for.</p>
<p>Call them up, but be good! My friend was at the admissions office and her regional rep remembered her. He mentioned that some girl called them and was really rude about them getting her application, and from that alone he blacklisted her!</p>