<p>I have heard many rumors about Tufts' application process. Like any other school, I heard they take Early Decision and an applicant's desire to go to their school very seriously. I didn't know what to think of this, but someone told me Tufts really does not like it if they see you are applying to Ivy's and think that Tufts may be considered your second choice. Also I heard they are very strong on legacy, especially since they are not need-blind.
Comments, or any other advice?
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>That’s all false. The Tufts admissions has a blog that describes their process. It’s pretty transparent and nothing like what you “heard.”</p>
<p>An old Wives’ tale…</p>
<p>Going through the points one by one:</p>
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<p>Tufts doesn’t release stats on Early Decision admissions, but they DO stress that they have the same admissions criteria for ED as for RD. The adcoms repeatedly say that they ask themselves if this is someone they’d admit during RD. </p>
<p>Of course they take an applicant’s desire to go to Tufts very seriously. Instead of measuring this by visits, they’re looking at the admissions essays. If you regard Tufts as a backup plan and don’t put work into those essays, then that’s telling the admissions staff something about your level of interest. </p>
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<p>This is what’s popularly called “Tufts syndrome”. A more accurate term is “yield management”. Thank US News and World Reports for this, because part of their ranking system for colleges depends on the percentage of accepted students who choose to go to a school. Does Tufts do this? The admissions folks say they don’t. Every year some high-stat student insists that Tufts didn’t accept them because of their high stats. The reality is probably that the student didn’t put much effort into their application and essays. Do other schools practice yield management? Oh yes indeedy. Pretty much the majority. The way to deal with this is to not take any of your applications for granted. </p>
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<p>Dunno how much they really consider legacy, but Tufts admissions is mostly need-blind. They fill the vast majority of slots (95% IIRC) need-blind, and only then transition to need-aware. </p>
<p>Also, legacy does not always equate to “has lots of money and can afford to be full-pay.” That’s true at all colleges. Even in the Ivy League. ;)</p>
<p>If you like the school, apply. :)</p>
<p>SlitheyTove says it pretty well. Like I said before…just an old wives’ tale due to U.S. News. I know someone with straight A’s with a difficult course load and a 34 ACT who applied ED1 to Tufts and did not get it. I know people who applied to Tufts and Ivy leagues and were accepted at Ivy Leagues and not Tufts. I know the reverse also. Too much generalization around here. Each application really must be looked at on a case by case basis.</p>