Tufts - Chance me please! Thank you!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
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Hi! I applied regular decision to Tufts - my top choice. Thanks for any help you may offer!

GPA - 3.977 (UW); 4.4 (W)
SAT - 1490 (730 Reading; 760 Math)
ACT - 33 (35 English; 34 Reading; 30 Math; 32 Science)

APs - European History (4); Psychology (4); Spanish Language & Comp (5); US History (4); English Lang (4); US Government (current); Comp Sci A (current); English Lit (current); Calc AB (current)

Extracurriculars:

-Dance (since I was 3; ballet, tap, jazz, modern; part of a Pre-Trainee program - basically a student program attached to a professional company) (9, 10, 11, 12)
-National Honor Society (11, 12)
-Spanish National Honor Society (11, 12)
-Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society) (11, 12)
-Cast member in school theatre productions (12)
-Work at a math tutoring center (12)
-Key Club (a service club; 11, 12) - I am one of the elected officers this year (12)
-Participated in a 24-hour computer science hackathon at the University of Maryland (once, 12)
-Participated in Girls Who Code, a 7-week computer science program over the summer in DC (summer before 12)
-Academic Bowl Club (9)

Honors:

AP Spanish - Outstanding Achievement (11)
Website Design - Student of the Year (11)
National Merit Scholarship Commended Student

Recommendations:

-One from a teacher I had for Intro to Comp Sci, and Website Design (I think this one would be really good because she really liked me and we connected a lot, plus I always did very well in her classes; I still visit her classroom even though I don’t have her this year)
-One from a math teacher (had her junior year; I think this one would be fine because I did well in the class, although probably nothing exceptional)
-Counselor rec (probably generic)

Essays:

-Common app: All about dance; specifically the first time I performed a significant role in a show I did last year; talked about criticism and other obstacles I faced; how dance has shaped my life, etc. (I think it was well written, or at least I hope!)
-Why Tufts? - I talked about visiting, specific moments from my tour, hearing about how the Tap Ensemble (an extracurricular tap dancing group I’d love to join) has joined with A Capella groups for performances (talked about how this shows the genuine sense of community, etc.); mentioned my major and how Tufts emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, etc.
-Environment in which you were raised: Born in England, moved here; talked about how I’ve been shaped by the mixture of my British heritage and my upbringing in America; mentioned how I connect with relatives (none except parents/siblings live in America; said I love maintaining strong relationships w/ people, which shows how I’d be an active member of the Tufts community)

-Then, I chose the question about what I’ve created: Talked about final project of the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program; created a web app that is essentially a choose-your-own adventure game surrounding the current refugee crisis

Thanks again to anyone who helps! I know none of you can give me a definite answer, but any bit of insight would be greatly appreciated, as Tufts is my #1!!!

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Your essays sound great! How did you fit so much into your “Why Tufts” essay? lol that essay stressed me out because it’s only 100 words. Funny, my “Let Your Life Speak” essay sounds pretty similar to yours, except I was born in Iraq and moved to the US when I was 7. Anyway, based on stats alone, I’d say you are qualified, but I read on the Tufts blogs that around 80% of applicants are deemed academically qualified. From what I gather, Tufts cares a lot about voice and fit. I think you have a chance. Good luck!

Can you chance me for EDII :): http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/tufts-university/2045468-chance-me-for-tufts-edii.html#latest

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@sciencenerd123 thanks so much!! And honestly I’m not sure, I spent forever on those 100 words lol. I split it up into 2 parts - the first I mentioned the tour to show interest (bc I live in MD) and primarily talked about the tap thing which was mentioned. Then I briefly spoke about interdisciplinary studies.
That’s awesome we had similar responses! It’s crazy how people come from all over :slight_smile:
And yes hopefully my voice comes through! (And yours!)
Thanks again! I’m about to go to work - but I have a short shift today so I will definitely chance you as soon as possible today!

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Things I forgot to mention:

Another EC - Key Club (a service club; 11, 12) - I am one of the elected officers this year (12)

Honors:
AP Spanish - Outstanding Achievement (11)
Website Design - Student of the Year (11)
National Merit Scholarship Commended Student

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If it helps, I’ve also gotten into Georgetown and Boston College (both EA)

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Your ECs and awards are weak, because they show almost no leadership and only two of them relate to dance. On top of that, you didn’t start most of these until you were a junior, meaning you’ve only been a part of this a year in total time. Also, if you’re going to school for dance, why are you going to Tufts? Unless you are financially able to pay for all of it, that’s a risky move. Take this video for reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7JcHz6ucyI (SHE WENT TO TUFTS – VERY SIMILAR MAJOR TO YOU)

Stats wise, you’re pretty good. Good luck!

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@ab2002 Yeah don’t expect merit aid because Tufts doesn’t give any…just need-based.

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@ab2002 I’m actually not going for dance, I just included those to show a non-academic interest and how I’ve stuck with it for almost 15 years. I’m majoring in comp sci - that may not come through well here, but it’s very significant in my app. The biggest thing would be the Girls Who Code Program because it shows interest in my major, I took 7 weeks of my summer to do it, and I used it to show my interest in balancing the gender gap in tech fields (which I mention in my app).

Thanks for your input - just gonna have to hope for the best :slight_smile:

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@lanean18 Ah! That makes more sense, usually dance majors make a very average salary. Well, good luck!

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Yes, but I’m sure they aren’t in it for the money haha. Thank you! @ab2002

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@lanean18 Unfortunately, when you’re not “in it for the money” and you’re a major in something like Liberal Arts or African Studies, going to a school like Tufts, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be in a ton of debt if you’re not lower income.

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@ab2002 I agree that it’s an impractical option. Wouldn’t be my first choice for sure, but some people are willing to face that :slight_smile:

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Wow! If you had applied ED, you would have gotten in for sure, but Tufts regular is tough for everyone.
That being said, I think you are still a very strong candidate, and you probably shouldn’t worry about it at all. Your Extracurricular involvement and essay all sound fascinating to me.
Congratulations on Boston College and Georgetown, and I hope to see you at Tufts next year :slight_smile: !

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@aegis400 Thanks so much! I appreciate that boost of confidence, haha. Are you a current student or did you recently get accepted?

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@lanean18 I got into Tufts through ED I :slight_smile: #GoJumbos2022!
What other schools have you applied to? I’m rooting for you!

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Thats so awesome congratulations!!! You should feel so incredibly proud!!! Thanks, hopefully I’ll be joining you!

As I mentioned, I got into Georgetown and BC (also my safety schools - Catholic and Loyola). Then I’m still waiting on UMD College Park, Northeastern, and Carnegie Mellon. The suspense is killing me haha.

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^ @aegis400

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@lanean18 ahh!!! All excellent schools – you might have a hard time choosing where to go in April.!!
Good luck!!!

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@aegis400 I certainly will if everything goes well! Thanks and congrats again!!!

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@lanean Hi, did you later get in? :slight_smile: