How to Get Accepted to Tufts University

Is Tufts University an Ivy League School?

Tufts University is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is a group of eight private colleges and universities in the northeastern United States, known for their high academic standards, selective admissions, and prestigious reputation.

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for Tufts University

Tufts University is highly competitive, boasting an acceptance rate of just 11%. To maximize your chances of admission, aim for the following:

• Maintain a high school GPA of at least 3.91
• Achieve mostly A- grades or better in your high school courses
• Target an SAT score of 1500 or an ACT score of 34
• Aim to graduate within the top 10% of your high school class
• Secure strong letters of recommendation from your teachers

The mid-range SAT scores for admitted students typically fall between 1440 and 1550, while ACT scores range from 33 to 35. Note that a quarter of accepted students score above these ranges, and another quarter score below them.

Application Process for Tufts University

To apply to Tufts University, candidates have the option of using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge Application. A complete submission includes:

• A fully filled out application from one of the three platforms
• Tufts-specific short-answer questions
• Official high school transcripts

Tufts does not mandate the SAT Subject Tests, the SAT Essay, or the ACT Writing section. However, some applicants may need to show evidence of English proficiency.

In the admissions review, Tufts places significant weight on the following six elements:

• Academic rigor in high school
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Class standing
• Written essays
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal qualities and character

Extracurricular activities and specific talents or abilities are also considered “important” in the evaluation process.

Admissions decisions for the Fall term are typically announced between February and May.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for Tufts University

For the application cycles of Fall 2024, 2025, and 2026, Tufts University has adopted a test-optional approach for both first-year and transfer undergraduate applicants. This allows candidates the option of submitting SAT or ACT scores, but it is not mandatory.

If you opt to provide test scores, Tufts’ admissions team will consider the highest individual section scores across multiple test dates for both the SAT and ACT.

Being a highly competitive institution, Tufts has a low acceptance rate. Among those who are admitted, the median SAT scores range between 1440 and 1550, and ACT scores usually fall between 33 and 35.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Tufts University

Tufts University provides an array of financial assistance options, breaking down as follows:

• Grants: Tufts offers grants that vary from $1,000 to over $75,000. Approximately 40% of undergraduates at Tufts benefit from these institutional grants.
• Scholarships: Scholarships were extended to 38% of incoming students, with the average scholarship amount being $41,765 per recipient.
• Federal Grants: About 13% of first-year students received federal grants, averaging $4,756 each.
• Need-based Aid: In the fall of 2020, 37% of new students were awarded need-based financial aid, which includes federal loans and work-study opportunities.

Tufts University does not offer merit-based or academic scholarships for students in the Arts & Sciences and Engineering programs. The only exception is the Tufts National Merit Scholarship program, which awards a modest $500 per semester.

• Average Aid Package: The typical financial aid package at Tufts amounts to $56,540, while the average loan amount students are expected to repay upon graduation is $24,468.

Top Undergraduate Programs at Tufts University