Tufts University has a selective admissions policy—of less than 10% in 2022. To stand out, you will need a good application, including excellent essays. Fortunately, this article is here to assist you!

We will explain why tufts essay is so hard for students to write and what students can do to write compelling Tufts essays that worked. Students wonder, do tufts have a supplemental essay?

In this blog article, we will go over all you need to know about the writing section of the Tufts University application, such as what prompts are available and how to respond to them.

What Should You Know About the Tufts University Essays?

Students use tufts university supplemental essays to complete their application for a degree at tufts university. Tufts University accepts the Common Application or the Coalition Application, so select the one that works best for you. Each one requires a different essay, so follow the prompt for the application you are using.

Both applications have separate writing portions to which you must respond. Although these essays are more general than Tufts', it is still vital to follow the rules and attempt to impress them. 

They are an essential aspect of your application and deserve your best effort! Suppose you need to fill out both applications for various institutions.

In that case, the Common Application has one set of prompts to pick from, and the Coalition Application has another, so do some reading ahead of time to plan which one you'll respond to.

What Should You Know About the Tufts University Essays?

Tufts University accepts the Common Application or the Coalition Application, so select the one that works best for you. Each one requires a different essay, so follow the prompt for the application you are using. Coalition essay prompts require multiple points of view that are written from different perspectives and focus on specific topics.

Both applications have separate writing portions to which you must respond. Although these essays are more general than Tufts', it is still vital to follow the rules and attempt to impress them.

We have gathered several high-quality tufts supplemental essay examples for students to learn from.

Why tufts essay examples are essential for students, Often, tufts essay examples are important for students. They will give insights to students on what should be included in your tufts university supplemental essays. For instance, it is necessary to understand that the tone of your supplemental essay is also a reflection of how your professor perceives you as an applicant.

The tufts supplemental essay is a great way to gain a fresh perspective on a topic and integrate your research into the big picture. The essay discusses an individual or group’s main goals, core beliefs, and philosophy on achieving those goals.

They are an essential aspect of your application and deserve your best effort! Suppose you need to fill out both applications for various institutions.

In that case, the Common Application has one set of prompts to pick from, and the Coalition Application has another, so do some reading ahead of time to plan which one you will respond to.

What Prompts Does the Tufts University Application Have?

Tufts University needs you to apply to a specific school within the university during the application process. This should be fine if you already know what major you want to pursue, and Tufts advises against applying as unsure.

The application should provide you with the appropriate questions for the school to which you apply, but you can also check Tuft's website.

If you apply to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering or the 5-year Tufts/NEC combined degree, you will need two essays.

The first topic is a typical "Why Tufts?" essay with a Tufts-specific twist, while the second prompt lets you choose between two possibilities.

There will also be two prompts for applicants to the BFA, or 5-year BFA+BA/BS combined degree program. The first is a traditional "Why Tufts?" essay question, while the second invites you to answer one of three questions.

What Are the Tufts University Prompts?

Because prompts differ amongst institutions, there is much information to cover about creating the perfect Tufts essay.

Tufts, on the other hand, offers some helpful advice— "Answer the following questions by thinking beyond the box. Take a chance and go somewhere unusual. If the situation calls for it, be serious, but also feel free to be humorous if that suits you."

Simply put, be yourself. Tufts does not want to hear your academic credentials or your credentials as a reputable school given to them—they already know!

Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Tufts/NEC Degree Program:

This component requires you to write two essays. Both are essential, but the second prompt gives you three options.

Prompt #1: The "Why Tufts?" Essay

The first prompt, for which you have 100 to 150 words to respond, is as follows:

This is an easy question, similar to the famous "Why This College?" essay. You would not apply to Tufts if you did not already know you wanted to go there, would you?

However, remember that every other kid applying to Tufts knows it is a beautiful school. You cannot just list qualifications to back them up; you have to go further.

Tufts is interested in what drew you to the campus and what you will add to it. Allow your excitement and new ideas to show!

A strong essay will demonstrate to admissions officers that you have done your homework. Ensure to provide details on your "Tufts undergraduate experience" in your article!

 For example, you may have a favorite professor or a unique program available only at Tufts that is a perfect fit for you. The more specific you are, the more admissions counselors will see that you are serious about attending Tufts.

Prompt #2: The Free Choice Essay

The second prompt is trickier. It likewise has a word count of 200 to 250, but you must choose one of three options:

These three inquiries are a terrific way to tell the admissions office more about yourself, especially if you do not need to explain your extracurricular interests.

Any of these prompts is a good option, but you can only select one. Here is a breakdown of who each prompt is best suited to:

• Prompt A: This is an excellent choice if you are intellectually curious. People who meet this profile will seek learning opportunities outside of the classroom and always be on the lookout for new information. This is an excellent prompt if you like to read the news before school or watch documentaries for leisure!

• Prompt B: This is an excellent all-around prompt! In general, most people will have some experience that will help them answer this prompt correctly. This prompt necessitates thoughtfulness and introspection on your part. You must comprehend how your experiences and background shaped the person you are today.

• Prompt C: Social justice was a hot topic in 2021, and Tufts admissions managers are looking for individuals who fulfill the university's aim of being "open and collaborative." This would be an excellent prompt for anyone involved in the social justice movement.

Remember that these are only ideas. If one of these prompts strikes you as a perfect fit, take it.

How to Answer Prompt A

Tufts wants to know about your curiosities and interests in this topic. There are two approaches to this article, both with advantages and disadvantages.

First, you can select an intellectual interest related to your prospective major. Assume you are studying biology because you want to work in medication development.

If that is the case, you can discuss a specific element of medication development that excites you.

You may want to develop novel vaccine production methods that use plants rather than animals, or you may want to develop new medications to treat chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

The key here is to be detailed and let your enthusiasm show through, then tie it all back to your future studies at Tufts. Feel free to talk about a class you are excited to take or a project you would like to work on while in school.

Make sure you balance discussing why you are intrigued with your academic plans. This should not sound exactly like your "Why Tufts?" essay!

The second way to tackle this issue is to choose something that piques your interest and is your passion, even if it is unrelated to your principal.

This has the added benefit of demonstrating that you are interested in subjects other than your major, which admissions officers are looking for.

For example, if you want to study kinesiology but are interested in how social media affects our behavior. If you are interested, you can be something other than a psychology or computer science major to write about this issue! 

The key — and disadvantage — of going this route is to keep this enthusiasm connected to your plans as a possible Tufts student.

Perhaps your interest has prompted you to join the Tufts Psychology Society to learn more about how you can use human behavior and social media to motivate people in your future work as a physical therapist.

How to Answer Prompt B

This challenge asks you to write about how your upbringing has influenced your character.

Admissions officers are looking for essays that demonstrate your thoughtfulness, particularly in terms of how your experiences have shaped you as a person.

This is an opportunity to showcase aspects of your personality and individuality that may need to be apparent in your application documents.

If you choose this essay prompt, you should decide which aspect of your background to emphasize. Fortunately, the question provides some starting points (family, home, neighborhood, and community), but you are not limited to those!

You may want to discuss an after-school program you participated in or a sports team you were a member of during your childhood. It is fair game as long as this encounter or place played a significant role in your upbringing.

Whatever you pick, make it a superior choice. Do not bring up your family, your neighborhood, or your community. This essay needs to be longer to cover everything! Instead, focus on one item and be detailed.

Please explain why this experience or environment was essential to you and how it impacted you.

The most excellent responses to this challenge will tell a tale about your experience that allows readers to identify with who you are. Growing up with five siblings may have influenced your character the most.

Tell a tale about a specific moment in your life that will help admissions officers comprehend what it was like!

Finally, remember to tie this back to being a Tufts student by describing why your character is a good fit for the school. For example, consider having a large number of siblings.

This has taught you to appreciate everyone for their distinct characteristics because everyone adds something unique to the table, no matter how different you are.

As a result, you look forward to meeting new people and bringing people together as part of the Tufts community.

How to Answer Prompt C

This prompt focuses on social justice. If you are unfamiliar with the term "social justice," it is defined by the National Association of Social Workers as "the belief that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities."

In other words, social justice is the struggle for equality for all people, regardless of race, class, or economic status.

To respond to this assignment, explain how you are learning about, involved in, or working for social justice. What actions are you taking to further this cause in your own life? It is worth noting that the prompt utilizes the word "journey" here.

That means admissions officers are not expecting you to be an expert on "social justice." So do not be concerned if you have not organized a march in your community or collected donations to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Admissions officers are more interested in how you are learning about the social justice movement and changing your life to support it.

Here is the deal: only write this Tufts essay if you are a part of the social justice movement or are comfortable with the concept.

There is a reason you are provided essay alternatives! Admissions counselors are trained to detect lies, so lying about your social justice work is the worst thing you could do. It is excellent if this is different from your cup of tea!

If you decide to use this prompt, begin with a narrative. Did you take part in a march? Have you ever volunteered with a social justice organization? Readers can connect with you as a person if you tell them a specific narrative about your experience.

It is also acceptable if your first encounter with social justice was chatting about it with a friend and recognizing that you can do more to help the cause. It is not about the destination, as the adage goes, but about what you learn along the way.

Also, be truthful about your trip thus far. It is OK to admit that you are still learning or that the road has been difficult. Admissions officers value authenticity, and pushing for social justice can be difficult.

Just make an effort to keep your conversation as cheerful as possible! Concentrate on what you have discovered and how hard you work to make a difference.

Moreover, of course, remember to connect everything back to Tufts. Explain how your awareness of social justice affects your participation in classes and on-campus activities.

Make it evident that you intend to bring a spirit of equity to campus, as this is what admissions counselors look for in future Tufts students.

For BFA, 5-Year BFA+BA/BS at SMFA Applicants:

This part requires two essays. You have no control over which prompts you to answer, which alleviates some of the stress of determining the best option for you.

Prompt #1: The "Why SMFA at Tufts?" Essay

The first prompt, which must be answered in 100 to 150 words, reads:

This prompt is comparable to the essay prompt "Why Tufts?" but with a somewhat different perspective.

Tufts' SMFA program is the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Thus it is definitely for individuals interested in the arts.

The admissions team wants to see you illustrate why you choose this school above others and why you want to pursue an art degree.

What will you get from Tufts that you will not get anywhere else? How will a degree in art benefit your life, and how will you use it in the future?

Colleges strive to nurture intellectual progress in their communities. Therefore they require more than the conventional "this is an excellent school" response.

They want to know why you want to go, but they also want to know what you can offer the community.

Exploring Tufts and SMFA galleries at Tufts is a terrific approach to acquiring some ideas. Would your artwork fit in there? What will you bring to the table that is not already represented?

Consider the art you have created or the art you wish to make. Tufts will assist you in getting there. What motivates you to pursue an art degree instead of using art to supplement another field?

To the admissions staff, clearly explaining your interest and commitment will suggest that you are an excellent fit for Tufts.

Prompt #2: The Art Prompt

The second prompt, also with a 200 to 250-word count, reads:

This question probes more profoundly into your creative thinking. Tufts wants to know that you are thinking about your art meaningfully, not just that it is lovely on the surface.

This challenge is similar to an artist's statement, except it focuses on your artistic aim on a larger scale rather than on a single item.

Examine some of your favorite works of art and consider common motifs and recurrent concepts, even if you did not plan for them to be there. What ideas are you trying to explore, even if it is subconsciously?

Consider not only how your art appears or sounds but also what it is composed of and why you made it that way. Consider more than just availability or convenience of use—always keep the question of "why" in mind.

Themes are great but only go too broad or invent something that exists. Much of art is about capturing beauty, so think beyond that.

Moreover, if you say that your art critiques or reflects something, you must be able to explain it—analyze what you have done to show how it ties to your ideas rather than simply projecting something over the top and hoping admissions examiners do not notice it was not there.

What Do Tufts Essays That Worked Look Like?

Tufts University, thankfully, is fearless in posting accepted essays publicly for applicants to read.

While some of these essays are about earlier themes, they will still give you a taste of what admissions officers look for in exceptional students (and their essays).

"Why Tufts?" Essay That Worked

This essay does a fantastic job of answering the core questions of the "Why Tufts?" essay. The author uses an encounter they had at Tufts to describe how listening in on other students confirmed their decision to go.

They use adjectives like "passion" to characterize Tufts students, demonstrating characteristics they wish to emulate.

The finale is particularly poignant: this student desired to be a member of the student body since the kids they overheard were fascinating and interested.

Remember how the prompts talked about being "intellectually playful?" This is an excellent method to demonstrate your curiosity, interest, and love of learning in the context of Tufts.

"What Have You Created?" Essay That Worked

This essay is in response to an earlier challenge in which students were asked to discuss one of their works. This is what one student had to say:

This essay does a fantastic job of answering the question by living it rather than simply expressing it. The student is a writer; their language is vibrant, quick, and playful, showcasing their command of word meanings and sentence structure.

Importantly, this essay does not dismiss other fields; instead, it evaluates poetry using terms that physical creators may employ, such as "spans," "bridge," and "weight."

This essay has a lot of originality and intellectual play, which helps to distinguish the writer from other students who would have concentrated more on the existence of the thing they had constructed (a souped-up automobile engine, for example) than the function of the thing they had built (a souped-up car engine that reduces carbon emissions, for example).

When approaching this prompt, consider how you may demonstrate your creation in your essay.

Critical Points for Your Tufts Essays

Tufts emphasizes terms like "playful" and "intelligent." These indicate a curiosity in the world that extends beyond a desire to attend a good school simply because it is a good school.

Consider these while you write—how can you show your curiosity and interest in the world?

Remember That Tufts Is a Research University

You will interact with graduate students more than you would in other situations. Not only will this offer you an advantage when applying to graduate school, but it will also allow you to think more profoundly than if you were only exposed to other undergrads.

Showing an interest in learning from other students and participating in a learning community is an excellent approach to demonstrating your enthusiasm for the unique experience of attending a research institution.

Choose the Prompts That Are Right for You

Because Tufts offers two sets of prompts depending on which school you will be attending, make sure you choose the correct ones.

Furthermore, ensure you fully utilize each prompt's potential—the rest of your application covers academics, so use your essay to demonstrate what truly sets you apart.

What is Next?

Before writing your essays, you should learn about Tufts' admission standards. Excellent essays are essential, but you should also demonstrate academic success!

Plan to achieve the highest possible scores on your standardized assessments as well. Reading about ACT and GPA criteria ahead of time and SAT requirements will help you plan your academic strategy. Make use of these resources to get a jump start!