Break the myth
Admissions officers will answer many questions. This is part of the job description. Many students ask us similar versions of the same question. The blogosphere is full of viral rumors about college admission, about what is "important", what is not important and why. These ideas breed in high school canteens and online places like "University Secrets" and Faceboo k, so we want to use this corner of the Internet to clarify the air. In random order, here are some myths we hear every day:
Break the rumor
As part of the enrollment work, the enrollment staff will answer many questions. Many students ask us similar questions. The blogosphere is full of rumors about university admission, about what is "important", "no" and "why". These ideas are bred in university canteens and websites such as "University Secrets" and "Facebook", so we hope to use this corner of the Internet to purify the air. In random order, here are some rumors that we hear every day:
It is better to get a lower score in a difficult course than to get a higher score in an easier course.
Well, yes and no. Part of our academic evaluation of your application is to consider the rigor of the course. We decide the availability of advanced courses (AP, IB, honors, etc.) in your school. ) and evaluate your transcripts. Your GPA is evaluated in this context from "the most demanding" to "below average". So, yes, sometimes "lower scores in difficult courses" are better than "higher scores in easy courses", but this does not mean that the transcripts with all C in AP courses are better than those with all A in A-level courses. Know yourself and make a timetable. This timetable will challenge and attract you, but it won't get you into trouble in your studies.
1. It is better to get high marks than low marks in simple courses.
Well, yes, no. Part of our academic evaluation of your application is to consider the rigor of the course. We decide the availability of advanced courses (AP, IB, honors, etc.). ) At your school, and rate your report card from "the most demanding available" to "below average". Your GPA is evaluated in this situation, so yes, sometimes the "lower score" of "more difficult courses" is better than the "higher score of simpler courses". But this does not mean that a complete C language score is better in AP course than in class. Know yourself and make a plan that challenges and attracts you, but you won't be laughed at academically.
If my test score is below a certain number, I won't be admitted.
No. When we read the application, we don't use the cut-off point of scores. Academic strength can be measured in many ways, and testing is not a perfect indicator to determine whether every student is ready for college. This is why we combine all the work you have done in class to determine your overall academic strength by looking at your GPA, the rigor of the course and your tests. Therefore, although we do use your test scores as a predictor of Tufts University's academic success, we will consider the context and many other factors when considering these scores. We can't have an exam score "cut-off" at all. The only exceptions are TOEFL and IELTS, and we have the lowest score. You can read it here.
2. If my test score is lower than a certain score, I won't refuse admission.
No. When we examine the applicant's application, we will not consider any scores. Academic strength can be measured in many ways, and the test used to determine each student's readiness is an imperfect indicator. That's why we combine all the work you have done in the classroom and look at your GPA and the rigor of your course test to determine your overall academic strength. Therefore, when we take your test scores as a predictor of Tufts University's academic performance, we will consider the specific environment in which these scores are located and the combination with many other factors. We can't have an absolute minimum test score. "The only exceptions are TOEFL and IELTS, and we really have the lowest score." You can read it here.
Anything "optional" on the university application form is actually "necessary"
The "optional" part of the application is not a hidden opportunity for you to make mistakes. Seriously. If a paper, a standardized test or an interview is marked as "optional", then this sacred adjective makes sense. The college gave you a choice. Use it or deal with it as you see fit. Don't over-analyze. This is not a trick question, and skipping will not be "deducted". That's why it's "optional". If it says something is "recommended", then it's a different conversation …
Anything "optional" in college application is actually "needed" in secret.
Seriously, the "optional" part of the application is not the part that puzzles you. If a paper or standardized test or interview is labeled as "optional", then this sacred time is real. The college has given you a choice, and you can use it when you feel fit. Don't read too much. This is not a small problem. Skip it and you won't be punished. This is why it is "optional". If something is "recommended" by us, then this is a different conversation.
If I take the SAT (or ACT) too many times, it will look bad.
Taking an exam "many times" is a very subjective and vague concept, which will not affect your application-we will not punish students who take the same exam many times. However, for your own reason, you should retake the SAT or act purposefully. Taking the same exam five times is a kind of pressure for you and your family-both financially and let's face it, when it comes to everyone's happiness. And the reward is often not worth sacrificing at that point. If you think that taking an exam for the second time or the third time will improve your score and make you feel happy, this is an excellent reason to take the exam again. Otherwise, let yourself be finished.
4. If I take the SAT (or ACT) exam many times, it will be bad for my application.
Multiple exams are a very subjective and vague concept, which will not adversely affect your application-we will not punish students who take the same exam for many times. However, it is wise that you should take the SAT purposefully. It is a pressure for you and your family to take the same exam five times, both financially and otherwise. It's about everyone's happiness, so let's face it. And rewards are often not worth sacrificing at that time. If you think that taking the exam for the second time or the third time will improve your score, you will feel happy, which is a good reason to take the exam again. Otherwise, just be yourself.
If I go to see my admissions officer, send them an email and interview them, I have a better chance of being admitted.
Although we welcome your questions, you can also ask us specific questions at any time, but this contact information will not help your application. In our process, we don't provide interviews with our admissions staff, and you don't need to meet the admissions officer who is reading for your area during the campus visit-in fact, you shouldn't. The people who attend your information meeting are happy to answer questions and have the same knowledge and professional skills as the people who finally read your documents.
The lesson here is not to send an email or ask for a meeting just for the sake of it. There are better ways to show us "obvious interests". If you can visit the campus, if we visit your high school or say hello at the university fair, we will thank you for your efforts to understand Tufts University and evaluate whether it is suitable for you. If you have any supplementary questions for us (especially "Why Tafts?" According to the survey you did online, we noticed that it was very helpful. Therefore, when considering showing interest, please have a purpose.
If I go to see my admissions officer, send them an email and have a face-to-face interview with them, I will have a better chance.
When we welcome your questions, you are free to ask us specific questions. This kind of contact with us will not help your application. Our admissions staff will not provide interview opportunities during the interview process. In fact, you don't need to visit our school and the admissions staff of your school. The individuals shown in your information meeting are happy to answer questions, and you can show your final submitted knowledge and practical experience to the admissions staff you applied for.
The lesson here is not to send an email or ask for an interview in order to apply. There is a better way to show our "displayed interest". "If you can visit the campus, if we visit your high school, or say hello to us on the university campus, we will appreciate your trying to understand Tufts University and evaluate whether it is suitable for you." If you write a wonderful and specific answer to our supplementary question (especially "Why Tafts"), we will notice that it is helpful. So, when you want to show interest, please have a purpose.
I need to be the president of every club I belong to, so that my college application can be competitive.
Imagine: 12 chairmen of the mock trial team in high school joined the mock trial in Tufts University. What will happen? Chances are you have a room full of people yelling at each other. The success of any club depends on the leader, but it also depends on the audience, decision makers, peacekeepers, doers and thinkers ... you see.
Of course, extracurricular participation is an aspect we consider when evaluating applications, and the leading role shows outstanding commitment to an activity. But the same is true of continuous and long-term participation and personal contribution. Use the space given to you in the activity section to explain your formal or informal role in the team, so that we can begin to describe your role in extracurricular activities in the university.
I need to be the president of every club, which is competitive in my college application.
Imagine: at Tufts University, there are 12 people who are the chairman of the mock trial team and participate in the mock trial. What will happen? Chances are, your room is full of people. The success of any club depends on the leader, but it also includes the audience, decision makers, peacekeepers, doers and thinkers. You know that.
Of course, when evaluating the application, extracurricular activities are an area we consider, and the protagonist shows outstanding commitment to the activities. However, the same thing, such as continuous, continuous participation, personal contribution. You can briefly describe your formal or informal role in the team, so that we can begin to imagine your role in the university.
It is easier to get early decisions.
It's not true. The students we accepted in the early decision have the same high quality as those we accepted in the regular decision-on average, they have the same grades, grades, extracurricular commitments and energetic qualities that qualify our applicants. If you know that you will choose Tufts instead of any school on your list, then you should never apply for a decision in advance for strategic purposes.
However, to be honest, this particular rumor needs a more subtle response. So we asked Meghan Dangremond, deputy director of admissions, to write a blog about it. You can check it here!
7. The earlier you make a decision, the easier it is to be recognized.
Not correct. The students we accept in the early decision are the same as those we accept in the regular decision-we also consider the average of their grades, scores, extracurricular activities and energetic qualities, which enable us to determine whether the applicant is qualified or not. You shouldn't apply to the school prematurely for strategic purposes-if you know you will choose Tufts University instead of other schools on your list, you can do so.
However, to be honest, this particular myth needs a more subtle response than this. So we have Megan, the deputy director in charge of enrollment. Dan Desmond wrote a blog about it. You can check it here!
If I don't do community service, I can't get in.
Community service is a great thing, and it is very important for Tufts University (we have a complete college of civic life for a reason). However, there is no admission requirement that you have to do community service to be admitted, and many students we have admitted have never done it. We usually prefer that what you do is meaningful to you. This applies to everything, not just community service! So you should try community service (as well as sports, music and anything you think you might like)-if you really like it and eventually do a lot, great! If not, take the time to do something productive (sorry, watching Friends on Netflix is not productive). Form a band, take part in a mock trial, take part in a sport, or write a short story-anything that makes you happy. Your application will be more convincing if you follow your passion instead of spending time ticking off admissions officers.
If I don't do community service, I won't be admitted.
Community service is a great thing, and it is really important for Tufts University (there is a reason why we have a complete college of civic life). However, you don't have to accept community service to be admitted. Many students we accept have never done anything. We usually prefer what you do to be meaningful to you. All this is for everything, not just community service! Therefore, you should try community service (including sports, music and anything you think you might like)-if you really like it, you will eventually do a lot, good! If not, then spend your time doing other meaningful things (sorry, watching the replay of Netflix with friends is useless). Form a band, join a simulation experiment, play a sport, or write some short stories-anything that makes you happy. Your application will be more convincing if you follow your passion instead of taking the time to consider the ideas of the admissions staff.
Sending eight letters of recommendation and an additional paper will give me a better chance.
This is a "less is more" situation. We ask for everything in the application for a reason. An application with too much "extra content" will actually dilute your information and divert your attention from the main points we ask for. It is actually more helpful to send us two letters of recommendation written by teachers and tell us completely different things about you than to send us six letters of recommendation written by teachers.
9. Sending eight letters of recommendation and an extra article will give me a better chance of being admitted.
This is a "less is more" situation, which is usually correct. We require everything in the application for a reason. An application with too many "additional" functions will actually dilute your information and divert your attention from the outstanding points we require. In fact, it would be more helpful to send us two letters of recommendation from teachers. These two letters are about completely different things, instead of sending us six letters of recommendation from teachers. These suggestions are very beneficial to you.
If 30 people from my high school apply for a university, it will be more difficult for me to get into that school.
We read documents by school, so that we can better understand your success in your environmental background. Therefore, we will evaluate your application according to the situation of other students in your class. This helps us to look at your performance correctly, especially when it involves the rigor of your course. But every school has no places. If your high school has 10 students applying, and all 10 students leave a deep impression on us, then everyone may be admitted. The best advice we can give is not to worry about who else is applying in your school. Give us your best efforts.
10. If 30 people apply for university from my high school, it will be difficult for me to get into that school.
We read documents at school to better understand your success in the environment. Therefore, we will evaluate your application according to the background of other students in your class. This helps us to evaluate your performance from a certain angle, especially because it is related to the rigor of your course. But every school has no places. If 10 students apply from your high school and 10 students impress us, then everyone may be admitted. The best advice we can give you is not to worry about who else is applying to your school. Do your best.
If I had decided to go to college earlier, I wouldn't have to worry about the rest of my job this year.
All the students we admitted in the early decision (and the routine decision) were told in the admission notice that we hope they "maintain their unique academic and personal Excellence as applicants." In other words, if you slack off in the last year, we will notice that this may endanger your admission.
1 1. If I had been admitted to this university long ago, I wouldn't have to consider anything else.
All our "early admission" (and regular admission) students will write on the admission notice: We hope they can "keep their academic and personal Excellence." In other words, if you are lazy in senior three, we will notice that this may endanger your admission.
The admissions officer will check your Facebook account.
No, we didn't. Seriously (Instagram, Twitter, etc. If this type of check is useful for our decision-making, we will ask you to send us a link to your Facebook page so that we can evaluate its content. But there are enough things in your application for us to evaluate. Frankly speaking, there are some things we shouldn't read. Facebook is one of them. That's why it's called "crawling", isn't it? Having said that, Facebook is a public place, and it is always wise to think carefully before you post, especially when it appears on the admissions page of a university.
12, the admissions staff will check your Facebook account.
No, we didn't. Seriously (this also applies to Instagram, Twitter, etc. If this check helps us make a decision, we will ask you to send a link to your Facebook page so that we can evaluate its content. But there are enough things in your application materials for us to evaluate. Frankly speaking, there are some things we should not see. Facebook is one of them. That's why it's called crawling, isn't it? Speaking of which, Facebook is a public space, so you should always reflect carefully before posting, especially on the university enrollment page.
If I hand in all the exam results, the admissions officer will think that the low score is bad for me.
When we used your highest test score, everyone won. No matter which test you submit to Tufts University, we will get the highest score in each part of the test for evaluation. End of story.
13. If I send all the exam results to Dazhui, the admissions staff will see my low score.
When we use the highest test score, everyone will win. No matter what exam you submit to Tufts University, we will get the highest score in each part of the exam for evaluation. Yes, we will definitely do so.
If the coach calls me, it means I have been recruited.
Just because you get a call from the coach doesn't mean you're hired. It means that the coach called you and may be interested in recruiting you at some point. Once the coach tells you that they support you, there is no guarantee that you will be admitted. This means that the admissions office will take the support of the coach as part of the overall consideration of your application (along with your academic strength, extracurricular achievements and personal qualities). The support of the coach will certainly have an impact, but we will still look for students who are very suitable for Tufts University academically and personally, even when evaluating newly recruited athletes.
14. If the instructor calls me, it means that I have been admitted.
Just because you get a call from your tutor doesn't mean you are hired. This means that the teacher calls you and may be interested in enrolling you at some point. When the instructor tells you that you have their support, there is no guarantee that you will be admitted. This means that the support of the tutor will be considered by the Admissions Office as part of the overall view of your application (related to your academic strength, extracurricular achievements and personal qualities). Of course, the support of tutors will have an impact, but we still need to find students with strong academic and personal abilities to come to Tufts University, even when evaluating the recruited athletes.
If anything arrives after the deadline, my application will be rejected (or treated more severely)
Your application part-Tufts' supplementary writing materials and the first half of the general application-must be received before the deadline. However, your middle school report, teacher recommendation, alumni interview and standardized test can-and often-arrive after that date. We know that different high schools have different timetables, test scores usually take a long time to process and send, teachers are writing many letters of recommendation, and it usually takes some extra time to get these letters of recommendation-it doesn't matter.
15. If I receive anything after the application date, it must be a rejection letter (or worse).
Part of your application-the supplement written by Tufts and the first half of your application-must be received before the deadline. However, your middle school report, teacher's recommendation, alumni interview and standardized examination often come after that date. As we know, it usually takes a long time for different high schools to process and send test results with different timetables. Teachers write a lot of suggestions and often need extra time to complete these tasks-don't worry, it's not necessarily a rejection letter.