Tufts University Reviews
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An extremely enthusiastic Jumbo
07/09/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
43 out of 43 people found this review useful. 1 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Liberal, diverse, smart, hardworking, ambitious, outgoing, unique, friendly, international, and people who are looking for a variety of new experiences
Tips for prospective students Be open and friendly during your interview. Definitely visit the campus to see if it's a good fit. Most people who come here come because they felt that instant connection and comfort. Make sure your essay is a reflection of yourself; Tufts really likes to know who they are letting in and your essay is the best way to show them who you are.
Bang for the buck It's expensive, as most private schools are, and it bothers me that there aren't better financial aid packages for middle class students. Still, the university helps as much as they can and there are a lot of resources that we enjoy as Tufts' students. There are a lot of research opportunities available to undergraduates, even during freshman year, which is a unique quality. And who could ask for a better mascot than an elephant named Jumbo?
Am enjoying being here I have never met so many interesting, hilarious, smart, and ridiculously nice people in one place in my entire life. I love the friendly atmosphere and although everyone is really smart, no one is cutthroat competitive so there is little to no hositility. There is a lot to do on and around campus and transportation is easy to figure out.
Am learning a lot The classes are so informative but it just sucks that as a freshman, you're stuck taking big intro lecture classes. I definitely learned a lot more after getting my prerequisite classes done first semester and taking smaller more focused classes second semester.
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Caitlyn from Plainville, MA
01/11/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
31 out of 31 people found this review useful. 2 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Quirky and intelligent. Tufts is a very, very diverse place. There are students that lock themselves in their rooms weeks before an important exam and others that don't start term papers more than eight hours before the due date. There are party animals and theater patrons, city-dwellers and country boys, athletes and musicians, mathematicians and poets. Talk to anyone. They'll have a story.
Tips for prospective students Make sure to stay over on campus if possible. I suggest attending April Open House: it allows many students an intimate look into the university and often helps wondrously in making the dreaded decision. Also, pay attention to those supplementary essays. I know they're annoying and there are so many, but honestly try your best. Show the admissions officers that you are quirky and they will adore you.
Bang for the buck Tufts is expensive. Very expensive. However, it is manageable. The school does its best in giving out money to students who need it in such an economic situation, and the education that students receive is unbeatable.
Am enjoying being here Tufts is bustling with activity 24-7. Students that attend here have diverse interests and that is definitely reflected through activities and events on campus. There are a plethora of dance shows, theater productions, intelligently themed parties, trips abroad, places to eat, and traditions in which many students participate. It is also worth noting that I have met more intelligent, motivated, and quirky individuals than I could have imagined. I love the intellectual atmosphere that combines with a work hard, play hard overall shared sentiment to foster an environment that is simultaneously stimulating and fun.
Am learning a lot Tufts is often called a baby-ivy meaning that the quality of education here is at par with or better than what students receive at Ivy League schools. The only difference is that it isn't quite as famous as schools like Harvard or Yale. Classes are very challenging but not impossible. I also have learned quite a bit outside of the classroom by being involved with extra-curricular activities that connect with my potential areas of interest, and Tufts certainly has a variety of groups to become involved with.
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Nathaniel from Virginia Beach, VA
07/09/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
22 out of 23 people found this review useful. 3 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Ambitious, but curious. Tufts is a great place for students who know that they want to be great later in life, but perhaps are not sure exactly what they want to be great at. The school provides such a large variety of ways to get involved that it is impossible not to find something that you love. Tufts is a place for open minds.
Tips for prospective students Though Tufts is pretty weak in terms of financial aid, the experience of being there makes any sacrifice worthwhile. It is a fairly small school, but it is absolutely a melting pot of all sorts of people, not just New England prep school graduates. The faculty members are brilliant, and I have not come across a single instance of unfriendliness from staff or student body. The most important thing to do is to insert yourself directly into the life of a Tufts student; in other words, get involved immediately!
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A tiny person in a Jumbo-sized environment
10/14/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
11 out of 11 people found this review useful. 4 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who are into a racially diverse campus would love it here; there are international students on every floor of every dorm, with several languages being spoken in a single hall. Tufts students have to understand the meaning of hard work; most of us live in the library because we study so much (but that doesn't mean we don't have a ton of fun on the weekends!). Most Tufts students are very caught up on the latest news--national, continental, or international--, whether it's politics, music, sports, technology, business, or finance. Everywhere you go there will always be students reading The New York Times or Business Week.
Tips for prospective students Applying to this fierce university means that you have to be willing to put in a lot of time and effort into your work. Tufts students definitely know how to have fun, but we are also always on top of our studies. In terms of Tufts' application, be creative and be yourself. It sounds so cliché, but there are no two Tufts students alike; we're a very eclectic bunch. For example, I submitted a large cardboard cut-out of a paper clip and used its attributes to indirectly describe my own personal qualities. Sounds silly, but it worked! So play your quirkiness to your advantage.
Bang for the buck Tufts is definitely a school that comes at a high price and isn't exactly known for having the greatest financial aid package. But so far, coming here and making the financial sacrifice has been worth every penny and every inch of the 2600-mile move across the country. The dorms are nice, the campus is clean, the food is amazing, and the education is top-notch.
Am enjoying being here Tufts is in the perfect location: far enough from the hustle and bustle of Boston, but close enough that it's only a short ride on the subway away. While there may be a few sketchy neighborhoods in Boston, Medford (where Tufts is) is safe, quiet, and mostly residential. And unlike Harvard, where there are hundreds of tourists filing through the campus and Harvard Square all through the year, we Jumbos get our campus, as well as an entire square (Davis Square), mostly to ourselves. There's a smorgasbord of clubs and teams--everything from Muy Thai Boxing to Hip Hop for Social Change to Quidditch to a very dedicated Ultimate Frisbee following.
Am learning a lot Despite the fact that I am enrolled in mostly introductory courses, where the general class size is unavoidably larger, everyone--the professors and TAs--are nevertheless incredibly accessible. Next semester, however, when I am beyond the introductory courses, the average class size will only be about 15 people. Office hours are always there, no matter what your schedule looks like, and there are free private tutoring sessions, as well as drop-in and lecture-sized tutoring sessions. There's a class for everyone and all of the professors know what they are talking about.
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Gregory John from Somerville, MA
07/14/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 5 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students If you are looking for an atmosphere of kids who really care about where their lives are going and who they are taking that trip with, then Tufts is a great place to consider. I am in no way the liberal activist that has put the Boston area on the map and I find there are just as many people like me here as there are political students. However, you have to be humble to go here. There is not a lot of Oh, look at us. How cool are we kind of stuff from the administration or students. School spirit for sports is kind of low but presents a decent opportunity for walk-on athletes. Just remember that not too many people your age will know the name Tufts right off the bat...but the people who matter will know.
Tips for prospective students Definitely do not take classes for granted and come in with a plan for the next four years. Tips for prospective students anywhere are pretty much similar (get involved, etc.) but specifically for Tufts I would have to recommend declaring a major as soon as possible. I did not and I was stuck with a less-than-qualified advisor. You can always change your major but unless you declare one, you are probably going to be assigned an advisor who is really a professor with a bit of extra time. Also be aware that your first test in a class can really make or break the grade for the semester, so don't take it lightly like it is some high school test. Many times, that grade is at least 1/4 of your final grade.
Bang for the buck At 50k + Tufts is one of the more expensive schools in the country. Despite being as expensive as the Ivies, you don't get that Ivy School credibility that comes along with the price. Disappointing? Yes. Worth it? A matter of opinion. I for one am tired of putting Ivies on that untouchable pedestal and have a hard time believing I am missing out on something by going to Tufts and not an Ivy. If you can handle paying for everything an Ivy has to offer minus the name then you've got yourself a college.
Am enjoying being here Finding who you are is a huge part of college and at Tufts I can find myself. With the help of the students and administration, campus life is easy-going yet educational. That old adage you learn something new everyday becomes real at Tufts. The environment welcomes opinions, expression, and freedom.
Am learning a lot There is a reason why college review boards consistently rate Tufts in the top 30 universities in America. The teachers and students alike bring much more to the table than I ever expected. The classes are hard in the way that demands attention and creativity. I never thought I would be one of those people saying they learned so much in the first semester of college, but such is the case. Not only are the classes educational, but part of becoming an adult is learning what college is all about. The first year is full of new adventures and decisions to be made. As the year progresses, applying what you learn is key.
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Raphael from Dallas, TX
12/28/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 6 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Fun, athletic, closet nerds, hipster, not-hipster, ultimate players, lax bros, non-lax dudes
Tips for prospective students Have fun, take challenging classes, but don't swamp your schedule with too many reading/science-intensive classes. Come play ultimate, it's an awesome experience at Tufts! Apply early decision if you're sure that Tufts is right for you. Take hard classes throughout high school and do well in them.
Bang for the buck Totally worth the money. If you're from the South, living in Boston is an amazing new experience.
Am enjoying being here Having the time of my life. Tufts is everything I could've wished for in college and so much more. It is an ideal size in that you can meet a lot of people, but there aren't too many or too few people on campus. You're not a number nor are you
Am learning a lot Reading Plato's Republic and Machiavelli's The Prince in my first semester of college pretty much sum this one up.
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Adriana from Miami, FL
11/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 7 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety I always feel safe walking around campus, even really late at night.
What to do for fun There's always something going on be it a frat party, a free dinner, or just an open get together with one of the cultural centers.
Food and Dining The food is really delicious. I'm a vegetarian and don't ever feel like I don't have any options. We have a vegetarian section and a gluten free section and I hear the gluten free food is just as yummy!
Dorm Life Some dorms are definitely much better than others. I live in Houston and it's a pretty old building but my awesome hall mates make up for it.
Academic Rigor Definitely not easy. I study every day and still end up feeling like that's not enough. Although the classes are difficult, there's always support if you need it like the free Academic Resource Center, office hours, and study groups.
Tips for prospective students Visit if you can, the campus alone will make you fall in love with Tufts. Anyone can come up to us and ask questions, we love answering them! If you can't visit, you can also call and ask to speak to a representative from your area and see if maybe you can meet up with them.
In three sentences Tufts is an amazing school that in my opinion, is not given enough credit. The academics are tough but will definitely prepare you for graduate school and your career. Not only are the academics top notch, but the atmosphere is such a warm and friendly one to be around which is why I love Tufts!
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Thomas from Braintree, MA
02/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 8 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun easy access to all of boston from the davis square t stop. boston speaks for itself fun-wise, but on campus there's also tons to do: there are concerts in the breathtaking distler performance hall very often, we have an active theater constituent, so plays happen a lot. there are also plenty of parties to go around. you'll never be bored, so long as you have access to tuftslife.com :)
Food and Dining dewick and carmichael are both fantastic dining halls that offer great food and a lot of options. i find myself wishing they were open later, though.
Dorm Life not much to say here - dorms are nice, amenities are accessible and work well, ras and hallmates are friendly.
Academic Rigor your academic experience is what you make it, and you can make it extremely worthwhile here. many classes require a good bit of effort, but pay off in how much you learn therein; plus, professors and tas are always around to help facilitate the learning process. challenge yourself academically here, and you'll end up with a degree that really shows you're an intellectually capable person.
Tips for prospective students get to know your professors. if they're teaching here, it's because they're good at what they do and would love to share it with you, in and out of the classroom. don't be afraid to get involved, either - there's so much to do on campus that it can be intimidating, but find something you think might interest you (club/athletic activity/whatever) and jump right in!
In three sentences tufts is a phenomenal research university. it's a great community made up of interesting and friendly students and professors, and it's welcoming to students with every academic interest imaginable. you'll like it here.
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Cierra
03/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety there are emergency boxes, a police escort service you can call, and campus is fairly safe (just try not to invite trouble). it's probably closer to a 3 1/2-4 stars, but whatever.
Clubs and Activities if you want it, there's probably a group for it on campus(like the ballroom dance team :3).
Great for these types of students people who are intelligent, open-minded, and have wonderfully varied interests(biochemistry and mime or international relations and stand-up comedy, for example) . or harry potter fans.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus there's the echo chamber, the gravity stone, the president's lawn when it snows, the canon, etc etc. take your pick.
What to do for fun it depends on you! in the winter you can go ice skating in the city, there are usually a few parties on the weekends, go to the movies, or head to the loj for some wonderful time in nature. not to mention all of the movies, plays, and other events on campus throughout the year.
Food and Dining our food is wonderful! the downhill dining hall is great for groups, but the uphill dining hall does amazing theme nights (mystery basket food challenge, greek night, seafood night, etc).
Dorm Life again, it depends on your dorm. i live in miller, which is pretty nice, but a lot of the dorms have a labyrinth-like riot-proof set-up, and the uphill dorms overall are nicer than the downhill ones. there's a cute little rivalry over whether uphill or downhill is better (up).
Academic Rigor it depends on the class, but you definitely won't float by here. keep up on your reading, study, do your work, show up to class most of the time, and you should generally be okay.
Tips for prospective students definitely do your best in your academics, but aim to make an impact in a few extracurriculars that you care about. also, do all the essays (especially the optional!) and be creative.
In three sentences tufts is a wonderful school for anyone who wants the best of both. it's a beautiful (and hilly) suburban campus, and full of people with varying academic and recreational interests. i'd suggest getting used to seeing frisbee.
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Matthew from Ridgefield, CT
03/17/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 10 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun Everything.
Food and Dining Food was cheap and tasty. Might gain more than 15 lbs.
Dorm Life The dorms look nice but a little antique. Some of the students apparently have a tradition where they put each bottle of alcohol that they drink on their window sill to showcase their manliness to the public.
Academic Rigor Can't say much yet, but the course catalog looks rigorous and intriguing.
Tips for prospective students Apply early and send everything in before the deadline. Fill out the Fafsa or CSS on time. Also communicate with your admissions officer frequently. It helps if the person reading your application knows who you are.
In three sentences Tufts is heavenly. The students are beyond helpful and the campus is beautiful. The academics are amazing and student life looks perfect.
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Kathleen
07/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 11 of 17
Categories Comments Greek Life Eh, it's not a party school.
Great for these types of students Driven, knows exactly what they want to do.
Bang for the buck Tufts is one of the most expensive institutions in the country. In terms of the quality of education, it is absolutely worth the buck. However, it is a liberal arts college, and many students leave without many marketable skills.
What to do for fun For the city dwellers, it is a quick and easy trip into Boston. The campus has the advantage, though, of having the rolling lawns of more rural campuses and easy access to local lakes and mountains.
Food and Dining Dewick dining hall has one of the better spreads that I've seen on college campuses.
Dorm Life Dorm life is fun. It's not a party school. Then again, your social life is what you make of it at college.
Academic Rigor Very competitive culture. Make sure you build a rapport with your professors and utilize the tutoring resources available to help you succeed.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you plan for the financial obligation. Also, get involved in lots of campus activities. Community involvement is very important for the quality of your experience.
In three sentences Tufts is an amazing community of energetic, driven students. It is a competitive, yet collaborative culture which emphasizes looking at every issue from a global perspective.
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Zachary from Los Gatos, CA
11/15/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 12 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus itself is relatively safe, however, go beyond the boundaries and it is not safe to be alone at night. At least a couple times a month, campus police will email out to students reports of muggings, sexual assaults, and other crimes committed against students on the streets bordering the campus.
Greek Life Greek life is very minor and does not play a large role in college life.
Great for these types of students Great for East Coast natives and others familiar with the local area and culture.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a cannon that many academic and social organizations will paint with colors and messages in preparation for a big event (e.g., social, academic, or athletic).
Bang for the buck Tufts is very expensive, and while the degree is reputable, your emotional well-being is challenge due to the frustrating academic and administrative environment that you need to navigate as a student.
What to do for fun Boston is a short ride away on the subway, as well as other areas and university. The surrounding areas offer good food and night life and the population is both heavily college-aged as well as graduate students.
Food and Dining The options are limited and the food is expensive. There are a number of surrounding restaurants off-campus that are pretty good, but it would be vastly improved if the university moved one or two of these on-campus.
Dorm Life The quality of the dorms is poor and you are not allowed to stay on campus during the holidays, a big negative for students who have to travel long distances home.
Academic Rigor The sciences are particularly rigorous. Many of the lower-division courses are designed in such a way to filter out students who do not possess the school's opinion of what it takes to be a science major. The liberal arts courses are enjoyable, although carry a large reading and writing load.
Tips for prospective students Prospective students should do their research beforehand about any particular major they are interested in. Ask current students about how supported they feel in their studies and whether the faculty are receptive to student feedback--a big indication of a mature academic program. If possible, visit the school to see the environment, talk with faculty and students, and even sit in on a class if possible. College is expensive, especially Tufts University, so be sure you will be making a sound investment.
In three sentences At Tufts University, you will find both a rigorous science curriculum as well as a broad-based liberal arts education. However, the academic departments, along with the faculty as part and parcel to them, are poorly organized and do not lay out their expectations clearly for the student body. With a strong reputation, particularly on the East Coast, Tufts University offers a solid degree perhaps worth pursuing, if only you can tolerate the administrative frustration along the way.
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O.
03/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun tufts is conveniently located right next to the t so it is easy to access cool towns such as boston and cambridge.
Tips for prospective students if you are considering majoring in international relations, tufts is the place to be.
In three sentences tufts is a great school. social and political activism is everywhere and it's easy to get involved. plus, our mascot, the jumbos, is the only college mascot found in webster's dictionary.
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Baby Jumbo
05/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun There's always plenty of events to go to on campus, and frat parties at night if you're into that kind of thing, but Boston is 20 minutes away by T, so a night out in the city is always a fun option!
Food and Dining Dewick and Carmichael are the two main dining halls and both have their pros and cons, but all in all, the food here is very good and there are many outside options.
Dorm Life There is always something to do at Tufts, whether it is to go see a play, a dance group perform, or an awesome speaker (this year, we had BIll Clinton!). I never find myself bored and everyone you meet is passionate and interesting.
Academic Rigor Even though as a freshman, you do get stuck in a lot of very big introductory courses, as you start to take higher level courses, you get more personal interaction. The amount of research opportunities that exist is enormous- I have some friends who are already doing PAID research as freshmen!
Tips for prospective students Definitely try to sign up for one of the overnight visits for April Open House- I didn't do that and even though I'm very lucky I'm in love with the school, it would have been much more practical and saved a lot of stress over making my decision.
In three sentences Speaking as an upcoming sophomore, Tufts University has given me the best year of my life. I have taken challenging, exciting classes and made amazing new friends. I've become involved in activities that I'm extremely passionate about, something that I didn't get to do in high school to the degree that I would have liked.
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Erin from San Marcos, TX
07/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 17
Categories Comments Greek Life I'm in a coed fraternity, which is a little different from normal Greek houses, but I absolutely love it. Greek life isn't dominant on campus, but for people who want to get involved, it's a great set of houses.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The cannon! Painting the cannon was definitely a highlight of my freshman year. My friends and I stayed up all night guarding our paint job from potential cannon thieves.
Food and Dining The food is pretty good for dining hall food. They do a solid job of always providing a ton of options, but the same courses can get old after awhile.
Dorm Life Dorms are dorms, but Tufts does a pretty good job of finding compatible roommates. The uphill/downhill mindset definitely exists, but I met some of my best friends from exploring the hallways of my dorm.
Academic Rigor The classes definitely require a lot of hard work. However, once you get past the basics, you have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the leading minds in various fields of study.
Tips for prospective students Ask questions! Tufts has a great set up for contacting current students for advice and answers that is super helpful in the college selection process.
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Kaitlyn from Centennial, CO
04/08/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
16 of 17
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students You should make sure your application is rigorous enough, as Tufts is difficult to get into.
In three sentences Tufts has an idyllic campus, and great academic programs. I love the sense of community and togetherness! And they have an excellent engineering program.
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Joshua from Temple Hills, MD
05/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 17
Categories Comments Greek Life I don't really participate in frat life so I am unable to speak on the matter
Clubs and Activities There is something for everyone. Believe me on that one
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Student organizations always enjoy to paint the cannon. It is something that every tufts student should do before they graduate.
Bang for the buck You pay alot but you definitely see why.
What to do for fun There are plenty of things to do for everyone. I personally do breakdance as well as Taekwondo.
Food and Dining Tufts is ranked I believe number 4 in the nation for dining halls. The food is definitely a plus.
Dorm Life I loved the people that I lived with
Academic Rigor I've never been so challenged in my life
Tips for prospective students Please take your AP classes as seriously as possible. You want to get 5s on those AP exams so that you can be ahead of the curve when classes begin.
In three sentences Tufts is an amazing university. It is challenging as well as diverse and provides a sense of community for all involved. I believe that it is perfect academically and socially and I believe that it is in a great location.
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