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Tufts University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Tufts University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Tufts University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Tufts University reviews, or contribute your own Tufts University review if you're a current student there.

  • 31 out of 31 people found this review useful.

    An extremely enthusiastic Jumbo

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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?
    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.
    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

  • 21 out of 21 people found this review useful.

    Caitlyn from Plainville, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • 19 out of 19 people found this review useful.

    Nathaniel from Virginia Beach, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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!
    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.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    A tiny person in a Jumbo-sized environment

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Gregory John from Somerville, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Baby Jumbo

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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!
    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.
    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.
    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!

  • Matthew from Ridgefield, CT

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    Academic Rigor

    Can't say much yet, but the course catalog looks rigorous and intriguing.
    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.
    Food and Dining

    Food was cheap and tasty. Might gain more than 15 lbs.
    What to do for fun

    Everything.

  • O.

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you are considering majoring in international relations, tufts is the place to be.
    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.

  • Cierra

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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).
    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).
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Clubs and Activities

    if you want it, there's probably a group for it on campus(like the ballroom dance team :3).
    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.

  • Thomas from Braintree, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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!
    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.
    Dorm Life

    not much to say here - dorms are nice, amenities are accessible and work well, ras and hallmates are friendly.
    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.
    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 :)

  • Raphael from Dallas, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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
    Bang for the buck

    Totally worth the money. If you're from the South, living in Boston is an amazing new experience.
    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.
    Great for these types of students

    Fun, athletic, closet nerds, hipster, not-hipster, ultimate players, lax bros, non-lax dudes