Tufts Admissions 2024-2025
Tufts University recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into Tufts and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
Tufts' Remarkable Selectivity
Tufts' admissions statistics reveal an increasingly competitive landscape:
Total applicants: 34,330
Admitted students: 3,957
Enrolled students: 1,801
Acceptance rate: Approximately 11.5%
With fewer than 1 in 9 applicants receiving an offer, Tufts has become one of the most selective universities in the country, though not quite at the single-digit acceptance rates of some Ivy League institutions.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
The academic credentials of Tufts' Class of 2029 are impressive:
Test Scores
SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1480-1540
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720-770
SAT Math: 750-790
ACT Composite: 33-35
It's worth noting that only 38% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and just 18% submitted ACT scores, as Tufts maintained a test-optional policy for this admissions cycle.
Class Performance
79% were in the top tenth of their high school class
93% ranked in the top quarter
99% were in the top half of their class
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all Tufts admits have excellent high school academic performance.
Interesting Demographic Information
Tufts' first-year class shows considerable diversity:
International students: 13.4% (242 students)
Hispanic/Latino: 13.2% (238 students)
Black or African American: 10.1% (181 students)
White: 41.7% (751 students)
Asian: 17.3% (312 students)
Two or more races: 6.7% (121 students)
Race/ethnicity unknown: 6.8% (123 students)
With over 13% of the class coming from outside the United States, Tufts maintains a strong international presence in its student body.
What Matters Most in Tufts Admissions
Tufts' Common Data Set provides valuable information about what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:
"Very Important" Factors
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
"Important" Factors
Interview
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
Character/personal qualities
First generation status
Volunteer work
Work experience
"Considered" Factors
Class rank
Standardized test scores
Alumni/ae relations
Geographical residence
State residency
Level of applicant's interest
"Not Considered" Factors
Religious affiliation/commitment
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
Tufts' ratings reveal their holistic approach to admissions:
Academics remain foundational: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform excellently.
Essays and recommendations matter tremendously: Both are rated as "very important," suggesting that Tufts values the qualitative aspects of your application as much as the numbers.
Character and personal qualities are significant: Listed as "important," this underscores Tufts' interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.
Extracurricular distinction matters: "Talent/ability" and "extracurricular activities" being rated as "important" suggests that Tufts values significant achievement or contribution in your activities.
Test scores are only "considered": Even though admitted students have outstanding scores, Tufts rates standardized tests as less important than many other factors, consistent with their test-optional policy.
First-generation status is "important": This indicates Tufts' commitment to increasing access for students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Notable Observations
Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:
Exceptional retention rate: 95.5% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1, offering students excellent access to faculty.
Small class sizes: 59% of classes have fewer than 20 students, despite Tufts being a medium-sized university.
Graduation rates: 94% six-year graduation rate for the 2018 cohort, demonstrating strong student success.
Early Decision: Tufts offers Early Decision, with applications due November 4 (ED I) and January 6 (ED II).
Strong international focus: Tufts has a significant percentage of international students and maintains a strong study abroad program.
What This Means for Future Applicants
For students aspiring to Tufts, these numbers highlight the importance of:
Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them.
Authentic engagement: Developing genuine interests and making meaningful contributions.
Character development: Demonstrating positive personal qualities through your actions and impact.
Powerful writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective.
Strong recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom contributions.
Remember that while these statistics provide insight into Tufts' admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. Tufts seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.
Need help applying to Tufts for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today!
