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How to Write the Tufts Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

Tufts University is well-known for its rigorous and innovative research and educational programs. The college has an international reputation for academic excellence and for helping its students prepare for excellence in a wide array of professions. You could have your eyes on this Massachusetts institution for its courses—or there is a particular professor or research opportunity that has grabbed your eye. No matter what, you must take advantage of the Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022 to let the admissions officers know why you’re a unique candidate. 

Prompts for the Tufts Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and 5-Year Tufts/NEC Combined Degree answer the following two questions:

Prompt 1

Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (100-150 words)

This is a very hardcore “why school” question. In the first question among the Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022, and within only 150 words, Tufts wants to know why you’ve chosen them. Because of the word limit, you need to be extremely specific in your answer. Find what makes Tufts unique as the place to pursue your interests and goals—and make sure this is something that you can only find at Tufts. Since you only have such a limited space, and you are going to college to pursue academics, it's best to stick to the educational aspects of “why Tufts.” Consider your major and academic aspirations in brainstorming the essay and show the admissions committee that you’ve really done your research. 

Prompt 2

Now we’d like to know a little more about you. Please respond to one of the following three questions. (200-250 words):

A) It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?

This question is another way of asking why you’ve picked a particular major. The Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022 want to know exactly what part of your academic journey you are the most excited about. Don’t say general things like “history.” If you’ve said you want to be a history major, the admissions officers already know you are interested in the past. Dive deeper into it. Is there something about the past that you believe shapes the future? Is there a particular era that interests you the most? No matter what field you choose, think about the topic in that area that has captured your attention like no other. This essay should be filled with lots of excitement and enthusiasm about your favorite topic—so make sure it comes across as genuine.

B) How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?

Through this supplemental prompt, Tufts is interested in knowing exactly what you’ll bring from your current life as a high schooler to their campus near Boston. If we break this prompt down further, you’ll notice that the word “environments” is broad here—the Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022 has given you flexibility by listing some possible examples of the type of environments you might write about—as well as saying “or community” if it’s more applicable.

As you brainstorm, start thinking about all of the communities you grew up around and connected with on a daily basis—school, student group, sports team, neighborhood organization, family, etc. From there, think about what—from any of these communities—have had the most impact on you and why. The admissions officers who you are today—which part of you has been deeply shaped by a group of people you have spent significant time around? Let them know.

C) Where are you on your journey of engaging with or fighting for social justice?

Choosing to tackle this third optional prompt within the Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022 is a good way to inform the university about your role as an impactful leader and changemaker. Admissions officers don’t want a detailed description of the logistics of any action you have taken. Within the given 250 words you must focus on how you are making efforts to make a difference in your community—so you should take a more reflective approach. Think about your most significant involvement, but stay wary of commonly cited activities such as service trips. Remember that fighting for social justice doesn’t have to signify a large-scale activity. You could have helped your entire neighborhood or school by raising social media awareness, or you might have helped one or two individuals who belong to it, and still made a difference. 

Talk about your achievements in a way that still conveys humility and portrays you as both a team player and a respected leader. And of course, make sure your account is truthful and not overly exaggerated. Don’t write about an initiative your brother has really spearheaded and try to pass it off as your own story.

The Tufts supplemental essays 2021-2022 may be short, but they can really help convey your personality and interests to the admissions officers. Research the school thoroughly as well as think about what you want the school to know about you as they consider your application. As long as you’re introspective and enthusiastic about showcasing how you would bring a unique perspective and contribute to the school, you’ll give yourself a good chance. Best of luck!