Tufts University, known for its rigorous academic standards and vibrant campus life, maintains high standards for its applicants. In this article, we’ll explore the ACT scores and requirements for Tufts. Be sure to check out articles about Tufts’ SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Tufts?
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, Tufts’ average composite ACT score falls around a 34, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21.
Furthermore, the 25th percentile ACT score at Tufts falls at 33. Lastly, the 75th percentile composite score reaches a near-perfect 35. Although this is a narrow range of scores, there is no minimum score applicants must achieve for admission.
In addition, these statistics show that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 33 or below, while the highest 25% of scorers achieved a 35 or higher. These numbers demonstrate the high standards Tufts holds for its applicants if they hope to be admitted.
What are Tufts’ ACT requirements?
Tufts University will maintain its test-optional admissions policy for applicants expecting to matriculate in the fall of 2024 through the fall of 2026. In other words, both first-year and transfer applicants have the choice of whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.
If an applicant wishes for Tufts to consider their exam results as part of their application, the admissions team will evaluate those scores in the context of the student’s background and other application materials. For students who choose to go test-optional, Tufts will still provide their applications with a holistic review.
Self-reporting is permitted for Tufts ACT scores on the Common Application, QuestBridge Application, and Coalition Application. However, admitted students who intend to enroll at Tufts must submit official score records.
Note that Tufts neither requires nor considers the writing section of the ACT.
More information about Tufts’ admissions policies and requirements for standardized test scores can be found on their First-Year Student Applicants webpage.
What percent of Tufts applicants submit the ACT?
Among students admitted to Tufts, 19% submitted ACT scores. In addition, 37% of admitted students submitted SAT scores. Meanwhile, the remaining approximately 44% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
These data points show that while SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted Tufts applicants, there is no disadvantage to going test-optional. In addition, there is no advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual preference.
Should I go test-optional?
Whether or not an applicant submits scores is an entirely personal decision. However, a good score can only help an applicant. Therefore, if circumstances allow, we recommend that every applicant take either the ACT or SAT at least once. If they perform well, then their score will boost their application. On the other hand, if the exam goes poorly, then the student can omit the score from their Tufts application.
What determines a “good score” depends on the context of the school. A good benchmark is to compare your scores to the average of the school to which you’re applying. If your score is within the middle 50% range, then it is comparable to the college’s standard. If your score is at or above the 75th percentile for the school, then it will almost definitely benefit your application to submit it.
Does Tufts superscore the ACT?
Tufts does generate superscores for its applicants. For the ACT, Tufts reviews the highest subscores and calculates a superscore ACT Composite. This means that the admissions committee will evaluate the highest scores for each section of the ACT, regardless of the test date.
In addition, Tufts permits the ACT equivalent of the College Board Score Choice. This is a useful option for students who may want to submit one or two scores they are most proud of but would prefer to keep others private.
What’s a good ACT score for Tufts?
Tufts does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. Instead of evaluating students based on a single data point, Tufts considers applications holistically, incorporating multiple pieces of a student’s application into their comprehensive review. Not only is there no minimum score required for admission, but omitting scores from your application won’t necessarily impact your admissions chances.
Nevertheless, the statistics above show that the average Tufts ACT score hovers around a 34, so aiming for a score within a point or two of that average will set up an applicant for success. Note that the highest 25% of ACT scorers at Tufts achieved a 35 composite score, likely with quite a few perfect scorers among them. In other words, a “good” score at Tufts will inevitably be quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
Can I get into Tufts with a low ACT?
Getting into Tufts with a low ACT score is difficult but possible, especially since Tufts is now test-optional. An ACT score on the lower end of Tufts’ score range will still be quite high: the lowest quarter of Tufts scorers still achieved up to a 33. With this in mind, it would be in the applicant’s best interest to aim for at least the lower quartile score of 33, if not higher.
Even with a score below Tufts’ average, admission is still possible. Academic and extracurricular achievements play an important role in the judgment of applications, and essays are weighted heavily. A student with a low ACT score who chooses not to submit their scores and instead uses their Tufts application to highlight extracurricular strengths may fare better than an applicant with a strong ACT score but little else to recommend them.
Therefore, while standardized testing can be an important tool in the application process, it is not the only thing a student should focus on. Devoting time and energy to extracurricular projects and interests, as well as schoolwork, is arguably more important for applications to test-optional schools like Tufts.
When should I take the ACT for Tufts?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, there are a few deadlines to consider. We recommend students take the ACT for Tufts during their junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Decision I (ED I) can take the October ACT their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by Tufts, but scores from after the October ACT will not be considered.
Meanwhile, ED II applicants can take the December ACT, but no later exams, and still guarantee consideration of those scores. Regular Decision applicants can take the February ACT as their last exam.
Tufts recommends submission as early as possible to allow the evaluation process to begin promptly. However, if you choose to take the latest possible test, you should send your scores to Tufts directly when you sit for the exam to ensure their inclusion in your application evaluation.
What is Tufts’ ACT code?
Tufts’ ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1922.
While Tufts no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities.
If you’re considering the SAT, check out our other post on Tufts SAT scores and requirements!
