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 SAT scores and requirements for Tufts. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Tufts’ ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Tufts?
As expected, Tufts SAT scores are highly competitive. The average score at Tufts is around 1510 out of a maximum of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Tufts is 1450, and the 75th percentile is 1550.
These statistics show that 25% of Tufts students scored below 1450, and 25% scored above 1550. Although this range reflects the high standards of the institution, it also shows that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Tufts?
The SAT is divided into two sections: English (or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and Math. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
Tufts’ average SAT English score is 740. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score falls at 710 and the 75th percentile score reaches a strong 760. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 710 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers. Further, a score greater than 760 would place you in the highest quarter of SAT English scores at Tufts.
What is the average SAT Math score at Tufts?
The average SAT Math score at Tufts is 770, which is higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 740, and the 75th percentile is 790. Although these scores are notably higher than the averages for the SAT English section, there is still no minimum score required for admission.
Further, these statistics show that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Tufts are near perfect. However, the majority of scores fall below this mark, so there is no strict expectation that applicants reach a perfect score. Among the 25% of students who scored below a 740, there is a wide range of results.
What are Tufts’ SAT 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 SAT 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 SAT Essay or the SAT Subject Tests.
More information about Tufts’ admissions policies and requirements for standardized test scores can be found on their First-Year Student Applicants webpage.
What percentage of Tufts applicants submit the SAT?
Among students admitted to Tufts, 37% submitted SAT scores. In addition, 19% of admitted students submitted ACT 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?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can increase an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive university like Tufts. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your Tufts application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well can only help, and poor scores can always be left off your application without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. For instance, if your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. Remember, sending in a strong score may boost your application, but choosing not to submit scores will not necessarily make or break your application.
Does Tufts superscore the SAT?
Tufts does create superscores for the SAT. To be specific, they consider the highest scores in each section of the SAT across all test dates submitted by applicants. Therefore, it is advantageous to submit scores from multiple test days if you feel they will demonstrate your ability better than a single test day.
Note that Tufts also allows applicants to use the College Board Score Choice option, enabling students to select which test dates to submit scores from.
What’s a good SAT score for Tufts?
Tufts does not have specific SAT 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.
That said, many of the students admitted to Tufts have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 1510, so aiming for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position. In addition, the upper 25% of Tufts students scored a 1550 or higher. Therefore, “good” SAT score for Tufts is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1450 | 1510 | 1550 |
| English | 710 | 740 | 760 |
| Math | 740 | 770 | 790 |
Can I get into Tufts with a low SAT score?
Getting into Tufts with a low SAT score is difficult but possible. Note that “low” is a relative term. Below-average scores for Tufts are still quite high when compared to the national averages. For instance, the lower quartile SAT score at Tufts is 1450. This means that Tufts students in the lowest 25% scored at or below 1450. Meanwhile, the average SAT score nationwide is around 1050. Thus, even “low” scores for Tufts are above average. With this in mind, aiming for at least the lower quartile is advisable.
However, it is still possible to get into Tufts with a score below these measurements. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through community service may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
In other words, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should focus on. Extracurricular passions, projects, and academics are just as important, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT 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 SAT for Tufts during their junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Decision I (ED I) can take the November SAT their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by Tufts, but scores from after the November SAT will not be considered.
Meanwhile, ED II and Regular Decision applicants can take the December SAT, but no later exams, and still guarantee consideration of those scores.
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’ SAT code?
Tufts’ SAT code for submitting official test scores is 3901.
While Tufts no longer requires its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission to this prestigious university are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. Ultimately, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Tufts ACT scores!
