Tufts University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances

Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI

Quick answer: Tufts University has a 10% acceptance rate, which makes it a highly selective school. Admitted students typically score around 1530 on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. Use the free calculator below to estimate your personal odds at Tufts University.
Acceptance rate10%
SAT (75th percentile)1530
ACT (75th percentile)35
LocationMA
School typePrivate

Tufts University is a private research university in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. It accepts roughly 10% of applicants, making it one of the more competitive research universities in the Northeast. Tufts has a distinct identity that combines strong academics with an emphasis on civic engagement and global awareness.

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How hard is it to get into Tufts University?

With a 10% acceptance rate, Tufts turns away the vast majority of people who apply. The school is particularly well known for valuing students who have a clear sense of who they are and what they care about. Admissions readers at Tufts have a reputation for caring about authenticity, and applications that feel manufactured or generic tend to fall flat.

The "Why Tufts" essay is one of the most cited elements of the application. Students who can speak specifically to why Tufts fits them, not just that it is a good school, tend to make a stronger impression.

Test scores that make you competitive

Admitted students at Tufts reach an SAT 75th percentile of 1530 and an ACT 75th percentile of 35. These are high numbers that reflect the caliber of applicants who get in. Tufts is test-optional, so you can apply without scores, but if your scores fall in a competitive range, submitting them is generally worth it.

What Tufts University looks for

Tufts evaluates applications holistically and places real weight on character and contributions beyond academics. Strong grades in hard courses are the starting point, not the finish line. Admissions readers look for students who will add something to the Tufts community, which could mean intellectual engagement, creativity, leadership, or service, but it needs to be genuine.

The school also pays attention to demonstrated interest in some cases, and crafting a thoughtful, specific application signals that Tufts is more than just a backup on your list.

Estimate your chances at Tufts University

If you are trying to figure out whether Tufts is a reasonable target for your profile, the free CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com can help. Enter your GPA, test scores, and activities and get a personalized estimate of your chances right away. It is a good starting point when you are building your college list.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tufts University's acceptance rate?

Tufts University's acceptance rate is approximately 10%. About 1 in 10 applicants receives an offer of admission.

What SAT or ACT score do I need for Tufts University?

The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1530 and the ACT 75th percentile is 35. Tufts is test-optional, so you are not required to submit scores, but strong scores can support your application.

Is Tufts University hard to get into?

Yes. A 10% acceptance rate makes Tufts quite difficult to get into. Beyond academics, Tufts is known for caring about who you are as a person and why you want to be there.

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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.