What You’ll Need to Apply

Learn what you need in order to apply for various graduate and professional school programs. Below, you’ll find information unique to the many kinds of tests you may be required to take prior to applying.

Testing Information

  • GRE
    Many graduate programs require this general graduate admissions test. It tests your verbal, quantitative, and analytical abilities. Some programs also require a subject test.
  • LSAT
    Required by The American Bar Association for admission to most law schools. It measures your reading and verbal reasoning skills.
  • MCAT
    Required by almost all U.S. medical schools. It tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry as well as your critical analysis and reasoning, among other sections.
  • GMAT
    Graduate management programs around the world use this test. It scores your analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal abilities.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are available free of charge from the Tufts Registrar’s Office. If you graduated in 2006 or later, you can request your transcript online. Otherwise, you can request a copy of your transcript in person or by mail. Plan ahead to ensure you will receive your documents by the appropriate deadlines.

Letters of Recommendation

The most powerful recommendations come from people who know you well: professors, faculty advisors, internship or campus work-study supervisors, or managers.

Quick Tips

  • Choose people who know you well. Avoid the CEO trap. Unless the head of the company really knows you, this will work against you. Grad schools are more impressed by letters with specific examples that illustrate your interests and abilities.
  • Find enthusiastic recommenders. A lukewarm endorsement makes you a weaker candidate in a program’s eyes.
  • Select people who know you in different ways. Three people raving about your research skills is less effective than three individuals who can highlight three different skills like research, leadership and writing.
  • Give your recommenders plenty of time. Allow one to two months to write your letters. Check in with them after a couple of weeks or a month to ask if they need additional info. This also serves as a gentle reminder.
  • Provide everything the recommender needs. Make sure each person has your resume, personal statement, and research information, if appropriate. Don’t forget the appropriate forms, stamped and addressed envelopes, and other details specified by your target schools.
  • Say thank you. This is good manners 101. Do it for that reason alone.

Personal Statements

The most effective statements hook a reader right at the start. Admissions counselors only spend one to two minutes per essay, so invite them to linger on yours with a compelling introduction. Here are additional tips:

  • Think first. Reflect on how best to tell your story and develop an outline before you start writing.
  • Tell a story. Choose a turning point, important lesson, or self-discovery that corresponds to the essay question, demonstrates why you are applying to this particular program, and shows why you are a fit. Tailor statements to each program. See Helping Students to Tell Their Stories for more advice.
  • Be you. This is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Authenticity is the most effective differentiator.
  • If you’re stuck, ask yourself: Who is my audience? What is my goal? Remembering these two things will help you stay true to your purpose.

Resources for Writing Your Personal Statement