Hanna Renaldi's Blog: Tufts University School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips

Tufts describes their fundamental mission as promoting human health, with an emphasis on leadership and clinical care. They are looking for students with a strong background in the fundamentals of science who also want to apply that work in a clinical setting. The school’s curriculum emphasizes patient contact early on along with full integration of the sciences.

Because Tufts’ medical school is focused on classes where there is a dynamic environment with a great deal of peer-to-peer work, you should emphasize your ability to lead and contribute to a medical school class.

Tufts 2018 Secondary Application Essay Questions:

• Character count is 1000 characters, including spaces.
• The secondaries are optional, but we recommend that you answer them.

1. Do you wish to include any comments (in addition to those already provided in your AMCAS application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine?

You can use this space to write about anything not in the AMCAS. Be sure you do not repeat your personal statement. This is a good place to indicate anything specific about Tufts or about your personal background that relates to your med school application. Some applicants use this space to write about a personal experience that is particularly relevant and not included elsewhere.

This is a great place to say why you want to attend Tufts Medical School.

2. Do you consider yourself a person who would contribute to the diversity of the student body of Tufts University School of Medicine?

For this question, you should consider diversity in all its forms: race, ethnicity, language, family background, economic circumstances, and education or past experience. Consider how you might interact with a diverse group of medical students and contribute to your class. It is not enough to simply say that you are diverse; you need to explain how that makes you a better applicant. If you are struggling to come up with ways in which you are diverse, I encourage you to interpret the questions broadly and explain how your experiences make you a unique and worthwhile applicant who is going to contribute a unique background, perspective, or experience to Tuft’s class.

3. Do you have any withdrawals or repeated coursework listed on your transcript(s)?

Explain anything in your academic history that fulfills this question. Be honest and do not make excuses. I always suggest that applicants respond to this question precisely.

4. Did you take any leaves of absence or significant breaks from your undergraduate education? (Do not include time off after graduation.)

Include information about what you did during your time off. Include volunteer work. If you took time off due to difficulties or personal problems, do explain how you overcame them and show that they no longer exist or that you have learned how to deal with them effectively. End on a positive note.

5. Is any member of your family a graduate of TUSM or a current member of our faculty?

If you would like professional guidance with your Tufts Medical School application materials, check out Accepted’s Medical School Admissions Consulting and Editing Services, which include advising, editing, and interview coaching for Tufts application materials.

Tufts Application Timeline:

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbac Program and teaches writing at all levels. Want Jessica to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to Secondary Essay Questions from Top Med Schools
• Secondary Application Tips: The Experts Speak
• The OPTIONAL Essay in Medical School Secondary Applications