who filled out the tufts optional?

[neurofreak]

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anyone put anything down for the "special circumstances for applying to tufts" question? they sound pretty chill with putting down "no" as the answer to that question, but im just curious what other people put.

 

[punkindrublic]

I think these questions, particularly those that are school specific, are looking to see if you have some attachment to the school via a significant other, you've done work with faculty there, they have a unique program that you've done master's level work in (Tufts is right in the middle of Boston's Chinatown, for example), etc.

My rule of thumb for these questions is this: if you're asking whether it would apply to you, it probably doesn't.

That said, I didn't answer this one.

 

[Boredom]

They seem pretty chill about answering no, but who knows if they really are. When I applied to Tufts I (stupidly? lazily?) answered no for all three questions. But then again, I didn't even get an interview.

 

[Tenk]

I answered no because they only allowed 1000 characters.

 

[WHR]

I didn't think that ".compelling personal reason or circumstance/history" . pertains to my opinion on why Tufts is the best school or why Boston is the best city. Therefore, I said No.

 

[riversoul]

anyone put anything down for the "special circumstances for applying to tufts" question? they sound pretty chill with putting down "no" as the answer to that question, but im just curious what other people put.

I believe that question pertains only to applicants who may have spouses living in Boston, or any other family committments that require them to stay in Boston.

 

[drizzt3117]

I answer most optional essays, except the ones that say something like "is there any physical or mental reason that may have been detrimental to your academic record?" or similar questions. I feel like unless there's something very serious that happened to you that those questions are looking for ppl to make excuses, which I personally don't like to do. As far as the optional essays, though, I figure the more info a school knows about you, the better, so I almost always answer them.

 

[goldenmed11]

I answer most optional essays, except the ones that say something like "is there any physical or mental reason that may have been detrimental to your academic record?" or similar questions. I feel like unless there's something very serious that happened to you that those questions are looking for ppl to make excuses, which I personally don't like to do. As far as the optional essays, though, I figure the more info a school knows about you, the better, so I almost always answer them.

i agree, if they ask you a question that is optional, it is better to answer it that leave something unsaid because that is one missed chance to say something important and it is showing interest.

 

[artaxerxes]

always better to answer I say, at least shows your not lazy to adcoms

for the Tufts one I said,
Grew up in boston area, went to college there, volunteered at sharewood project, shadowed Tufts faculty, and most of my physicians were tufts faculty. The last one is kinda iffy I think.

 

[neurofreak]

I answer most optional essays, except the ones that say something like "is there any physical or mental reason that may have been detrimental to your academic record?" or similar questions. I feel like unless there's something very serious that happened to you that those questions are looking for ppl to make excuses, which I personally don't like to do. As far as the optional essays, though, I figure the more info a school knows about you, the better, so I almost always answer them.

but if you don't have anything compelling to say, don't you figure the adcoms might get annoyed at just reading BS? i'm sure thousands of people write "other" stuff down, but if it doesn't really answer the question is it worth it?

 

[drizzt3117]

but if you don't have anything compelling to say, don't you figure the adcoms might get annoyed at just reading BS? i'm sure thousands of people write "other" stuff down, but if it doesn't really answer the question is it worth it?

well as a non-trad I have far more to say than the typical undergrad, I could write ten additional essays and still not have enough room to say everything I wanted to. However, since Tufts doesn't have too many essays anyways, I think most people could find something to write about, at least IMO.

 

[BigRedPremed]

I answered it. It's only 1000 characters. Easy to write. Easy to read.

 

[jae9970]

im debating whether i shud say Yes or No for this question.. hmm?

 

[wutwinb]

i wrote the essay, put stuff about their curriculum, electives, etc. and i got an interview. i doubt writing it could hurt you...

 

[qkqh]

no need to be redundant..

 

[Green Apple]

what wutwinb said. Don't pass up a chance to suck up to their school. Talk about any aspect of their curriculum, facilities, or student organizations you have any interest in. I got an interview from them too.

 

[jae9970]

nice. Thanks.

 

[ohnodapopo]

I guess i've always assumed that it is better to answer every question.

 

[aaj117]

I said no and I received an interview invite a week after being complete, so it definitely won't hurt to be honest if you don't have any ties.

 

[Nooblet]

i just copy/pasted my diversity essay from another school...i got an interview so it works!

 

[Blondnuttyboy]

I'm not trying to offend anyone but URMs are way more likely to get an interview...I would honestly say fill it out as it cant hurt. i feel like ditching it is a sign of laziness.

 

[farks23]

i wrote the essay, put stuff about their curriculum, electives, etc. and i got an interview. i doubt writing it could hurt you...

Hey, if you do not mind... those who got interviews here,

what were your index scores when applying (MCAT GPA)?

good luck

 

[cgjock80]

I answered no to the question and got an interview. Granted I applied MD/MPH. Check out my MDapps for specific data