What to Expect at a Tufts Graduate Open House
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Today I want to talk about what you can expect when attending a Tufts graduate open house. Inquiring about graduate programs is a bit different from looking at undergraduate schools – whether that experience was just four years or fourteen years ago for you! Â
At our Open House, you will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of resources, including faculty in your programs of interest, when you’re on campus. Admissions representatives will walk around with nametags and will be prepared to point you to where you need to go. We can answer questions you may have about the application, deadlines, processes, and general Tufts-related questions.  Â
When you enter our Joyce Cummings Center, which is the large building off of Boston Ave with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can check in with one of our staff members at a table near the entrance. We will be waiving the application fee for event attendees, so checking in lets us know that you are eligible for the fee waiver once you apply. Â
Our event spans two floors. On the first floor, there will be programs in our Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Near the registration table you will find a flight of stairs which will lead you to the section showcasing programs in the School of Engineering. Each program will have a table and a representative available to share information and answer your questions. When you walk up to a table, be prepared to introduce yourself, share a bit about your academic interest, and why you are interested in graduate school. From there, the program will be able to share some more details and field any questions you may have.Â
What kind of questions should you be asking the academic program? Now is a great time to ask your program-specific questions, such as questions about curriculum, program requirements, what the program looks for in strong applicants, etc. Check out our list of programs and identify faculty and research you’re interested in. It’s also a good idea to take some time to reflect on what you are interested in researching and studying during your time in graduate school. What do you hope to take away from graduate school? What goals are you planning to achieve? That way, when you connect with your program of interest, you can elaborate more on your professional goals and academic objectives. Â
In between connecting with programs, you can snack on the appetizers and refreshments that we’ll have available on both floors, connect with fellow prospective students, and attend one or both of the short panels we’ll be hosting at the event. Our first panel at 6:15 PM will highlight our graduate application and general requirements, and our second panel at 7:15 PM will invite current graduate students to answer questions about graduate student life.Â
Walking into an event can be intimidating, especially if you’re entering by yourself. But Tufts’ Office of Graduate Admissions and our academic departments are excited to welcome you to campus. This is a great time to learn more about the academic programs you’ll be applying to for the fall. Make a connection and start building your community at Tufts. Â
If you’re close to campus, register to join us on Wednesday, November 13th 2024 from 6 PM – 8 PM for our graduate Open House. We hope to see you there! Â