<p>In several places on this forum (specifically the ‘Tufts’ Reputation’), I’ve read about how Tufts is kind of an “in-between” school in that it’s neither a true large, research university, or a small liberal arts college. This is exactly what I love about Tufts, but I’m wondering if it would be too vague to have this as the topic of my “Why Tufts?” essay. Everything I’ve read says that this essay needs to be specific and the school should be identifiable even if the name was taken out. So is it too generic? Will admissions know that this applies only to their school and that it’s not just my standard response to all the schools I’m applying to?</p>
<p>Well, you just described yourself what makes Tufts unique… I don’t think you can get too specific in 50 words anyways.</p>
<p>I kind of had gotten the impression that Tufts was a small liberal arts college, what makes it not one?</p>
<p>It has multiple schools - Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Fletcher (Int’l Relations) Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Nutrition, and I’m probably forgetting a couple. Is there a Tisch one or something? Am I making the nutrition school up? But anyway, these colleges add up to the larger university, which in the end really isn’t that large.</p>
<p>The Nutrition school is not made up. In addition to all that, Tufts is designated as a “Research I” university for the work that students and faculty do all over the academic spectrum. Research work is a major distinction between a ‘college’ and a ‘university.’ </p>
<p>To get at the original question: We don’t know that it isn’t just a standard response unless you can personalize it in some way. I’m not saying to change your reasons, but you should find a way to make it specific to you and Tufts.</p>