<p>To be honest, I’m surprised to be named in this article (though I didn’t notice a date on it) and surprised to hear you say that we admit a high percentage of our class in early decision. Tufts has got to be one of the universities least interested in gaming ED in order to increase yield. If we were interested in using ED specifically to boost yield numbers, we would enroll half the class (or more) with Early Applicants - a practice that isn’t hard to find at many most selective schools. Instead, we cap the number we’ll enroll ED, and work intentionally to keep the standards for admission consistent across all rounds of selection. </p>
<p>By my reading, Tufts is only mentioned once in this article - in passing - and in the context of anecdotal evidence rather than in alongside useful or demonstrative information. The impression indicated by the guidance counselors consulted for this article is probably a reflection of the Tufts admissions office before The current Dean of Admissions, Lee Coffin (who has been at Tufts for several years now), when Tufts did, in fact, admit a large (too large) percentage of the class ED. </p>
<p>Since Dean Coffin’s arrival, Tufts has changed a great many of its admissions practices (for the better, if you ask me). Included in this change is a belief that placing too much emphasis on ED sends a dangerous message, which is why Tufts policies and practices with respect to Early Applications are so different now versus 6 years ago. I’ve had more than one conversation with colleagues and management in my office on our desire to send a strong message that students are not “taking their chances” if they desire to have more options in the spring and forgo early decision. Our way of sending that message is to keep our standards the same and admit rates constant during early decision.</p>
<p>This article is reflective, actually, of one of the biggest challenges I face as an Admissions Counselor: Tufts’ culture, academic strength, and admissions practices have changed dramatically in the last 5-10 years. Tufts when I graduated was a different place from Tufts when I matriculated. As we grow and evolve, we must make sure the rest of the world keeps up with Tufts Today, not Tufts Yesterday. Personally, I find that constant and tremendous growth to be exciting and a source of fantastic pride (especially as a Tufts alum), but it also leads to information - like what is presented in the article - that lags behind the times.</p>