Tufts University

The admission requirements for homeschooled students are identical to those for all other applicants. You will need to submit:

• A completed Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Your high school transcript(s).
• Two letters of recommendation (see details below).
• Completed Common Application/Coalition Application essay and both supplemental essays.
• A complete list of your extracurricular activities.

Parent/Guardian as Sole Teacher/Counselor If your parent/guardian is your only teacher and homeschool administrator/counselor, they may submit two letters: one addressing their experience teaching you, and another detailing their role in counseling/assisting you through high school. If you have had other instructors (online courses, group homeschool settings), you are welcome to ask them for letters as well. Letter Content and Format An ideal letter of recommendation is typically 1-1.5 pages and can be formatted with bullet points or as a traditional letter. It should include three sections:

• Academics: Discuss your academic performance and achievements.
• Involvement: Detail your extracurricular activities and engagement.
• Important Points and Anecdotes: Highlight unique aspects of your relationship with the recommender or significant information not covered elsewhere, demonstrating your fit for university study. You may also include a section about your homeschool curriculum and direction if relevant to your higher education journey.

Homeschool Transcript Content Your homeschool transcript should clearly list:

• All coursework taken at home for credit, led by a homeschool administrator or parent/guardian.
• Grades for each course.
• The rigor level of each course (e.g., honors, Advanced Placement).
• The number of credits each class is worth.
• A grading scale.
• A key for clarification of course levels or other notes, if needed.
• (Optional) A list of resources or course descriptions are welcome but not required. Including Other Coursework If you have taken classes through online high schools, dual enrollment programs, or brick-and-mortar high schools, these courses should be reported as follows:
• If the program provides its own transcript, you must request that an official copy be sent directly to Tufts.
• If the program does not provide a transcript, you should include the course details on your homeschool transcript, following the same procedure as for courses taught fully at home. Submitting Official Transcripts Letters of recommendation and transcripts must be sent directly to Tufts by the homeschool administrator to ensure authenticity.
• During Application: Submit a transcript with all final grades through your junior year and a list of senior year courses in progress.
• After Graduation: Once you begin the enrollment process and graduate, your homeschool administrator must send an updated, final transcript with a graduation date and their signature.

Tufts generally accepts self-reported honors and AP-level coursework from homeschool transcripts. Including your official AP exam results with your application is the best way to ensure these courses are counted at the AP level. Tufts trusts students to provide a thorough and accurate depiction of their homeschool coursework.

Tufts employs a holistic review process, ensuring that homeschooled applicants are viewed equally alongside students from traditional high schools. Your homeschool background is understood within its context, and your diverse experiences are valued. Homeschooling, often chosen to facilitate deep dives into passions or create tailored curricula, aligns well with Tufts' values of interdisciplinary study and academic passion.

For further questions or guidance, contact the admissions counselor assigned to your territory. They are your primary resource and advocate throughout the college admissions process.