How to Get Into Tufts University School of Medicine 2025: Requirements & Acceptance Rate

Tufts University School of Medicine, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the nation’s most respected medical schools. Known for its emphasis on innovation, equity, and patient-centered care, Tufts trains physicians to see patients as people, not just conditions. With thousands of applications received each year, gaining admission is highly competitive.

This guide breaks down Tufts’ admission requirements, GPA and MCAT expectations, application process, costs, and why the school remains a top choice for aspiring doctors.

If you are preparing for medical school and want to strengthen your application with guided clinical experience, Go Elective’s pre-med internships abroad provide opportunities to gain clinical hours and global health exposure in Africa.

Tufts Medical School Admission Statistics

• Average GPA: 3.85
• Average MCAT: 515.8
• Number of Applications: 14,248
• Acceptance Rate: 1.46%

Like other top-tier schools, Tufts admits only a small percentage of applicants, making strong academics and meaningful experiences essential.

Coursework Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete the following coursework before applying:

• Biology: One full year of basic or advanced biology
• Chemistry: Two full years, including general and organic chemistry
• Physics: At least one semester of college-level physics
• Advanced Placement (AP): May fulfill general chemistry, but not biology or physics requirements

Competencies Tufts Looks For

Beyond coursework, Tufts emphasizes core competencies that demonstrate readiness for the MD program:

#1. English proficiency 

Ability to write and speak effectively (completion of an English-speaking degree usually suffices)

#2. Math and statistics 

A solid understanding of basic statistics concepts

#3. Biology knowledge 

Familiarity with cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics

#4. Laboratory skills 

Hands-on lab experience, typically equivalent to two years of coursework

GPA and MCAT Expectations

• GPA: Most successful applicants hold a GPA near 3.9 or higher
• MCAT: The average matriculant score is 515.8; applicants should aim for 516+ to remain competitive

Given Tufts’ averages, applicants should dedicate significant time to MCAT preparation and be able to demonstrate academic consistency across science-heavy coursework.

Secondary Application Essays

In addition to GPA and MCAT, Tufts places significant weight on secondary essays, which provide applicants with an opportunity to show personal qualities and commitment. Examples of prompts include:

• Why Tufts is the right fit for you
• Your upcoming plans (work, research, volunteering, or study)
• Experiences shaping your journey to medicine
• Clinical or healthcare experiences that prepared you for a medical career
• Contributions to social justice, health equity, or community service

These essays are capped at 1,000 characters each, so applicants must remain concise while highlighting meaningful experiences.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit letters of recommendation through one of two routes:

1. Three individual letters submitted directly
2. A letter packet provided through a university’s premedical committee

Strong letters should highlight both academic ability and personal qualities. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize quality over quantity, with most successful applicants submitting 3–5 letters.

Acceptance Rate at Tufts Medical School

Tufts’ acceptance rate of just 1.46% makes it one of the more selective medical schools in the U.S. Of more than 14,000 applications, only about 200 students matriculate each year.

This means applicants must go beyond strong academics. Experiences such as international medical internships can provide unique perspectives and competitive talking points during interviews.

Cost of Attendance

The total cost of one year at Tufts Medical School is approximately $104,000 including tuition and fees.

• Need-based scholarships: Typically cover 25% of tuition, though some may cover up to 100%
• External scholarships: Available to supplement costs and may be combined with Tufts-based aid

Why Students Choose Tufts

Tufts stands out for its:

#i. Focus on social determinants of health 

Students complete coursework on equity, professionalism, and ethics in medicine

#ii. Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC) 

A state-of-the-art facility with simulated exam rooms, patient simulators, and interactive training labs

#iii. Commitment to equity 

Training future doctors to challenge systemic inequalities in healthcare

Tufts is especially appealing to students interested in both cutting-edge training and socially responsible medicine.

Final Thoughts

Tufts University School of Medicine is a highly competitive yet rewarding choice for students who aspire to lead in both clinical practice and health equity. Strong academics, thoughtful essays, and diverse clinical exposure are key to standing out.

For pre-med students preparing to apply, Go Elective’s healthcare internships abroad offer valuable clinical shadowing, mentorship, and cultural immersion. Experiences in resource-limited settings can provide you with perspectives that align with Tufts’ mission of producing compassionate, globally-minded physicians.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 9, 2025