What is tufts syndrome?

Tufts syndrome, also known as "Tufts phenomenon," is a term used to describe the phenomenon in college admissions where a student is rejected from a school based on the assumption that the student is unlikely to attend, despite having strong qualifications. This is often attributed to a school's desire to protect its yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll) and maintain its selectivity rating.

In other words, Tufts syndrome occurs when a highly qualified applicant is rejected because the school believes that the student is using it as a safety school and is unlikely to enroll if admitted. This can be frustrating for students who genuinely wanted to attend the school and may lead to feelings of disappointment and confusion.

To avoid falling victim to Tufts syndrome, students can demonstrate their interest in a school by visiting the campus, attending events, and reaching out to admissions officers. It is also important to write a compelling and personalized application essay that highlights why the school is a good fit for the student. Ultimately, it is essential for students to communicate their genuine interest in a school to avoid being unfairly rejected due to Tufts syndrome.