tufts medical school virtual tour

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Tufts holds virtual admissions events, plans to add in-person tours

Following the surge of the omicron variant of COVID-19, Tufts is now conducting exclusively virtual campus tours and information sessions with a planned return to in-person programming on Feb. 14. Despite this setback, admissions officials report that recent applicants have been satisfied with the university's virtual offerings.

Tufts began offering virtual tours in June 2020 .  According to Associate Director of Admissions Lauren Wilkes , the admissions office piloted virtual admissions events just as COVID-19 took off in the U.S. back in April 2020. Once the office gained a better understanding of how to adapt to an online-only system, the cohort of virtual summer admissions interns debuted its first set of virtual tours.

Wilkes explained that both in-person and virtual formats offer a meaningful way for prospective students to get a feel for Tufts.

“Our virtual offerings provide greater access to students to connect with Tufts and complement our in-person offerings in an impactful way,” Wilkes wrote in an email to the Daily. " They also enable prospective students to learn about Tufts without enduring the often financially prohibitive costs of a ‘college road trip,’ which expands access to our admissions process to students from further away and to those with limited financial resources.”

In-person events returned in July 2021.  

"Tours were offered throughout Summer 2021 and during Fall 2021 while our virtual programming continued concurrently,” Wilkes wrote. “Restarting the in-person visit program required a lot of planning and preparation, as we knew it would work very differently than our pre-pandemic program.”

Tufts also offered virtual self-guided tours in summer. The self-guided option used virtual materials to guide participants around the physical campus. Sophomore tour guide Olivia Kelly said the self-guided tours received positive feedback from campus visitors.

“We had to direct people to [self-guided tours] a lot over the summer, because we had so many people coming to visit and only a certain capacity for the in-person tours,” Kelly said. “People would come back and just tell us that it was a really great tour, or similar to in-person tours if they'd had the feeling.”

Despite the virtual and self-guided options, t he majority of tours were given in-person by tour guides like junior Kyle Krell, and other student tour guides mainly led in-person events.  

“Last semester we had mostly in-person tours that functioned the same as in-person tours pre-Covid," Krell wrote in an email to the Daily. "We also had virtual tours in conjunction with in-person tours, but as far as I’m aware the majority of tours were in-person and most guides only did in-person tours.”

This new system continued operating through the summer and fall 2021 until the omicron variant emerged in the winter, at which point the university decided to postpone in-person events to protect faculty, students and visitors.

According to Wilkes, Tufts was not alone in this decision.  

“Most universities are continuing to offer both in-person and virtual programming," Wilkes wrote. "Several Boston-area institutions have delayed their start to in-person visit programming this semester as well.”

Neither Krell nor fellow tour guide Kelly have given virtual tours. Both believe that most tour guides have stuck with in-person tours.

Kelly explained that when students returned to campus in fall 2021, tour guides who wanted to remain on the team were given a choice between leading in-person tours, virtual tours, or both. Kelly chose to lead only in-person tours and is looking forward to getting back to work.

“I think, just as a general rule, I and everybody else are very tired of the online format for everything,” Kelly said . “You have the same access to the person who's giving you the virtual or in person tour in terms of questions you could ask, but I just think it's more fun to give it in person.” 

Kelly admitted that due to her preferences, she does not know much about how virtual events operate.

“I know that they happen,” she joked.  

Kelly said that Tufts has received mostly positive feedback on the virtual offerings

“From what I know, we've had really good feedback on the virtual tours, as well as the self guided tours,” she said.

Responses to admission department surveys have also displayed positive feedback on virtual events.

“In our post-event surveys, we see that prospective students and families are thankful to be able to connect with current students to learn more about their Tufts experiences, ask questions, and see snapshots of campus,” Wilkes wrote.

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Plan Your Tufts Visit

Tufts encourages all faculty, staff, students, vendors, affiliates, and visitors to remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Following  CDC vaccination guidance  is the best defense against illness and will help keep everyone on our campuses healthy.

To learn more about Tufts University’s COVID-19 policies, visit the Healthy @ Tufts website.

Select a Date

Visit the medford/somerville campus, visit the fenway campus (smfa at tufts), visit us virtually, visits for school groups and cbos, special accommodations.

View our Campus Visit Calendar to select the date of your visit to our Medford/Somerville campus. Registration is required. Walk-in visitors will be instructed to sign up for a self-guided tour. 

Please note that if a date is marked as "unavailable," campus visits are either not offered on those days, or they are filled to maximum capacity. Events do not have waitlists and walk-in visitors without a scheduled appointment will only be able to do a self-guided audio tour, recorded by current students. You do not need to pre-register for a self-guided tour, you can just come to our Visitor’s Center on the 7th Floor of Dowling Hall.

Visit the Medford/Somerville Campus 

Our Medford/Somerville campus, home to the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering, is located just five miles northwest of Boston and may be easily reached by car or public transportation.

Campus visits consist of a 45-minute information session directly followed by a 70-minute campus tour.

Our campus tours require navigation of hills and stairs, so please contact us ahead of time if anyone in your party has difficulty with mobility. Campus tours will be held outdoors and are not permitted to enter campus buildings. We encourage guests to check the weather and dress appropriately.

Our regular hours of operation are 8:30am – 4:30pm ET, Monday through Friday

Check-in: Visits to the Medford/Somerville campus are hosted in Dowling Hall. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to check-in and register.

Parking: Visitors to the Medford/Somerville campus should park in the Dowling Hall Garage. The entrance is located at 419 Boston Ave. After parking, visitors should ride the elevator to the 7th floor, take a right when exiting the elevator, and check in at the main lobby desk. For further instructions on parking and directions, click here . If visiting outside of our regular hours of operation, you must follow University guidelines for parking. You can access up-to-date parking location and payment information for our campuses here. 

Self-Guided Tour: If you are unable to visit when our office is open, please consider coming to campus for our self-guided audio tour . While on campus, please find a kiosk or purchase a permit at tufts.mpspark.com to avoid a parking citation.

Visit the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts (SMFA)

Our Fenway campus, home to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, is located on the Avenue of the Arts in downtown Boston. 

Registration for a campus visit at SMFA is required . We are unable to accommodate those who arrive on campus and do not have a scheduled appointment on our Fenway campus.  Please stop by the security desk upon arrival for directions to the Admissions office. We recommend arrival no earlier than 15 minutes before your program begins so that an Admissions staff member can be stationed at the front door to greet and check you in for your visit. 

Click here to see the full list of SMFA events , virtual and in-person, that you can register for and will help you get to know SMFA at Tufts.

Visit Us Virtually

We encourage you to browse our virtual visit page to explore virtual resources and utilize our Virtual Visit Calendar to register for a virtual event. We are offering virtual information sessions, virtual guided tours, and opportunities to chat with a current student.

In addition to our virtual experiences, we also have lots of online content available for students and families:

• Tufts Admissions Instagram
• Tufts Admissions YouTube
• Jumbo Magazine
• Jumbo Talk: Blogs by Tufts students
• Inside Admissions: Blogs by Admissions Counselors

Visiting Tufts with a School Group or CBO

We are excited to offer group sessions for high schools, college access organizations, and other organizations that serve high school students. Group sessions are limited to high school-aged students, and groups can submit a visit request  here.

If you work with middle school students and have questions about programming, please email [email protected]

Additional Information

Our campus is affectionately called "the Hill," but the hilly landscape means that the tours require navigation of steep inclines and stairs. If anyone in your party has difficulty with mobility, please include your needs in the registration form . We do have a wheelchair on-site should you need one. We are happy to work with you ahead of your visit to accommodate your needs; we may not be able to best accommodate you if not given proper notification.

You may call 617-627-3170 or e-mail us at [email protected] .

We strive to make your visit to Tufts University enjoyable.

Campus Closings

When our Medford/Somerville or Fenway campuses are closed due to severe weather or other emergencies, our tours and information sessions are canceled. You will find information about campus closings at  www.tufts.edu  or by calling the automated line at 617-627-4636.

MS in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program

Get the boost you need..

Our MBS program is a record enhancer— a special master's that prepares students to succeed in the application process to medical school (MD), osteopathic school (DO), or dental school.

• 80+% admit rate to medical school
• 99+% admit rate to dental school
• 60% interview rate at Tufts University School of Medicine  for the MD program (vs. 10% from general applicant pool)

The final deadline for Fall 2024 is July 15, 2024.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Tufts MBS program helps students strengthen their academic credentials before applying to medical, dental, or other health sciences schools. Students have the option of completing the program in one or two years. Our graduates are accepted to some of the nation’s top medical and dental schools. They are prepared to excel as they pursue a career in medicine.

Experience MD Coursework

As a Tufts MBS student, you’ll build a strong academic foundation through an intensive curriculum that mirrors a portion of the first year of medical school at Tufts. The Tufts MBS curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for the rigors of professional schools. 

Required courses include Microbiology, Cell Biology, Medical Histology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Clinical Medicine, Physiology, Nutrition, Human Anatomy, Medical Genetics, Pharmacology, and Basic Human Pathology.

Collaboration, Not Competition

We intentionally designed the program to be collaborative and noncompetitive. Faculty support your learning and reinforce a noncompetitive attitude, while courses are not graded on a curve and students are not assigned a class rank. 

We want students to support and feel supported by one another. Even our unique, non-competitive linkage program with Tufts University School of Medicine's MD program ensures every qualified student is guaranteed an interview if they decide to apply, preventing unnecessary competition between classmates. 

Personalized Advising and Mentoring

Acceptance into medical or dental school isn’t easy, but the Tufts MBS program is here to support you every step of the way. Faculty are accessible and ready to help you succeed.

Moreover, students are paired with an experienced pre-professional advisor to mentor you through academics, MCAT/DAT preparation, and the professional school application process. They are here to help you achieve your goals.

World-Class Faculty

We work hard to ensure that the Tufts MBS program fully prepares you for your first year in medical or dental school.

For this reason,  courses are taught by award-winning faculty from Tufts University Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

Our faculty are active researchers, physicians, and public health practitioners at the top of their fields. They bring a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise to the program. 

Work with Diverse Communities Beyond the Classroom

Combine your classroom learning with clinical experiences and opportunities to give back to the communities where students work and live:

• TuftsCARES (volunteer initiatives in public service)
• Sharewood Project  (Tufts’ free student-run clinic)
• Tufts Civic Impact  (database and calendar of volunteer opportunities)

Benefits of Boston

Boston is a bustling medical hub. The Tufts Health Sciences Campus is located in downtown Boston and is home to several of Tufts’ health research and teaching institutions. Boston is internationally renowned for medicine and healthcare. The city houses some of world’s top medical centers, health care thought leaders, and life science startups. The MBS program at Tufts exposes you to organizations and individuals that will broaden your perspectives, deepen your learning experience, and bolster your professional networks. There is no better place than Boston to pursue a career in medicine.

Go Further with a Dual Degree

With a dual degree, MBS students the chance to build a wider range of skills — and pursue a more diverse range of career options.

The  MBS/MPH program  prepares students to work in a public health setting in pharmaceuticals and biotech, medical research, and other health organizations.

The combination of basic science with population health principles puts graduates in a unique position in the clinical and public health work.

There is no one mold for what success is. Boston provides innumerable opportunities to volunteer, research, and get clinical exposure in ways that are meaningful to you. Enjoy the path you choose, there will be a chorus of voices cheering you on along the way.

Ramone Brown, MBS22

Connect with us.

To learn more and receive emails about the Tufts MBS program, fill out our form. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] —we are always happy to hear from you!

Admissions Events

Information sessions and webinars provide an overview of the MBS program, degree prerequisites, and the admissions process and requirements. Students can also sign up for one-on-one office hours appointments.

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Applications Open for Summer 2024 Tufts Pre-College Programs! Apply Now

Mini Med School

Webinar Recordings

Missed our March Webinar series? Check out all our program webinar recordings on our YouTube channel linked here .

Program Overview

Think you want to be a doctor? This summer our popular Mini Med School intensive programs are back, with more offerings and richer experiences than ever before. Mini Med School is for driven students who are interested in medical school or in other health professions. Our programs present the opportunity for you to study with one of the nation's leading medical institutions—Tufts University School of Medicine! Your experience with Tufts this summer will prepare you for your prospective future in the medical world.

Mini Med School is taught by medical students and faculty, primarily from Tufts University. While the programs focus on infectious disease and immunology, other topics covered include anatomy, surgery, diversity in medicine, and career guidance.

Note: This page represents our best expectations for the programs we will deliver this summer. We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Applicants for Careers in Medicine and Clinical Experiences must be 16 years of age by the program start date .

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Careers In Medicine

Clinical Experiences

Meet your program staff.

Berri Jacque, Director

Dr. Berri Jacque is an Associate Professor of Medical Education and teaches immunology in a number of professional programs (medical, dental, PA, and MBA) at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). He directs The Center for Science Education at TUSM which aims to bring biomedical learning to high school classrooms, with the goal of broadening participation in science. Using a collaborative approach with high-school educators, his research focuses on understanding approaches that build interest in science and increase health literacy to prepare a diverse, engaged STEM workforce.

Tony Gao, Associate Director

Dr. Tony Gao has a background in biomedical engineering, specializing in cardiovascular biomechanics. Prior to joining the Mini Med School team, he was part of the TUSM Center for Science Education , where his postdoctoral work focused on the development of online graduate courses for high school biology educators. Dr. Gao is interested in the potential of educational gaming and other interactive media as equitable tools to improve engagement with topics such as health literacy and science communication, both within and outside the classroom.

Liz Genné-Bacon, Associate Director

Dr. Liz Genné-Bacon is Associate Director of the TUSM Center for Science Education. Prior to joining Mini Med School, she worked with pd|hub, a multi-institution, NIH-funded effort to enhance professional development for trainees in STEMM. Dr. Genné-Bacon completed her postdoctoral training at the Center for Science Education at Tufts University School of Medicine, where her work focused on neuroscience curriculum development and strategies to help college instructors implement course-based research techniques. Dr. Genné-Bacon is particularly interested in investigating methods for expanding access to educational innovations for more student populations and broadening participation in science. Her biology research background is in molecular neuroscience and genetics. 

Capstone Project Videos

Shepherding a Community Veterinary Clinic

What is your job and what is your favorite part of it? I began my professional career in IT/computer-based technology, but I’ve always been drawn to caring for animals. So, I went back to school for my second career as a CVT (certified veterinary technician) in veterinary medicine in 2001. It was the best change I could have made. After spending over a decade as a CVT, I became a clinic supervisor and technician trainer.

How long have you been at Cummings School and what makes it a special place to work? When the opportunity presented itself to become a CVT/clinic supervisor at Tufts at Tech in 2014, it seemed like my dream job. The students, my co-workers, Cummings School colleagues, and our clients have created an amazing community. Sharing a common goal of teaching D.V.M. students and high school students while supporting our community has created a family-like, mission-driven team. Mutual respect and communication are the keys to our success through a team approach at Tufts at Tech. 

What brings you the most joy? Every day is different, but it is definitely a worthwhile adventure. I love to watch our new graduates (D.V.M. and Worcester Technical High School students) go out into the real world and it feels great knowing we had a part in their success. I also love helping the team improve our clients’ experience. We apply for and receive grants from The Elizabeth A. Lawrence Endowed Fund annually and provide Shaw’s gift cards as well as cab vouchers for our clients. This year we planted vegetables in our outside space and clients can pick their own tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs when they visit us.

The appreciation and gratitude from our clients are my reasons to smile every day. From the cute puppy/kitten visits to the end-of-life patients, they all have a special place in my heart.

Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic provides low-cost care for up to 600 pets of underserved residents in the Worcester area each month. Compassionate services are provided by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine faculty, fourth-year D.V.M. students, and Worcester Technical High School students enrolled in its veterinary assisting program.

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Victor Mukhin

• Scientific Program

Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

However, up to now, the main carriers of catalytic additives have been mineral sorbents: silica gels, alumogels. This is obviously due to the fact that they consist of pure homogeneous components SiO2 and Al2O3, respectively. It is generally known that impurities, especially the ash elements, are catalytic poisons that reduce the effectiveness of the catalyst. Therefore, carbon sorbents with 5-15% by weight of ash elements in their composition are not used in the above mentioned technologies. However, in such an important field as a gas-mask technique, carbon sorbents (active carbons) are carriers of catalytic additives, providing effective protection of a person against any types of potent poisonous substances (PPS). In ESPE “JSC "Neorganika" there has been developed the technology of unique ashless spherical carbon carrier-catalysts by the method of liquid forming of furfural copolymers with subsequent gas-vapor activation, brand PAC. Active carbons PAC have 100% qualitative characteristics of the three main properties of carbon sorbents: strength - 100%, the proportion of sorbing pores in the pore space – 100%, purity - 100% (ash content is close to zero). A particularly outstanding feature of active PAC carbons is their uniquely high mechanical compressive strength of 740 ± 40 MPa, which is 3-7 times larger than that of  such materials as granite, quartzite, electric coal, and is comparable to the value for cast iron - 400-1000 MPa. This allows the PAC to operate under severe conditions in moving and fluidized beds.  Obviously, it is time to actively develop catalysts based on PAC sorbents for oil refining, petrochemicals, gas processing and various technologies of organic synthesis.

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

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