BEST Student Information

Transitioning from high school to college can be tough, but the people and resources within the Center for STEM Diversity (CSD) can help.

As a first-year BEST scholar, you are expected to:

• Attend at least two hours of tutoring a week (fall and spring semesters)
• Meet one-on-one with a time management consultant (fall semester, optional spring semester)
• Meet regularly with your BEST peer mentor (spring semester)
• Meet with the BEST program manager throughout the year on a predefined schedule
• Attend at least one Career Center event per semester

It is also strongly encouraged that you participate in the following activities:

• Join one engineering society
• Attend BEST Sunday dinners
• Attend BEST social activities and outings and stay engaged in the BEST program

Goals:

• Start off strong and make Dean's List
• Learn to appropriately manage your time
• Study effectively and efficiently
• Become an active member of the Tufts community
• Ask for help early with mental/physical health
• Don't overcommit yourself with outside activities
• Become aware of your options for next summer
• Figure out if studying abroad is an option for you

Take a look at these additional resources that can help your transition as a first-year student at Tufts.

There is a lot to look forward to in your second year at Tufts. Sophomore year is all about asking the right questions and finding a good work/life balance.

As a sophomore BEST scholar, you are expected to:

• Attend career fairs, networking events, and industry nights hosted by the Career Center
• Get your resume critiqued by the Career Center
• Meet with the BEST program manager throughout the year on a predefined schedule

It is also strongly encouraged that you participate in the following activities:

• Be an active member in one engineering society
• Attend BEST Sunday dinners
• Attend BEST social activities and outings and stay engaged in the BEST program

Goals:

• Continue to improve time management skills
• Study more efficiently and effectively
• Ask for help early with mental health, physical health, or academics
• Focus on intentional participation in two or three clubs/societies at Tufts
• Figure out if studying abroad is an option for you, and if it is, apply!
• Research the pros and cons of graduate school or going into industry
• Obtain summer research or internship opportunity

Junior year is a time to reenergize and reengage with life on the Hill.

As a junior BEST scholar, you are expected to:

• Attend career fairs, networking events, and industry nights hosted by the Career Center
• Participate in a mock interview with the Career Center
• Attend the NE:LSAMP GEM GRAD Lab (if applicable)
• Meet with the BEST program manager throughout the year on a predefined schedule

It is also strongly encouraged that you participate in the following activities:

• Be an active member in at least engineering society
• Attend BEST Sunday dinners
• Attend BEST social activities and outings and stay engaged in the BEST program

Goals:

• Obtain summer research or internship opportunity
• Research the pros and cons of graduate school and industry
• Do well in your major classes
• Become comfortable with the ins and outs of interviewing

As a senior BEST scholar, you should be considering the following questions:

If you want to get a job in industry:

1. Do I want to look for a job while I'm still in school, or wait until I graduate to apply?
2. Do I have the appropriate attire to wear for an interview?
3. Am I prepared for an interview?
4. How do my resume and cover letter look?
5. Who will serve as a reference for me?

If you want to go to graduate school:

1. What graduate schools should I apply to, and when should I apply?
2. Do I plan to apply for fellowships, or just take out student loans? When are the fellowship deadlines?
3. When do I need to take the GRE test and how much does it cost?
4. How do my curriculum vitae and personal statement look?
5. Who will write my recommendation letters?

As a senior BEST scholar, you are expected to:

• Attend career fairs, networking events, and industry nights hosted by the Career Center
• Participate in a mock interview with the Career Center
• Attend the NE:LSAMP GEM GRAD Lab (if applicable)
• Meet with the BEST program manager throughout the year on a predefined schedule

Goals:

• Obtain a job or acceptance into graduate school
• Do well in your major classes
• Become comfortable with the ins and outs of interviewing
• Practice writing an effective personal statement
• Create and follow an individual development plan
• Leave a lasting legacy behind for younger BESTies