I just off the waitlist at WashU. It had been my first choice, but I deposited at Tulane, and now I am very torn about where to go. I am scared that Tulane will attract some ditzy, party-focused types who got good grades but aren’t truly smart. I love intellectual conversations and being around academic people who work really really hard, but I have had enough of the high school culture of stress and competition. Yet I love Tulane so much and I just didn’t really feel that spark with WashU. I haven’t visited in over a year and got in once students had already gone home for the summer, so I am not sure if it is just because I recently visited and fell in love with Tulane. WashU just feels a bit blah, mainly due to social life and the city. But maybe more just the general vibes from those I talk to. I know it is amazing and they all love it, but it doesn’t seem that they do to the same degree that Tulane kids love their school.
Pros and cons? I have $20k/year at Tulane. Not the honors program, but I am sure I can maintain a 3.6 and get in next year! WashU I only got work study, so affording it will be a challenge, but doable.
Exactly how much does the WashU name carry benefits in getting jobs vs Tulane?
I guess the essence of what I am asking is, in terms of work hard play hard- Does Tulane play too hard and work too little? Does WashU work too hard and play too little? Does either strike a perfect balance?
The WashU name? Honestly, most people will think you have gone to George Washington University or University of Washington. For getting a job outside the immediate area it’s at least a wash, maybe even advantage Tulane.
You feel a spark with Tulane. You’re getting a boatload of cash from them. Go with it.
For that money, I would stick with Tulane. Truthfully, there is not a great difference in academics between the two. Some disciplines may slightly favor Wash U., others will favor Tulane (the one I can name off the top of my head would be public health, where Tulane excels).
Thank you!
Very simply stated
And I definitely agree!
Also my major is international Relations, maybe along with Marketing and Spanish, if that changes anything!
It doesn’t change the money. I laughed when I typed that, but it is true.
Very true!!!
I cannot speak to the difference in cost between the two schools because that always depends upon personal circumstances. But I wanted to provide a little balance to this thread. My older son graduates from Wash U in a few days and I know that it is really a fabulous school with a great amount of attention given by the professors to the students. The campus is absolutely amazing. There really is a lot to do in St. Louis and there is a park next to the campus that is bigger than central park in NYC with several free museums and lots of activities. I realize that New Orleans is a great location however and that could be a big draw. My younger son really liked Tulane, but gave up a large scholarship, and an offer from Wash U, to go to Michigan because he wanted that type of experience (and his first year at Michigan was great). So it is always a personal choice. It is true as one poster said that lay people may be confused by the Washington University name, but people who need to know, like employers and graduate schools, DO know. Bottom line is that Tulane may very well be the best fit for you and I want only the best for you. But I didn’t want to only see negative Wash U comments on this thread.
Went to WashU but grew up in Nola & knew a crap ton of people that went to Tulane. For your intended major, I’ll say Tulane all the way based on your feelings of “spark” and that you’re concerned about the cost at WashU.
To address one thing:
I wouldn’t be concerned about that at all. I know people on both spectrums at Tulane- the nerdy nerd & the party guy/girl. That party-attitude can be found in a lot of Tulane greek life (for example), but they’re still smart as hell. I know several (very stereotypical) sorority girls now in med school, doing fantastically.
Thank you all very much!! As much as I love WashU, am sure I would be happy there, and am soooo honored to have been accepted, Tulane it is I think!!
After thinking about it the past few days, I find very few negatives to going there
Woohooo!!!
What’s your intended major?
I realize that Wash U is a very highly esteemed school. But honestly, I never heard of Wash U until DS was a HS junior, and then I had to explain to spouse in DS’s senior year that Wash U was not GWU.
You will find your people at Tulane. No worries.
Thanks!
And I am planning to do International Relations, and maybe also Marketing and/or Spanish!