Apply- No Fee - Fast Decision

<p>Okay...I have gotten these before but did not expect one from Tulane. I am wondering if this means that they are anticipating a lower than usual applicant base or if they are just reaching out early on to get on students' radar.
Is it worth the effort? Any real interest because they send this...or are they a dime a dozen?</p>

<p>Also, I am hoping for a school that is fairly economically diverse or at the very least does not have an elitist feel. Could someone tell me what the 'vibe' is like at Tulane? Diverse and welcoming? Socially divided by frats? Very 'old money'? Service based? ANY description would be helpful. Thanks!</p>

<p>HSG</p>

<p>Okla…thank you and I did, based on your suggestion, figure out the search feature and entered words such as ‘application’ and ‘diversity’. In sum, what I would assume now is:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The free app means nothing since it is free for anyone to apply to Tulane</p></li>
<li><p>Some feel that Tulane lacks diversity and is a fairly wealthy school with bright kids who like to party. But, many feel that the school is MUCH more welcoming and Non-snooty than (just one example used) Vanderbilt. They also spoke a lot of religious diversity (large number or Jewish and Catholic students) and a small but active number of African Americans. Finally, the community service requirement seems to equate to a school of students who value service.
Sound about right?
HSG</p></li>
</ol>

<p>hsgrad - You have several questions, a couple are straightforward and a couple are impossible to answer with exactness.</p>

<p>

Tulane has been doing this for quite some time now, as do a lot of schools, including many that are similar in nature to Tulane. Tulane has no problems getting enough applicants, in fact the issue is that they have been having some larger than expected incoming classes the last 3-4 years. To some extent, universities are like other businesses and try to target a certain demographic. You most likely fall into that category. But you are right, of course, that the app is free for everyone.</p>

<p>

Maybe and maybe. The first maybe depends entirely on whether Tulane is a school you think you possibly want to attend. If so, then of course it is worth the effort. The second maybe I kind of answered already. You match some criteria that triggered you getting direct mail. Might be your test scores, might be something else. But having said that, they are not sending you a signal that you are “in”, or even that much more likely to get in. It’s a communication so you can learn more about the school, and they can hopefully learn more about you. Think of it this way. Absent this piece of literature, you might not have considered Tulane. That was certainly true of many students that are now very happy at Tulane.</p>

<p>

The service one is very easy. Tulane was the first major research university to have service learning as a requirement for graduating. 2 semesters at least, but many students do far more. In fact, they just announced that for President Cowen’s retirement gift, the Tulane community is pledging 750,000 hours of service over the next year. It is important to understand that Tulane came back from the utter devastation of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. While Tulane was hit, it was far less than what a lot of the city suffered. So as part of the recovery, Tulane is very involved in nearly all aspects of the city and has been a huge driver in New Orleans’ comeback. In fact, Tulane is NOLA’s largest private employer.</p>

<p>As far as the “vibe”, Tulane is a community of about 6,000 undergrads, probably a similar number of grad and professional school students, and of course faculty and staff. It is like a medium sized town within the city. And like a town that size, you get a lot of different types of people, and the experience you will have can be largely what you make it. But in general, it is safe to say that Tulane students are constantly reviewed by visiting students and their families as the friendliest and most helpful of all the schools they visit.</p>

<p>As far as frats, it is not a situation where the Greeks and non-Greeks don’t socialize. At all. Greek activity is not the defining feature of Tulane social life. I also wouldn’t describe Tulane as old money, although certainly there is some of it, and some new money as well. One of Steve Jobs daughters is a freshman at Tulane this year, Joe Montana’s son is the QB of the football team, and there are several other children from prominent families. But overall I would describe the typical Tulane family as middle to upper-middle class, and Tulane has increased their programs for the economically more challenged students. POSSE is one program that falls into this category.</p>

<p>Hope that helps.</p>