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