So I was just sent the application today for Tulane and am eager to get started (it’s my first choice), but my school recommends using the common app for all schools, even if a school like Tulane has its own. Previous applicants/current students, what did you do and pros/cons of either? Thanks!
Makes no difference, really.
I actually came with the same question, haha. @fallenchemist do you know if you have to write an essay for the Tulane App? I know for the common app you probably have to submit your common app essay to Tulane, but it seems like there is no spot for an essay like the common app on the Tulane App. The Tulane App has a personal statement, but not like a formal essay.
I have not seen this year’s Tulane application, but usually they have 2 short statements (I hesitate to call them essays), one of which has been “Why Tulane”, which they say is optional but it really isn’t. Is that on the Tulane App this year? If yes, is there another statement requested and what is it?
@fallenchemist You can view the application without making an account. The second statement is a personal statement allowing Tulane to know who we are beyond our grades. If you scroll to the bottom of this link, it will show both of the statements! https://www.tulaneinfo.org/freshman/education.htm It seems peculiar to me that they would not have an essay on this app, while on commonapp there is a required one.
The Common App wont give you the option of completing the Why Tulane? question, correct? I’d go with the Tulane app just for that reason, they do seem to place some weight on that. I can’t say how much, but why take the chance?
Thanks. It used to be you had to create an account before you could see all that, IIRC. But it looks like the Tulane application has remained the same as far as I can tell. Let me see if I can find out tomorrow what is going on with the common app and the essay you are talking about. Unless you happen to be checking this out, @TulaneJeff and can shed some light on this.
TulaneJeff is one of the senior admissions officers, in case you hadn’t guessed that.
@dolphnlvr6 I think that the common app will give a place for the Why Tulane? essay, because the common app gives a space for the colleges supplement essays.
@fallenchemist I think I will email my regional counselor to see what she says. I will keep you updated. Tulane is in top 4 so this information is imperative to me, haha.
Please do. We can compare notes.
@fallenchemist I called Tulane’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions today. They gave me this answer, paraphrased of course, because I do not remember word for word.
Most, if not all, common app essay prompts fit well in the Tulane Personal Statement, so if you would like to use your Common App essay as your personal statement that is totally fine! The Common App will have the “Why Tulane?” essay, under the supplement section. So it seems like there are no problems for me! Talked to an extremely nice guy from admissions!
Thanks very much for that, neuprospect98. I also was active, I wrote to the Director of Undergraduate Admission/Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. Here was her response.
So we seem to have received the same answer (always a good thing!) and that last line directly addresses nolagirl55’s question as well.
As this is likely to be an often asked question as students start getting into application mode, I will pin this to the top of the thread for now.
As you all continue along in the process, post your questions in some more threads. Because remember: If you are asking the question, many others are as well.