<p>I've been interested in Tulane for a while now and plan to apply to the university's School of Architecture for early action. I was just wondering if someone could help me out and let me know where I am in my chances of getting into Tulane.</p>
<p>GPA: 2.9 unweighted/3.3 weighted
ACT: 28
ECs: SGA Class Representative 10-12
Green Club: 10-12
Fashion Club: 11-12
I am also currently in a Senior-Freshman mentoring program in which a few seniors are partnered with a freshman buddy and we tutor them, eat lunch with them, and basically act as a guide for them while they are transitioning into high school. I volunteered at the Nashville Humane Association throughout junior year, and I recently got a job at Laser Quest over the summer, and I plan to work there until I go off to college next year. </p>
<p>I am African American, and a first generation college student. I attend a top magnet school that is ranked 113rd in the nation and 2nd in the state. I will be graduating with 12 honors and 7 AP classes. I know that my GPA is pretty low, but my grades have improved greatly since sophomore year.</p>
<p>If I left something out please let me know and I'll be happy to tell you. Please be honest!</p>
<p>Since tone is difficult on the internet, please understand I mean the following constructively, not derisively.</p>
<p>Will anything said on here change what you do? For example, if I tell you I think your chances are 50-50, will that change your decision to apply as compared to if I said I thought your chances were 75-25, or 20-80? You clearly know enough about the process to understand your strong points and weak points. Just do as strong a job as you can on the Why Tulane statement and the personal statement, and attend some local Tulane event and/or visit the campus if possible. If you do visit the campus, try and talk to Andrew Farrier, who handles admission questions for architecture and music/art students.</p>
<p>You will either get in or you won’t, the admissions department will decide that, not anyone on here. What people here can do is give you thoughts about how to strengthen your application, as I did above. Also, be sure you apply to several schools where you are almost certain to be accepted, such as UT Knoxville. I haven’t kept up with it, but I am under the impression they have a very strong architecture program. It would seem to me your admission chances there are very good.</p>
<p>Right, I see where you are coming from. Tulane has been at the top of my list of schools but I’ve always kept in mind that my gpa isn’t the best and because of this I know my chances are pretty low. I just needed other opinions from people that actually know the admissions process well.</p>
<p>Yes, I’m definitely applying to UTK for architecture. I visited the school over the summer and liked it. But I’m looking into other schools as well besides UTK, with nice architecture programs that I might have a chance of getting into and I’m having trouble finding those schools. Besides UTK and Tulane I’m looking into Northeastern and Ohio State. Any other school suggestions?</p>
<p>I certainly understand the anxiety factor you are experiencing now. It will all work out.</p>
<p>I am no expert on UTK admissions, but I would have to think you have an excellent shot there. Is admission to their architecture school a separate issue, or is it like Tulane where if you get into the university you can choose whatever major you want?</p>
<p>Your list seems pretty solid to me. Are you looking strictly for M.Arch. programs or are you considering B.Arch. programs as well? Depending on that answer, I can recommend a few others. I know there are other people on here whose children are looking at architecture, so maybe they can mention what other programs have drawn their attention.</p>
<p>Well I certainly hope things work out with you for Tulane, but I will add Iowa State to your list. My D was thinking about architecture as well and she actually said she would have chosen Iowa State instead of Tulane if she had decided on architecture. They also have some nice automatic scholarships for out of state students with good stats.</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman in the arch program and I’m happy to answer any questions. From our research during the application process I would recommend you look at Penn state, Temple and Roger Williams _ all good b arch programs for students with slightly lower stats. Tulane will judge you first for acceptance and then follow with an answer regarding the arch program. Make sure you have a strong portfolio and make a point to visit the Arch dept wherever you visit. We actually learned more from schools she didn’t even end up applying to.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the helpful replies! I’m still going to apply to Tulane, it doesn’t hurt to try, especially with the waived application fee. </p>
<p>fallenchemist: I believe for UTK you apply to both the university itself and the College of Architecture and Design. I am considering both M.Arch and B.Arch programs, but the 5 year M.Arch program is of course one of the reasons why Tulane is so high on my list. </p>
<p>cyclonehome: I haven’t looked into Iowa State, but I will definitely do some research and consider it! Thanks!</p>
<p>2asmom: Thanks for the suggestions, I have been looking into Penn State and might end up applying there too. I’m currently working on my portfolio, just bought supplies a few days ago and I’ve already finished a few pieces. I hope it turns out well.</p>
<p>bbeasley - As you can see, this web site is very good for the kind of info you want, and numerous people have said the Tulane forum is one of the best! We all like it here, anyway.</p>
<p>So focusing on M.Arch programs (which I think is a very smart move on your part) you have already a lot to choose from. Here is a site [NAAB:</a> ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMS](<a href=“http://www.naab.org/architecture_programs/]NAAB:”>http://www.naab.org/architecture_programs/) where if you look at the second link down on the page, you can download a pdf that very clearly lists programs by state and if they offer B.Arch only or M.Arch. Tulane is M.Arch only, doesn’t even offer a B.Arch.</p>
<p>The only other program I can speak to somewhat is University of Kansas, and that is only because a cousin-in-law graduated from there and has been a successful architect for 30+ years in the Kansas City area, although he does work nationally. I think with all these choices it will come down to where you get accepted (duh), affordability if that is an issue, and then just which schools and locations feel right to you. Obviously UTK is really different than Tulane in size, campus atmosphere, and urban vs. less urban. Knoxville isn’t exactly rural, I suppose, but it isn’t really a major city either. And of course NOLA is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is the amazing architecture in the city.</p>
<p>One other school that caught my eye, depending on what you are looking for, is the Chicago campus of U. of Illinois. I know zero about the quality of the program, but Chicago seems to me like it would be a great place to study architecture. Again, just depends on what you are looking for.</p>
<p>Best of luck with your search, and come on back if you have more questions.</p>
<p>That is a bit in transition. Last year was the first time Tulane required a portfolio. A couple weeks ago I contacted Andrew Farrier, who is allied with admissions when it comes to architecture and the arts. He told me that this year they are still asking for a portfolio, but it won’t play a role in screening out applicants. They are using it more to have an assessment as to how strong the skills of the incoming class are, so they can make adjustments accordingly.</p>
<p>I just found out that I am a National Achievement Outstanding Participant, not sure if that will help my chances but I figured that was something interesting to add.</p>