<p>I'm applying to the architecture program EA. I have a 3.9 GPA and 1860SAT, 28ACT - lots of community service and a paid internship at an art museum. Tulane is my first choice. Please chance me</p>
<p>I will repeat what I said yesterday to the other student, because honestly chancing posts are not very useful most of the time. Admissions departments are looking at much more than stats, and things change, even from year to year. And clearly you can compare your stats to Tulane’s averages as easily as we can. So the question students should ask is not “what are my chances” but “how do I optimize my chances”.</p>
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<p>Nice GPA! Is it weighted or unweighted? That will make a difference. I agree with 100% of what Fallenchemist said, and would only add that, if Tulane is really your top choice, apply Single Choice Early Action (deadline November 15). The reality is that, unlike in the years immediately following Katrina, when Tulane’s emphasis was on maximizing apps and maximizing stats, at the moment “demonstrated interest” is paramount to the Admissions Committee. This is because Tulane has greater challenges than its peer institutions in retaining its Freshmen because of average distance from home and cost (both near the highest in the U.S.) and, frankly, they want to admit people who are likely to graduate in 4 years. This is not just a morale issue: the “loathed but not ignored” rankings industry has begun to shift its emphasis from “inputs” (i.e., selectivity), where Tulane has been very strong over the years, to “outputs” (i.e., freshmen retention, 6 year graduation) where Tulane has lagged its peers by a few percentage points in recent years. The impact on applicants is that they need to articulate their interest in Tulane with both precision and enthusiasm. This is why you will find surprising results, where uber qualified students will be admitted to higher ranked colleges and rejected from Tulane. To be sure, you still need to meet minimum statistical requirements (not a firm number, though), but a 2050/3.5 showing great understanding of and interst in Tulane’s offerings will likely beat out a 2150/3.7 who clearly is applying to Tulane “just in case.”</p>
<p>Best of luck with your app!</p>
<p>Very well said, NJDad. Thanks for catching my omission that applying EA or even better SCEA is extremely helpful.</p>
<p>An additional point. My son applied EA last fall. A classmate with a 33 ACT (one point higher than my son) and a better GPA also applied. My son was accepted, and his friend was rejected! My son expressed great interest in Tulane, such as visiting campus and going to a local (Chicago) admissions information session. My son did the “optional” admissions essay as well. Thus, I know from personal knowledge that the advice you are getting here is correct!</p>
<p>Thank you. I am speaking for my daughter who will be applying EA. she is not applying single choice due to needing scholarship money and other school are more likely to give her some If she applies to themEA as well. She has shown immense interest and has visited several times and communicated with admissions and architecture. Keeping our fingers crossed</p>
<p>EA is fine, a lot of students are in her situation. The level of communication sounds fantastic, and no doubt led to a strong Why Tulane statement. Sounds like she has done all she can, and can only wait for a reply. Nerve wracking for both child and parent!</p>