Chances at Tulane?

-4.0 unweighted GPA, 5.8 weighted (on a weird scale)
-will have taken 9 APs by the time I graduate
-33 ACT
-Member of theatre department for all four years, been in several shows, competed at theatre competitions and won awards
-Vice President of mentoring organization where high school girls mentor middle school girls on body image, peer pressure, and self confidence
-volunteer life guard at the Y for a summer
-volunteer at Give Kids the World, an organization in Orlando that provides a weeklong home for terminally ill kids and their families to go to Disney world

@sse13000

The trick for you will be to convince Tulane that you are truly interested in attending Tulane, as opposed to “Well, Tulane would be a nice school if I don’t get into Harvard, Standford or Duke”. On the chance Tulane is top of your list, you could apply ED. That of course would erase all doubt. If that isn’t in your plans, it is just up to you to be convincing that it is under serious consideration. Unless it really is “just a safety”, in which case you are probably better off looking elsewhere. They are pretty good at sniffing out applications like that and wait listing them.

I would point out that you appear to be an outstanding candidate for one of the full tuition awards, either the DHS or the Paul Tulane. You can apply for both, just to be clear. But in summary, the key for you vis-a-vis Tulane is what is your true level of interest.

@fallenchemist I definitely do not see Tulane as a safety, I have some other safer schools on my list. I’m not comfortable applying early decision because I won’t be able to visit until after I get accepted (if I get accepted) and also I am dependent on financial aid so early decision would be a risk. I plan one demonstrating my interest, because I am highly interested in Tulane, by meeting with the admissions counslors that are coming to my high school later this month, as well as attend a session they are holding in my city. If there are any other ways you think I could demonstrate interest please let me know! Also, as far as the full scholarships, would I apply to those while I’m applying to the school itself or is that someone that comes later on? Thanks for the help!

*something

@sse13000

Sounds good. Just be clear in your Why Tulane as to what it is about the school that attracts you over a dozen or so similar schools. In other words, avoid the generalities and cliches.

You must apply EA, then, to be eligible for the scholarships. This is non-binding, so no problem. But those applications are due, I believe, December 5. You can check quickly on the Tulane site. They do each have their own application in addition to the application for admission.

@fallenchemist thanks so much for the help!