Had a question about ED and merit scholarships- specifically about Tulane but this might apply to other schools as well. I see from other threads here that Tulane is pretty generous with merit scholarships, and I think my daughter (who would probably like Tulane) would have a good chance at Honors and getting some merit $ based on SAT scores, grades, etc. But I also gather that Tulane is pretty hard to get into if you don’t apply ED. My question is, if one applies ED, since the school knows you are committed to coming, will you still get placed into Honors and get a merit scholarship? Or will they tend to save those perks for the kids they need to woo?
Tulane definitely gives less merit in ED, they are open about that. I don’t know about honors placement. Tulane is also shifting merit aid dollars to need based aid, so average merit is decreasing.
ETA: Here’s the source where they say ED merit $ pool is relatively smaller.
https://admissionblog.tulane.edu/2021/12/20/ive-been-deferred-now-what/
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that sucks. kind of puts you in a bind- do you do ED because it’s so hard to get in RD, or try for RD so you can get that $, but risk getting deferred?
Can’t disagree with your take. If Tulane’s not affordable per the NPC or you want to compare offers and/or it’s not a clear first choice, then you can’t apply ED. Make sure to apply EA, which has a higher rate of acceptance (this year 10%) than RD (low single digit acceptance rate).
As long as you have a balanced list (2-3 reaches, a handful of matches, and at least one (ideally 2) affordable safeties), things will work out.
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My son was admitted ED last fall. His admissions letter included his merit award - precisely the amount indicated by their EFC calculator. I was pleasantly surprised, since he was committing without that merit money being a sure thing.
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interesting. that’s hopeful.
Don’t fall in love with any schools.
If you go ED and can’t afford it you just created many years of stress. I know someone who just got in EA but no merit. So there is no guarantee and now that becomes a ‘we love it, but" situation. It’s a lot of coin.
She’ll find other schools she likes.
As for others you may look it that Merit is likely not an issue….Charleston, Denver SMU, and American….easier ins. Miami, slightly easier admit. often gives $25k merit. U may look at Richmond too.
Case Western…similar stories to Tulane tho. And there’s many more schools, etc.
Many schools today are trying to force the consumer’s hand…top schools…Penn just announced more than half their class this year will come from ED.
Don’t fall in love. If you need cheaper, you will find much cheaper….like 65_75% less.
I’m sure Tulane is a fine school…but it’s not the be all and end all and while we all have different values and only yours matter, putting oneself into a financial bind is never good.
These are businesses and the consumer is allowing these schools to take advantage. Unless you’re ok at full pop, don’t fall for the marketing.
If you are and able to fully fund or are satisfied with the need estimate and you are 100% sold on it being the right school, then go ahead.
If you have any trepidation, it’s not worth it.
Btw my sons valedictorian was rejected at Tulane (EA) but got into Vandy with merit. So Tulane is not an easy get for anyone.
Just remember there are many colleges that all these kids could do well at and not just the ones they fixate on. If you need to compare offers or don’t want to pay full, then rolling the dice on ED is like playing roulette. The house usually wins!!
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If you are merit hunting, Tulane may not on your best bets list any longer. They are moving away from merit to need based aid and the awards have been steadily shrinking the last several cycles. On top of that, the cost of attendance is over $80K and climbing. So even merit of $20K per year leave you with $60K + to cover. People tend to get enamored with the amount of merit offered but it’s really the COA bottom line that matters.
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If someone is strong enough to receive Honors and Merit Aid I’d think they are competitive in the RD round, even if nothing is certain.
Where did you read that?
Penn accepted 1,218 students in the ED round, which is 51% of the projected class size. Many ED schools fill around 50% of the class in the ED round(s).
The University of Pennsylvania received 7,795 applications under the first-choice Early Decision Program for the entering Class of 2026. From this group of highly talented and compelling students from around the globe, 1218 students were offered admission, approximately 51% of the expected enrolling class in the fall of 2022.
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Keep in mind Tulane juices up applicant #s significantly by charging $0 app fee and relentless marketing to just about anyone who opts in for mailings with college board.
So yes, it is a competitive school, but I have been told there are a lot of lower GPA/score students who apply anyway in the regular decision round (and are rejected) due to it being on Common App and free. Once you have done all the work to apply to other common app schools, why not give it a shot with zero application cost?
My hunch is your honors and merit qualified student will be just fine…
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Yes - you never know how it will work out. My son did ED Vandy and did not get in, but really wanted to go to Tulane. His dad pushed for the Vandy ED. He got denied ED Vandy, but got into Tulane with some merit and into the honors college. I think the key with Tulane is they only want kids who really, really want to be there and my son made it clear in his application that he did - it takes time to show the interest the school requires. His approach beat ours - he will most likely be going to Tulane in the fall.
I don’t disagree with your point, but Penn’s numbers are consistent with prior years. The change being number of applications received.
| Year | ED Apps | ED Accepted | Rate | Total Apps | Total Accepted | Rate | Enrolled | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 5,762 | 1,336 | .23 | 38918 | 3674 | .094 | 2491 | .68 |
| 2017-2018 | 6,147 | 1,354 | .22 | 40413 | 3757 | .093 | 2456 | .65 |
| 2018-2019 | 7,073 | 1,312 | .19 | 44491 | 3740 | .084 | 2518 | .67 |
| 2019-2020 | 7,109 | 1,280 | .18 | 44961 | 3446 | .077 | 2400 | .70 |
| 2020-2021 | 6,450 | 1,256 | .19 | 42205 | 3789 | .090 | 2321 | .61 |
| 2021-2022 | 7,795 | 1,218 | .16 |
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My daughter applied ED and got honors and merit… though considerably less merit than she would have gotten if she’d gone EA. Still, we we pleasantly surprised
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