<p>My daughter frequently posts on here and, up until now, I have been content just to read (lurk) :). I just returned from a wonderful weekend visiting her at Tulane to celebrate Easter with her and feel compelled to write. As the end of her first year is nearing the end, I would like to give my thoughts on her Tulane experience from my point of view. </p>
<p>It truly has been a wonderful experience, both academically and socially. While visiting, I took her and about 10 of her friends out to dinner and was impressed by their ambition both in and out of the classroom. They not only have extremely heavy course loads (all are double majoring and some triple majoring) but are involved in an array of activities and are all involved in different sororities. They really do "work hard and play hard" and are balancing it quite well. </p>
<p>When she decided that Tulane was where she wanted to be, I must admit I was worried. I didn't want her to go that far away from home (we're from NJ) and concerned that her academics would suffer living in New Orleans, known for its party atmosphere. However, in speaking to her other friends at home about their college experiences (in much more quiet areas), I find that because of the location, her partying is quite different and, in my opinion, healthier than most others. Because there is so much to do in New Orleans, the social scene is not just about drinking, but so much more. In her short time there, she has grown in every way possible. </p>
<p>If I could give just one word to describe Tulane, it would be caring. From the professors to administration everyone has been so great. All the professors Gabby has reached out to for one reason or another have always been accommodating and helpful. For example, she was thinking of switching one of her intended majors, but was concerned about being able to still study abroad. She sent an email to the head of the department and met with her a few days later and went over everything she needed to do to enable her to go. </p>
<p>I can go on and on about all the great things about Tulane, but I fear it will bore you. Instead I will just say that both mother and daughter are very happy with Tulane and she continually says that her decision to attend is the best decision she has ever made.</p>
<p>Thanks Gabby’s Mom! I have had a couple of exchanges with Gabby and I think she has been a very helpful contributor to this forum. I have really appreciated her comments and insight. I am glad you are both so happy with the experience. I am hoping for the same for my son!</p>
<p>gabby1116mom, glad to read your report. I felt the same in many aspects.
Three years ago, like most of the parents who visit this website, I was concerned about my son going to Tulane for college. I am so glad today that he made such decision. He is doing well in so many ways, and the education he has received at Tulane will prepare him well for his career (which he is still exploring but with so many possibilities). Most importantly, he grows to be more self-confident but well balanced, and I think had he gone to a highly competitive school, it might not end up this way.</p>
<p>Gabby1116: Thanks for the post. My son will be a freshman at Tulane in the Fall and my wife and I had similar concerns, as he had choices on the east coast and we are from NY. Your first post is very appreciated! Thank you.</p>
<p>Gabby116mom: I’m so happy to read your post! My daughter will be starting in the fall and I have been a bit concerned about the partying reputation (fair or unfair, I don’t know). So many of the other schools we visited all over the country felt like factories to me but Tulane had such a different feeling - as you say, caring and particularly focused on undergraduate education. I myself went to a very large and highly regarded factory in California (no names mentioned!) and I really hoped for something different for my children - I think she’s found it in Tulane. I also had a sense from our recent visit that the advising is good - can you give me some insight there? </p>
<p>Thank you so much again.</p>
<p>MominMaryland - Congratulations! I hope your daughter has a wonderful four years at Tulane!</p>
<p>We also visited many schools and decided to visit Tulane on a whim. A collegue of mine had visited with his daughter and was impressed. We had never been to New Orleans and thought, worst case, we’d have a good time in New Orleans. She fell in love with the school and the city pretty quickly. Tulane is a very unique school in a very unique city.</p>
<p>She has found the advising to be good. She has never had a problem setting up an appointment with her and her emails have always been answered promptly. She recently delcared her majors so she now has the benefit of having a few different advisors to consult with.</p>