<p>I was wondering if anyone's junior in HS received an invitation to apply for Fall 2015 by July. Is this legit? Is it a good idea?</p>
<p>@lab317 - It’s legit, lots of schools do this. While certainly in many ways universities are not like most businesses, in some ways the same rules apply. Marketing to students that appear to have some potential as being good candidates for your university is one of them. It also keeps awareness of the school up. Even Harvard does this. My D got a letter from several Ivies, including Harvard, when she was applying for undergrad. It wasn’t the slick brochures that most schools send, it was a very simple and dignified letter on Harvard stationary. Now one wouldn’t think Harvard needs to create awareness among top students, and it probably doesn’t. But even they like to insure they are getting as many applications as possible from the “best of the best” among college-bound high school graduates.</p>
<p>Just be aware that all this means is that based on some set of data (PSAT score, attendance at certain competitions, something that is being screened for) your child met the criteria for Tulane to trigger an invite to apply. It isn’t meant to imply in any way that acceptance is guaranteed or even probable. But certainly applying early to Tulane EA or SCEA improves ones chances and also leaves one eligible for full tuition scholarships, should they decide to apply for those also. All applicants are eligible for other merit scholarships, and applying early improves ones chances for those as well. But only those that apply EA or SCEA are allowed to additionally apply for the full tuition scholarships.</p>
<p>Besides, the Tulane app is free and fairly painless. It does ask for a couple of short essays, or at least it always has in the past. If they are still asking for the “optional” essay inquiring why the student wants to go to Tulane, be aware it really isn’t so optional if the student is serious about Tulane. I suggest they research the school online, attend a local info session this fall (or better yet visit the school if at all possible), and use that info to write a thoughtful statement as to why Tulane is a good fit for them and vice-versa, what they bring to Tulane.</p>
<p>Thanks. My D is a senior but a good friend is a junior who received the invite. I wasn’t familiar with Tulane so I thought if ask. Thanks</p>
<p>I received a similar invitation last summer, applied, and was admitted. They’re perfectly legit, typically it just shows that you have the basic requirements to get in based on the limited information that Tulane has. That said, it’s not a 100% promise of admission, but it’s a good sign. </p>