Personal App

Colleges & Universities A-Z Tulane University
1

<p>Anyone else here get a personal app email from tulane? They sent one to me and I read the previous thread and thought we might as well start one for 2006. I for one am excited to know that I will have a decision 4 weeks after I submit it (they already have both my ACT and SAT scores). This will be great - I'll have decisions from Tulane Engi and Purdue Engi before October even starts (depending on how long teacher recs back me up). w00t. </p>

<p>BTW, terms of personal app:</p>

<p>No Essay Required</p>

<p>EC's and Job/Internship were optional for some reason (odd, not sure if that is on the normal app also)</p>

<p>Fee Waived</p>

<p>Decision within 4 weeks of required material reciept</p>

2

<p>I did that personal app also. It's great knowing early. Just do the scholarship project they send. Chance for a full ride is nice.</p>

3

<p>My daughter received it, too. Doesn't look like it will take long to fill out.</p>

4

<p>It was the easy personal app (and finally noticing that they offer CogSci!) that convinced my son to apply to Tulane, and now he's going there with a DSA. But DO take the time to do the DHS project. For us, the timing was too late. For you, it's not, and that biggest scholarship would be even nicer!</p>

5

<p>Agree that it's a good idea to go for the DHS project. Note that - unless it's changed since last year - it is FULL TUITION, not a "full ride" (ie, you still have room and board). But still a wonderful opportunity. The DSA, which ctymomteacher's and my S's have for Class of 2009 was $22K/year. There is another,the Founders, which is a little less, and several others for specific groups (La. residents, urban....) as well as, of course, need-based.</p>

<p>Good luck, 2010 kids.</p>

6

<p>Yes, and the DSA doesn't preclude need-based add-ons, as we found out to our joy! So whatever your situation, if Tulane suits you, go for it! We've also found the people who work there to be amazingly responsive and helpful already. It's just nothing like the uni I attended a hundred years ago. I'm so happy that my son will be going there! (while being so sad for my husband and myself!)</p>

7

<p>Can someone clarify the Personal Statement vs. the Required Essay for the DSA? </p>

<p>At the top of one of the pages it says something like, "Essay Required if Applying for the DSA." Then, below that, there a box for a personal statement. Should the personal statement be a short statement about why she wants to attend Tulane, followed up by a full essay for the DSA Application? </p>

<p>Hopelessly confused in New Jersey!</p>

8

<p>The DSA (Distinguished Scholars Award) is a merit scholarship which is offered without any special application. It comes on the basis of the review of the regular application/essay, etc.</p>

<p>The DHS (Deans Honor Scholarship) requires the special application and , if I recall correctly, an additional teacher recommendation. The key element of the DHS application is the "special project." Unless it's changed from previous years, the application form provides a small empty square box - about 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" for student's to use in whatever way they see fit. </p>

<p>I had asked on this forum in previous years if any students wanted to share how they had used the "box", but did not get many replies. I believe you will find some direction on the Tulane website and in its application form's directions. However, I am fairly certain that this space is NOT for a "why I want to attend Tulane" statement. I believe that people have done very creative things - I heard of one musical student who choreographed a Tulane-related performance. Obviously this wouldn't fit "inside the box" - so s/he would have put a short (clever?) statement in the box referring the reader to a DVD/tape, etc.
You will see that the directions for "the box" ask students not to submit anything larger than an 8 1/2 x 11" envelope, but rather to use slides/videotape/photos etc. if their project doesn't fit.</p>

<p>The whole idea, I believe, is to see what students come up with then they think "outside the box." So, if the student's whole idea fits in that little box and is a "winner", fine. If it is a longer essay/short story or a 3-dimensional project, put an "intro" in the box and submit the longer item or the video/CD/DVD/slides.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

9

<p>Thanks Jmmon -- the info is greatly appreciated. The box sounds very interesting. I hope my daughter can come up with something creative if she's given the opportunity to apply. Do I understand correctly that only certain applicants are invited to apply for the DHS program?</p>

<p>I'm still a little confused about "automatic scholarship consideration" as it relates to the Personal Application. Do you think they're referring to the DSA, even though her Personal Ap specifically states, "no essay is required / automatic scholarship consideration?"</p>

<p>I've copied the following text directly from her Personal Ap:</p>

<p>And remember, this application features ...</p>

<p>No required essay.
Automatic scholarship consideration.
No application fee!
An admission decision in just four weeks.</p>

<p>Using this special online application, you are not required to submit an essay. However, all applicants are invited to write a personal statement including any information you would like the admissions committee to take into consideration when we review your application. Either way, make sure you complete the questions below the personal statement segment of this page. (Students applying for the Deans' Honor Scholarship must submit an essay.)</p>

<p>Personal Statement
XXXXX, your personal statement helps us get to know you in ways other than your courses, grades and test scores. It should describe in detail some special interest, significant experience or achievement, or anything else that has special meaning to you or had a significant influence on you. Please use the space below to type or paste your statement.</p>

<p>End of Copy.</p>

<p>Reading it carefully, I can see that "why I want to go to Tulane" commentary is NOT what they're looking for in the Personal Statement. She has worked very hard on one special essay that fits the parameters of the Personal Statement. But, she's afraid if she uses "her best one," she'll be asked to submit another one to apply for the DHS. For most students, coming up with a second essay would probably be no big deal. But, for her -- it's pure torture. (She doesn't have trouble with homework related essays. It's the personal one that kill her. And, we all suffer with her when she's writing them, if you know what I mean! :))</p>

<p>She was so excited to receive the email that said NO ESSAYS, then felt like she'd been double crossed when she got to the above page! I'm off to the website to see if I can figure out what happens after the Personal Ap is submitted. But, if anyone remembers what happens next (specifically with regard to essay requirements for scholarship consideration), we would really appreciate the info. It pretty much boils down to whether to use the "special essay" now, or save it for the next step in the process (if there is a next step in the process).</p>

10

<p>D received the DSA and also submitted a project for the DHS. I do not recall an additional essay requirement. Just a requirement to fit something into the box and attach a project that related to what was in the box.</p>

11

<p>Okay -- I feel really stupid now! I just looked at the website and it's all becoming clear. I think it's safe to assume that she would receive automatic consideration for the DSA and the Founders, but if she wants to apply for the DHS, she needs to request a specific application. Considering they only give "approximately 100" DHS scholarships, I'm going to advise her to put her best foot forward, throw her "special essay" into the Personal Statement, and hope for the best!</p>

<p>Whew ... one more drama behind us!!</p>

12

<p>You shouldn't feel stupid! There's enough detail in these things to keep anyone befuddled. Good luck with all of it!</p>

13

<p>Thanks MarylandMom and CtyMomTeacher. My D has been home all of 9 days this summer, so the opportunity to get the Tulane ap submitted in such an easy manner (the Personal Ap) is really great. I wish more schools did this. She's been feeling like she's getting way behind in the process, so having one ap submitted before she leaves on her next (and last) adventure will really make her feel better. I'm feeling better now too -- I hated not knowing how to advise her as far as the "Personal Statement" vs. "Essay" was concerned. Aren't we supposed to know everything?!</p>

14

<p>jersey44
I was surprised just how much I didn't know when we finished all of my Ds apps - now that it's over I've learned so much but know I still can learn so much more - Good luck to your D - let us know how she does!!</p>

15

<p>for those that received a personal app, any idea how/why? great test scores (psat or SAT)? demonstrated interest? </p>

<p>Just curious, bcos Son has been receiving mail from Tulane since Soph psat, but we just received a Survey e-mail regarding applications: Will you apply?, Do you think you will apply?, Have you decided not to apply?, etc. (We even visited last year when the tropical storm that closed the campus.)</p>

16

<p>bluebayou - fwiw, we visited Tulane in June 2004. S applied EA in Oct/Nov. He never got the "personal app;" we'd never even heard of it until way later here on cc. What he did get: admission, Engineering Honors Society, and DSA @ $22K/year. So, not to worry :D.</p>

17

<p>My son received the personal app without having ever demonstrated any interest whatsoever. In fact, he had ignored multiple mailings up to that point in December or January and applied then only because of the ease of application and because we discovered his major among the listings, to our surprise. We believe that his high ACT and SAT scores prompted the sending of the offer and now the DSA and Honors Program. It's another of those serendipitous events that litter his life.</p>

18

<p>jmmon & ctymom:</p>

<p>very NICE - congrats to each of your sons. My S has been following Green Wave sports ever since last year. His interest is in history -- any thoughts about Tulane's humanities?</p>

<p>Tulane is on a west coast swing next month....maybe I'll feign personal insult, and ask Whiteside about the personal app. LOL</p>

19

<p>I believe that asking about these things really is a good idea if you want them. I know someone who got her son moved from DSA to DHS by suggesting that it would get him to attend. (He ended up elsewhere, so I won't comment on the ethics of the move!) But if you want it, let them know!</p>

20

<p>bluebayou --</p>

<p>Re: Son has been receiving mail from Tulane since Soph psat, but we just received a Survey e-mail regarding applications: Will you apply?, Do you think you will apply?, Have you decided not to apply?, etc. (We even visited last year when the tropical storm that closed the campus.)</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure if you click "Will Apply" it will take you to a link with a Personal Ap. That's how my daughter received hers.</p>