<p>I just got a free application from Tulane yesterday. They won't make me write a long essay, I don't need teacher recs, plus I get a decision in 4 weeks!</p>
<p>So I was thinking I might as well go for it. Problem is, I have absolutely no knowledge about the university besides what they told me in the email telling me about the free application: that it's a good research university. Oh and my dad said it has a pretty good med school. I just found out yesterday that it's in New Orleans (shows you how much I really know). i've never been there either, i live in california all the way over on the west coast. might this present a cultural shock?</p>
<p>I'm interested in going into medicine--I want to major in science, possibly neuroscience or biomedical engineering. I also enjoy creative writing though and journalism. Maybe thinking of a double major in science and english. So I want to know if this school might be a good fit for me, and what else you might know about this school that might help me out.</p>
<p>My stats very briefly: 4.0 gpa, ranked in the top 1% (of 400), 2200 sat, 33 act, (am taking both again in sept and october, but i'd apply to tulane before that) taken 11 APs so far (mostly 5's), news editor of school paper, class officer, honor society officer, and uh yeah. my main extracurricular that i plan to emphasize is that i volunteer at the hospital and I really enjoy it. it's really influence my passion and desire to become a doctor.</p>
<p>So thank in advance for any responses i might receive!!</p>
<p>Tulane wasn't on my son's radar until he got the free application either. He applied to six other schools (which we visited), and we never visited Tulane until he was accepted. The bottom line is that he knew this was where he belonged on the first visit. After oreintation I asked if he still liked the school. His response: "Still like it?? I like it more..." He's only been there a week, but he absolutely loves it, and is not happy that they are evacuating the school for 5 days because of the hurricane.</p>
<p>Although Tulane is an urban school, it does not have the feel of a "city school" The campus is located on St. Charles Avenue in the garden district across from Audoban (spelling) Park, zoo and golf course. St. Charles Avenue is a tree lined street with beautiful old mansions and homes. My son refused to apply to other urban schools after a visit to New York City schools, but as I said, Tulane was different. However, you are only a few miles and a trolley ride away from the French QUarter (trolley cost $1.25)</p>
<p>I can't comment on the strength of their science department, but I can certainly tell you that I don't think you will experience "culture shock." My son's roomate and one other student on his floor is from California. During the parent BBQ I met at least three other parents from California. My son also said that about 20% of the kids he's met are from Long Island (where we live) Although you will be living in the "big easy" and experiencing all that New Orleans has to offer, I think that the on campus experience has a feel of familiarity for those from California and New York. </p>
<p>Everyone we met in New Orleans is so friendly from the ticket agents at the airport to the rental car agents, and the people we met in supermarkets and department stores. That's probably going to be the biggest shock (it was for us)</p>
<p>Your stats are above the average for students accepted this year (I think it was something like 31 ACT and 1350 SAT), and Tulane is very big on community service, so you have that covered as well. I don't know your financial situation, but with your stats you will probably receive a scholarship ranging from 18K to 24K (no separate application required), and you may even have a shot at the full tuition scholarship (separate application required - go for it) When you are accepted you are told if you were awarded a scholarship. Even though they may not require teacher recs I would still include them when you send your transcript. </p>
<p>With the free app you have nothing to lose. If you apply EA you will have a decision (hopefully an acceptance with a huge scholarship) within a few weeks. With that under your belt it will ease the stress of senior year (it did for my son), and you can focus on applying to reach schools with the knowledge that you already have an acceptance to a great school. </p>
<p>hi - congratulations on some fine stats and achievements. you should be competitive just about anywhere you want to apply.</p>
<p>i totally agree with the first reply to your post. it echoes our experience.</p>
<p>last fall my d received the same solicitation as you. without knowing much about tulane, she said "what the heck", applied, and got an almost immediate response with a half-tuition scholarship offer. the admissions office did a great job making her feel wanted and welcome, and when we visited New Orleans in April, she feel head-over-heels in love with the campus and the city. </p>
<p>tulane has a great reputation, the students there are among the friendliest and fun-loving you'll ever meet, and the people of New Orleans are unlike those in any other city in America, willing to make you feel like part of one big family. </p>
<p>God Bless Tulane, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast...</p>
<p>My story echoes those above. Tulane wasn't even a consideration, but S thought, it's free application, no essay, why not? Same story--after the college visits were completed, no other school even came close. Plus the $24K yearly scholarship didn't hurt (32 ACT, 3.8 UW, but he is a sophomore I think the standards are a bit higher now). He loves it, few students are local so everyone is looking to make friends. Regarding the hurricane threat--most places are subject to some natural disasters, but Tulane is very conservative and made plans for evacuation with all the students required to clear out today (Saturday) when the storm won't hit until at least Monday. </p>
<p>Can't say enough good things about the people, the school and the city.</p>
<p>My nephew is in year 3 at med school there, he scored very well on the testing to determine residencies so clearly is well prepared. Tulane has a deal for undergrads to be offered a place in the medical school based on their sophomore grades, but I don't know much about that. Check with admissions.</p>
<p>thank you all for your insightful posts. You have really inspired me to apply now. I was hesitant because my parents were against it at first, but all your words were really encouraging=) It sounds like a wonderful place to study too and it would be nice to get great financial aid!</p>
<p>Hanna - You're in for sure, probably with a good merit package. You won't have any trouble fitting in at Tulane. You may not know it (yet), but Tulane has the most geographically diverse student population in the nation (as measured by the proportion of students who live more than 500 miles from college). There are many California students at Tulane.</p>
<p>BTW, there are several videos about Tulane on YouTube. The CC moderator has requested no links to YouTube, so you'll have to locate them yourself. Just search on Tulane University. You may want to start with the "Tulane University" video and then the "Tulane University 2008 Convocation." They won't take the place of a visit for sure, but they'll give you some information about the place.</p>