Hello, I was wondering what my chances were of being accepted into Tulane University? I took the tour, have gone to college fairs, and signed up for the emails.
Major: Political Sciences
Gender: Male
Economic: Upper class
Race: White
Cumulative Unweighted GPA: Approx. 3.35
– I did poorly in Sophomore year with a 2.7 due to difficulties in Chemistry (and other reasons), I failed the class and then retook it and got an A. (I will be writing an extenuating circumstances letter to explain in further detail).
– Junior Year: 3.6
– Senior Year: 3.8 (Predicted)
ACT: 31C with 8 writing
SAT Subject Test: 720 on French
Taking mostly honors classes and AP:
AP US History - 5
AP French - Not taken yet
AP Government and Politcs - Not taken yet
Other:
Opera singer, performed at Jordan Hall and other famous locations. Main characters in Operas and whatnot.
Worked at a food pantry every week for the past two years.
Republicans Club
Mock Trial Club
Videogame club, Play for school esports team (lol)
Active in my Church, (Teacher assistant and public reader)
Worked at a restaurant for a year
Interned for a biotech company
Interned at Statehouse for the summer.
Hook: I have a physical handicap so many surgeries and difficulties. Had to switch schools in last year of elementary due to bullying, affected the beginning of high school (bad freshman and sophomore year due to depression and other things)
Tri-national. Bi-lingual
If you are applying EA or ED, you may not be able to count on your predicted senior grades (certainly not your final senior grades), so you will probably be going in with a 3.6 and 31 ACT which puts you on the lower end of the middle range. I would work with your counselor on your circumstances about your physical handicap and hospitalizations. Mentioning depression is always a tricky one with college admissions – some will say it could help show how you overcame a challenge, and others will say mentioning depression is a liability.
Your EC’s, being multilingual, internships, and 1% in the state award are a definite plus, especially for your intended major. Be sure to keep reading Jeff’s blog on admissions tips. Use your assets in your essay so admissions understands who you are as a person. They are looking for character and passion, and not just a huge list to “check the box”.
For all applicants, I would say that Tulane is by no means a guarantee even with the perfect application (13.5% admissions rate for the class of 2023). Be sure to have a true safety school that you will love, and also make sure you can afford Tulane’s admissions if you don’t get merit scholarships.
I don’t know if a visit it possible, but if this is truly your top choice, visit the campus. This will help you write a better “Why Tulane?” essay. If a visit is not possible, do some heavy research into the Poli Sci major at Tulane and how Tulane can support your educational goals, as well as what you can bring to Tulane and NOLA.