<p>D has narrowed choices to 4 schools: Tulane, TX, GA, and Michigan. She does not know what area of study to pursue as of yet. Am curious if any of you that chose Tulane had similar choices and what ultimately steered you there. Thanks - any input appreciated!</p>
<p>Just curious-- why did she pick three BIG state U's with mega thousands of students, and then Tulane, with about 6,000? Will she be ok with a smaller school if she is otherwise picking big state U's?</p>
<p>Great question, and probably the biggest concern that she would have about attending TU. I think she leans toward a larger school, but I made her apply as I am an alum of the Freeman School (MBA). She had a nice visit and is now considering strongly. I'm really interested in understanding the thought process of good students that ultimately choose Tulane over these other schools. They all seem like good choices to me, but then again, I've already had my time in college! Just trying to learn more aspects to consider that she or I have not. Thanks for your response.</p>
<p>I wrote a really long reply and just erased it. Seems to me what it comes down to is deciding what she thinks she liked in Tulane vs. the others. If it was the "intimacy" (all things are relative!), and the accessability, then it is easy. Tulane is the only one of those 4 that will give her that. The other schools are huge and comparitively impersonal. I don't believe there is a disadvantage at all in going to a school Tulane's size if you are undecided in your major, they offer every major area of study. In fact, I can make a very good case it is better for an undecided to go to a medium sized, well regarded school like Tulane. But in the end, within groups of schools of similar academic standards, it is the feel of the place, and what it offers beyond the classroom that makes the difference. She has to decide about college town vs. city, big time sports vs. not, etc etc. Oh, and financials too, if they are a factor in your family. It is tough, no magic equations I am afraid.</p>
<p>That's an interesting question because most of Tulane's students are primarily considering smaller private universities. My final three were Tulane, Emory, and Vanderbilt. Those schools and the University of Miami seem to be common among the Tulane applicant pool. There's a huge difference between a large state school with a thriving sports scene compared to a smaller school that has de-emphasized athletics.</p>
<p>I have seen some kids' college application lists that seem to make no sense to me (mish mosh of big, small, urban, rural, public, private, east, west, may or may not have a specific major, etc) but it is their list and their choices make sense to them. Some kids are clear that they do or dont want a particular type of school (my kids were adament that they didnt want a big huge mega state U, even though our flagship U has great programs, is a great $$ deal and has a wonderful honors program) and some aren't. Some decide what kind of school they want, or go visit AFTER their acceptances come in. I personally found the pre-application visits more helpful, but not everyone can do that.</p>
<p>MonStar is right. And if you look at Fiske guide, they indicate that Tulane applicants overlaps are commonly Emory, Vandy, BU, Duke and Northwestern.</p>
<p>Thanks all three of you for your responses. They help. My daughter had strong feeling about the " big school" experience (football/greeks, etc.), but had a nice visit at Tulane. I think you guys are right....one just has to decide which college experience you want most. (big/small...city/college town, etc) Its hard for me to get a handle on what kids love about Michigan, since I've never visited. It seems that the kids that attend love it there. I visualize great academics + lots of snow, and wonder if great academics + nice weather = happier experience at the other three schools. I know that as an undergrad alum of UT/Austin, the weather is great and the academics can be as well. Ditto Tulane, where I spent two blissful years in the MBA program, but add Domilice's, Camellia Grill, Mosca's, Mardi Gras, etc. too. Have only visited Athens briefly....Seemed like a nice place where the kids are happy. Thank again for taking the time to respond. Really appreciate it.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your D. A good choice by her for her means a happy Mom!</p>
<p>hoosierfriend - There are only good choices on D's list IMO. Good luck with her college experience. Personally I would choose ... oh darned look at the time, I have to go.</p>
<p>S made it very clear that UGA (our state school) was his first choice, even as I made him apply to 5 other schools, most large state schools like So Carolina, Va Tech, Clemson, etc, but did add Tulane (free app, sister visited the year before, New Orleans is cool, etc). </p>
<p>To his great surprise,UGA deferred him EA. So he then began seriously considering other schools, all the while waiting for UGA's final decision. Ultimately, he was accepted everywhere. But the last school visit we took, an Accepted Students weekend at Tulane, seemed to "turn a light on" in him. A student panel we attended was excellent and one student specifically said: "I chose Tulane over UGA because I wanted something new--not a continuation of high school. I like that students literally come here from ALL OVER." That did it for S.</p>
<p>S was/is a runner and was never into the football-jock thing. So a big sports environment never was part of the equation. He originally agonized over the choice, almost surprised that Tulane was pulling at him so much considering that UGA had always been "the one". (We were surprised to see this reaction in him as well.) But he went with Tulane. In spite of being a Katrina student, he has never been sorry. Ironically, he ended up attending UGA for his "Katrina" semester. He graduates this May. </p>
<p>He loves that Tulane, at least to him, feels much less "homogenous". He has lots of friends who are happily at UGA--your observation re Athens is correct. But he appreciates the quirkiness, the culture, and the uniqueness of being in New Orleans. He loves that they get two days off (next Mon & Tues) for Mardi Gras! Alot of this is about the overall experience of being there--he knows it's different from the standard large-football-school thing. And frankly, for him, that's the draw. Not something he's missing out on.</p>
<p>Enjoy this alternatively wrenching and exciting time--as others have said, she has some great choices. I think that makes it even harder!</p>
<p>PS The year before S went through the decision making process, D was accepted to Tulane, Emory, Vanderbilt and others. Tulane moved up to #2 (over these) on her list after the visit. She (and I) loved it. There's just something about New Orleans.....
She went elsewhere because of more scholarship money, but always wondered about how her experience would have been there and is still very fond of the place.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>"I chose Tulane over UGA because I wanted something new--not a continuation of high school. I like that students literally come here from ALL OVER."<<</p> </blockquote>
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<p>How curious Curiouser, my D said virtually the same thing. Four years of preppy-ish kids at her private academic HS were apparently enough. She refused to even consider applying to an Ivy. (Was that because I insisted she visit them all? Oh well.)</p>
<p>Thanks Curiouser and NewHope33 for your comments.</p>
<p>Curiouser, how ironic that your son ended up at UGA for the Katrina semester. I am curious as to what comments he made to you regarding a comparison of the two schools from both an academic and social viewpoint. Thanks again.</p>