So I gave her the talk about it not being a good idea to have a dream school, that there’s other similar schools that she would like, and then I told her the following: she should continue working hard, take challenging courses, prepare well for the ACT/SAT and continue doing community service, because that’s really valued at Tulane.
What I would like to know is what else does Tulane value. Do they really consider talent and ECs? Leadership necessary to get in? Can you get in even if you get a couple of B’s along the way?
It seems to be getting more competitive and there is no shortage of applicants from the Northeast, where we are from.
Also, the higher her ACT or SAT the better. I don’t think a couple of Bs is such a biggie. If she otherwise has a good GPA, high test scores, and good ECs, she’ll get a nice merit scholarship. If she has a 33 and top of her class, she can qualify for the Dean’s Honor Scholarship or Paul Tulane Scholarship. Good to start thinking early!
Visit Tulane if you can, and try to attend a local session with an admissions rep if you can’t (shows interest). Good grades and test scores open up the possibility of large merit scholarships, and an application to the DHS or PT will show interest as well.
The optional Why Tulane? essay is a must, and your D should tailor it with specifics about Tulane and/or the general area. (Example: My meeting with Professor W convinced me that Y program is perfect for me because [reasons], and lunch at Restaurant Q capped the whole thing off. That sort of thing, but with a tad bit more detail.)
I think applying EA would be just as good as ED where interest is concerned, especially if you’ve nailed the above interest factors.
@citymama9 - I agree with @DiotimaDM, a visit (if you can) would be ideal and since your D is a soph, you have some time. Also, a few days in NOLA is a lot of fun. Prior to your visit, arrange to meet up with the admissions counselor for your state. You can find your adcom here: http://admission.tulane.edu/meet-our-counselors . During your visit, take notes so that you can include these details in your Why Tulane essay. Submitting your application early (September of senior year) rather than just before the EA or ED deadline definitely helps as well.
@citymama9 I think EA counts. Based on what everyone has said on this forum, demonstrated interest counts for a lot. The general feeling is that if a prospect with a perfect ACT/SAT and g.p.a. applies but is felt to have applied to numerous “top” Ivy League schools, said prospect is likely to be rejected. Tulane doesn’t want people who are there only because they couldn’t get in at the school of their choice. So the “Why Tulane” essay is pretty important in demonstrating interest. Obviously it helps if you have visited.
Thanks everyone! Very helpful advice. We will most definitely plan a visit at some point.
On another topic, Tulane scares me for some reason. I know it’s a fabulous school, but I worry that there would be so much nightlife outside of campus and so many distractions, due it being in New Orleans. Do the kids spend much time on campus for parties and activities? For some reason I always hoped my D would want to be at a rural campus, safely tucked away in the middle of nowhere. lol
Colleges in many cities have nightlife. Most Tulane students take visitors down to the French quarter, but don’t spend that much time there themselves, foir a variety of reasons. If they go to that area, they typically go to Frenchman St. And many schools that are in remote, rural areas have big or bigger issues with drinking as there isn’t much else to do.
Definitely visit and apply early!! I know a bunch of people who got deferred or rejected with near-perfect GPAs because they showed no interest and applied at the last minute, and a lot of people with GPAs that weren’t outstanding who got in because they showed Tulane how much they wanted them. Also, a high ACT or SAT doesn’t hurt (31+).
@citymama9 , Tulane is one of my student’s top choices (we live in Louisiana). We know two very different sorts of freshmen students there currently. They don’t go off campus much at all. I don’t think freshman or sophomores are allowed to have cars at school.
The streetcar runs right up St. Charles ave to the French quarter. But as said above, the quarter is expensive and students tend to prefer going near campus (Carrollton area, Freret) the boot, magazine st or frenchman st.