<p>It occurred to me while reading the Tulane transfer thread of the rejections posted, as well as the tight housing situation for rising sophomores reported in the Hullabaloo, that this indicates a very strong freshman retention score for next year's rankings (but, I know, who cares about USNWR). This freshman class represents the current excellent numbers posted on the web site and CollegeBoard.com. </p>
<p>I value and appreciate my slot in the fall greatly.</p>
<p>c3606 - I noticed the same thing, and that it was apparently the poor retention numbers after Katrina (which I kind of don’t get since the number of returning freshmen when school started back that January was reported to be a bit above what they usually have return) that caused the big tumble in the USNWR rankings. So are you saying that some stats for the incoming class have been posted or, as I suspect, you are saying the freshman class already in place (Class of 2012) represents the current excellent numbers…</p>
<p>Hope all is well and you are getting ready for your graduation. Guess you probably have a few AP exams coming up.</p>
<p>As I recall, 92% of the Katrina freshman class returned for the Spring Semester. My favorite story, aside from Scott Cowen’s convocation speech (which was fantastic), was trying to locate classrooms. Workman were finishing up in one building, and hadn’t gotten around to putting room numbers above the doors. Hmm, I wonder which one is Room 119?</p>
<p>Well, that is what I heard too. So why do some of the stats sites show Tulane’s retention rate at like 70%? I have never figured that out.</p>
<p>Well… not necessarily. Students who have housing may not necessarily be back. One of my good friends is transferring, and he’s already secured housing for next year. I, as well, am thinking of transferring, and I also have secured housing for next year. The problems of space are more a consequence of our enormous freshman class, and the huge incoming class, it doesn’t necessarily indicate retention.</p>
<p>Oh, and 70% retention rate isn’t the retention rate, its the 6 year graduation rate, which is 74%. And IIRC, the freshman retention rate is 88%.</p>
<p>thanks merkava - clears that up nicely. Just out of curiosity (of course), why is your friend transferring and why are you thinking about it?</p>
<p>Hey fallenchemist- sorry it’s taken a long time to respond, but I’ve been super busy with moving out and all. </p>
<p>Anyways, one of the big reasons that I am transferring is due to money. Paying for this school has been hard, and while its not as if my family can’t afford it, I don’t think we need to be shelling out fifty grand per year when I have other options available. The university I am transferring to is far less expensive than Tulane, and has programs about equal to what I am interested in (the university is also ranked somewhat highly, but I don’t think that should be particularly relevant). I’ve had a great time at Tulane, but it’s just not worth it financially. </p>
<p>My friend is transferring because he never really felt comfortable at Tulane, in fact he never really wanted to go there, it was more of a last resort. He also cares about rankings, (which I think is a bad thing to care so much about) and is more interested as using Tulane as a stepping stone to a better university.</p>
<p>Thanks for your frank response. It is always interesting to learn about why people make the decisions they do.</p>
<p>I totally understand about the money. My D wouldn’t be going either if it weren’t for the DHS. If you have read a lot of my posts in the various threads, you will see I constantly stress that a university education is a value decision like most other things in life. In buying a car, do you spend $15,000 or $75,000? Well, it all depends on how much money that is to you and what you value in the features of a car. While I wouldn’t deny there are huge differences between a university education and a car, the principle is the same, only the judgement and weighting factors are different.</p>
<p>Anyway, long way of saying it makes sense to me, saving tens of thousands of dollars. You are sooo smart not to worry about the rankings. I wish you the very best of luck in your new school this fall, and in the rest of your career.</p>