<p>Hey, I am very interested in Tulanes school of architecture which allows for graduating with a masters in five years. Is this a hard program to get into? I am taking CAD drafting and architectural classes at my high school. I about top 15 percent of a class of 1000 students at a respected tough high school. I love their program and the focus on community as is the case with most of Tulane it seems.</p>
<p>Additionally, how good is Tulane's financial aid because I will be cover most of my tuition ad 40,000 is no small bill!</p>
<p>This is one of the most outstanding features of Tulane. When you get apply to Tulane, you apply to get into Newcomb-Tulane College, of which Architecture is one of five schools. There is no separate application for the School of Architecture. [Tulane</a> School of Architecture :: Applying as an Entering Freshman](<a href=“http://architecture.tulane.edu/admissions/freshman]Tulane”>http://architecture.tulane.edu/admissions/freshman) As you will see, they actually encourage freehand over CAD in high school, but I am sure what you have taken can only be a plus. Otherwise they will strongly discourage you if you don’t have the requisite qualities for architecture, but as far as I know if you want to give it a shot no one will stop you. You are right that it is an amazing program with numerous possibilities to see your efforts become real structures and part of New Orleans while you are there.</p>
<p>As far as financial aid, Tulane has very good financial aid, but they don’t guarantee to meet 100% of need. It is usually very close, like 95% or more, but it does vary on a case by case basis. Tulane also is very generous with merit aid.</p>
<p>Are you a junior now, or are you a senior that has already applied to Tulane?</p>
<p>I am a junior now. I have taken several drawing classes to this point. And I have more to come next year. So that is a plus! Is the Newcomb- Tulane College more less or equally selective do you know?</p>
<p>Sorry, I wasn’t clear. Everyone that applies to Tulane undergrad applies to Newcomb-Tulane College. The schools within NTC are The School of Liberal Arts, The School of Science and Engineering, the AB Freeman School of Business, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the School of Architecture. Tulane asks what major you are considering so they can assign the best advisor for you, but it doesn’t affect your admission. You could tell Tulane you are thinking about engineering, get accepted, and decide to study business instead and that’s OK. You can decide to double major in Architecture and Russian Studies, and that’s OK. There is no additional application, no permission to ask. With all the schools being under NTC and everyone being accepted into NTC, to graduate you just have to meet all the requirements for the major(s), the school(s) they are in, and the College. Some majors, like Architecture, have a very full set of requirements so double majoring is tougher, but people have done it. But once you are in Tulane, every major is open to you.</p>
<p>Anyway, I am rambling because you didn’t ask about double majors. I just wanted to illustrate how very flexible Tulane is. It sounds like you are extremely well prepared for architecture, the main issue would seem to be if you can get into Tulane. What are your stats? UW GPA, SAT/ACT scores, AP courses taken/scheduled to be taken, EC’s, etc.</p>
<p>UW: 3.5, W 4.3
ACT: Take next month
AP: English (Language and Comp) & US History this year, next year will be AP Bio and Ap English Lit. Going to take all the tests
EC’s: Football, Wrestling (4 year varsity starter with captain leadership award), Peacebuilders (a very committed commmunity and social justice group), Community Service projects, and designing my own service project now</p>
<p>Well, can’t say much until you get your ACT score. If you get a 30+ and your recs are good, I like your chances. Important that you have a very good semester for grades now and first semester next year. Tulane is getting more competitive every year, but with a good ACT you are in the mix. You might want to take the SAT also, and wait to see which comes out better before you send the scores anywhere. Just a thought.</p>
<p>Futurebound,
I think you have some great advice from Fallenchemist. My D applied, did not get admitted, but she knew when she applied that her test scores were not her strong suit. I think that is the key. When we visited campus we ran into an alum who had graduated in Architecture. He had all great things to say about the program and he’s successful in his practice. We enjoyed our visit there and we could see Tulane had plenty to offer. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Tulane is what is hard to get into today. In fact the joke for us seniors is that we probably wouldn’t be accepted with the incoming freshmen. In my case the truth can hurt.</p>
<p>The architecture program is something allows everyone to join on day one. By the end of first semester it’s weeded 20-25% of a strong class out. By the end of first year 30-40% and eventually you’ll graduate with 50-55% of the kids you walked in with on day one. Hard to get into, much much harder to stay.</p>
<p>With the new dean the school is smoothing out it rough spots and hitting it’s stride. Not just in recognition and prestige, but in giving the students a good, complete, fulfilling educational experience.</p>