I know that Tulane has a reputation for being a party school with heavy drinking - if I am not super into big parties or joining a sorority will I be able to find my people?
Also, how hard is it to get into their honors program? Do you have to apply specifically into it? Does applying early action help?
Tulane also has a reputation for being a top school with strong academics which believes in community service for all. It has a national and diverse student body with a beautiful and traditional campus. The best thing you can do is visit the website to find answers to your questions relating to the honors college and, by all means, visit Tulane if you can to get a feel for it. At that point, you’ll realize that you need to write a “Why Tulane” essay with your application and if you really like Tulane, you’ll know why. I visited the school with one of my kids and it was my favorite visit. They deliver a great message.
The topic has been comprehensively discussed in many threads on this board. If you are interested, you can check them out.
I can say that my child has been at Tulane for two weeks (!) and that he doesn’t seem to be “partying” any more or less than his friends at other leading colleges around the country.
Aside from the “party” question which has been asked and answered, you do not need to apply separately for the Honors Program. Every applicant is considered. Difficulty depends on the competitiveness of the overall applicant pool which has been drastically increasing the past few years. Early Action can only help with regard to any aspect of the application…best not to wait for RD.