<p>I know there are other threads about this, but they all seemed at least two or three years old, so I thought I'd start a new one--</p>
<p>So I got accepted to the Tulane Honors program (+$27,000 per year), so Tulane is definitely one of my top colleges. Can anyone comment on how successful Tulane applicants are at getting into top med schools, how much Tulane's own med school favors Tulane undergrads, and the overall strength of Tulane's science programs? I was thinking about the creative premedical scholars program, but I think I'd rather major in a science and take my chances at getting into med school. I really liked Tulane when I visited, and I love NOLA, so I'm trying to decide if taking the scholarship and going to Tulane would be worth giving up the Ivies/other top 20 schools (if I get accepted :) )</p>
<p>Also, are very many premed classes (orgo, physics, etc.) available as honors courses?</p>
<p>There are really a number of questions here besides the factual ones, but let’s tackle those. Tulane applicants certainly have a good track record at top 25 or whatever metric you choose med schools, and I am sure someone at Tulane has more specific information on that. The data might not be 100% complete since sometimes grads neglect to tell the school where they are going. My impression is that Tulane med does favor Tulane grads to some extent, and that there are (as you obviously know) some programs specifically for Tulane undergrads that lead directly to Tulane med. Finally, I think Tulane’s science programs are quite solid. Speaking only to the limited focus of preparing you for the MCATs and med school, they are certainly as good as any you will find. Because honestly the differences in freshman chem, orgo, general physics, etc. at say, Harvard vs. Tulane or Stanford vs. Tulane have a lot more to do with the competition from your classmates than any difference in the material taught or the people teaching it.</p>
<p>So doing well at Tulane in terms of GPA, MCATs, research and recommendations will get you just as far as doing similarly at the other schools you are thinking about. Oh, and usually there have been honors sections for most of the premed core requirements, but it does seem to vary a bit. For example for next semester I see there is an honors section of general physics but I am not seeing any for chemistry or biology, which really surprises me and makes me think I must be doing something wrong or it is not programmed correctly. Probably best to correspond with the advising center on that one.</p>
<p>It certainly is good to be thinking about these things to some degree, but on the other hand it is a hypothetical at the moment. Once you have the admissions decisions from these other schools as well as the full picture regarding cost (assuming you are applying for FA), you have a solid month to get back on here and get opinions with the added advantage of also having specific parameters.</p>
<p>I took the DHS (Dean’s Honors Scholarship) over 2 ivies and several other top 15/top 25 schools. </p>
<p>I’m a pre-med neuroscience major so I might be able to help. I totally agree with FC about the main difference in the pre-med classes between Tulane and say Harvard is just competing with your class mates. Competition here is tough and seems to be getting worse every year as Tulane attracts more and more top students. For example, in my organic chemistry class, the class average was around a 55 on last year’s third test. For my year, the class average was a 71 AND the test was much harder in my opinion. I still got an A, but my high grade is worth less when the class average is that high.</p>
<p>You have to study a lot here to do well, but you can “beat the pack” if you are willing to put the time in. In terms of Tulane Med, I know they tend to look for people with lots of community service as well as more “unique” experiences (study abroad, student athletes, etc) who can offer more than a high GPA/MCAT. I also did consider both of Tulane Med’s Programs for undergrads. In the end, however, I decided that they weren’t worth it considering Tulane Med’s ridiculously overpriced medical education. </p>
<p>I guess I don’t have much to compare it to, but I feel like the science education here is great! All the professors are extremely friendly and approachable and willing to help out in any way. There are also lots of research opportunities and the local hospitals (Touro, Ochsner, & Children’s) are great about letting students do internships and volunteer, etc. For example, I’m going to be shadowing a neurologist and working in their office next semester as part of an internship through the Center for Public Service.</p>
<p>I didn’t know any pre-med classes were/have been offered as honors, but I’d probably stay away from those even if they were offered. Why put yourself up against even tougher competition?</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more specific questions about pre-med at Tulane! It’s a lot of work but I love it here :)</p>
<p>Ok thanks guys, and Tulane14 I’m actually thinking about majoring in neuroscience haha, I talked to the neuroscience rep when I visited </p>
<p>One more specific question about the classes - is there grade deflation/is it bad if there is? You mentioned a test with a class average of 55…which is probably normal for an organic chem class, but did the people who made 55s and < actually deserve them, or did they make those grades because of a curve? That scares me…</p>
<p>The 55 was no doubt their actual grade, not a curved one. It shouldn’t scare you, as you seem to already know grades in classes such as this are often on the lower side. Then they are curved up, so the person making a 55 would theoretically make a C (since that was average) but might have made a higher grade such as B or B- based on class grade distribution and other factors. I don’t think you would find this to be very different at any reputable school. I imagine tulane14 can give us more specific information.</p>
<p>There are 2 organic chem teachers each semester here (Zhang/J in the Fall and Zhang/Greyson in the Spring).</p>
<p>Zhang (who I’m taking this semester, as well as next) is rumored to have insane curves. According to my friends from previous years she curves the average to a B+. So, in this case, I guess you could say there is grade inflation. The other teachers, on the other hand, apparently give out few A’s and curve to a C or C+. This is all word of mouth, of course, but I have talked to a few people all from different years.</p>
<p>The people who made the 55 actually did only get slightly above half the test right. That is how it’s supposed to be at any school, though. It’s not high school anymore. You can’t go into a class hoping to make an A or a 100 on everything because the tests simply aren’t designed that way. Seriously, though, don’t be scared. I’m heading into my organic chemistry I final with a low A (without the curve). It can be done!!</p>
<p>If you have any specific questions about the neuro program feel free to ask! I love all the professors/classes/opportunities associated with the field of study :)</p>
<p>^so I’ll look for Zhang’s class if I go to tulane . That’s great, I don’t mind (and plan on) having to work hard for an A, so long as I get the grade I actually deserve</p>
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