<p>I was just accepted into Tulane's honors program and given a $22,000 scholarship, which translates to $88,000 over four years. I applied early to Wash U, but if its a toss-up on whether I'll get in, so merit based assistance is probably not happening. Even though I don't know if i'm getting into Wash U. if I do get in i'm locked in as an early, and I'm almost definitely not getting in RD. </p>
<p>Tulane: -probably more fun, more partying
-big fish in a small pond, and I'll probably end up applying to some form of graduate school
-New Orleans is an awesome city
-honors program has some special classes, but I don't really know how significant that is
-honors dorm, so I can get some work done
-Distinguished Scholars award</p>
<p>Wash U. -better school academically
-more intelligent student body
-St. Louis isn't quite New Orleans but still a good city
-more research opportunities
-name recognition
-Wash U has become my dream school, and until this offer came, I couldn't really imagine going anywhere else</p>
<p>You are in an excellent position right now. If you are accepted to Wash U ED, you can attend your dream school (and you will attend, because you made the ED commitment). If you are not accepted, you have an excellent back up plan.</p>
<p>^^assuming you mean Wash U? anyway, you are also eligible to apply for the DHS at Tulane which is even more $$…you don’t mention what you want to do in college; pre-me, pre-law etc…does it require grad school? </p>
<p>saving $88,000 dollars over four years is a boatload of $$…and other than perceived prestige (with emphasis on the word perceived), what are you getting at Wash U (if you are admitted) that you can’t get at Tulane?</p>
<p>My D was accepted at Wash U and chose Tulane. It was tough, she really liked Wash U too. But like you, alex, the money won out (she got full tuition at Tulane). She is really happy at Tulane. She does love New Orleans, the other things there are to do at the school besides academics (which she is also quite happy with), and she also liked being in the honors dorm her freshman year. I slightly disagree with you about WUSTL having more research opportunities. I mean technically that might be true, but no student that wants to do research at Tulane is shut out and you can only be in one research group anyway. I think you will find that aspect to be similar at the undergrad level, actually. I would agree with you more if it were grad school. I guess I will quibble a bit on name recognition too. Sure, WUSTL is higher ranked and all, but Tulane is extremely well thought of for getting into grad schools and professional schools. Since that is your goal, I think you won’t really see a difference there, either. FWIW, I got into a top 5 grad program in chem graduating from Tulane (a million years ago, for sure).</p>
<p>Finally, while the honors program at Tulane has some advantages, it isn’t tremendously different than being a “regular” student. However, I think that may change over the next couple of years, because they are trying to improve the number of courses and other opportunities targeted at the HP students. So those advantages may increase.</p>
<p>Naturally I am biased towards Tulane, but I try to be fair. I grew up close to Wash U and know it well and it is a tremendous school. You would get a great education there of course. But being an undergrad is a holistic experience, and that really is not a cliche. Plus, $88,000 goes a long way towards post grad needs. Something to consider, for sure. You are in a great position. Good luck! If you haven’t visited Tulane yet you should. In March (usually) they have Honors Student Weekends. Mardi Gras is really late this year so I don’t know what the schedule will be. But that would be a good time to visit, although I know it is a long time to wait. Maybe you can go sooner and if you like what you see go back for the Honors Weekend.</p>
<p>I also turned down Wash U for full-tuition @ Tulane plus being in the Honors Program. I have no regrets. Just like FC said, there aren’t really that many advantages to being in the honors program, but I feel VERY smart having chosen to save my family 150k+. Yes, Wash U is a great school, but so is Tulane. PM me if you have any questions about either school, as I have visited both and have friends going to Wash U.</p>