Tulane vs. Fordham RH

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tulane University
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<p>I know the responses are going to be biased since this is on the Tulane page, but these schools are likely the ones I will be deciding between and im torn, I've been accepted to both EA (also UPitt and awaiting responses from other schools). I am looking to go into IR and/or prelaw studies. I have a 17k scholarship so far from Tulane and havent heard from Fordham.</p>

<p>From what I can see, I'd love to be in New Orleans as im from North Jersey but Fordham has a more highly regarded IR program. How do they compare in their pre-law programs and law schools, and can anyone comment on the IR program at Tulane (I know its not a major)? In short, I'm torn between the two schools and I'm going to have a tough time making a decision.</p>

<p>Thanks so much in advance</p>

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<p>After doing this for a few years, I have concluded that comparing schools based on majors is ultimately futile, for a few reasons. First, the latest surveys show that 75% of students change majors at least once. Which is a good thing, since going to college is partly about discovering topics you were never really exposed to before. Trust me, most of those 75% would have sworn going in that they knew exactly what they were going to major in, and that they would never change their minds. So at least leave yourself open to the possibility.</p>

<p>The only exception I would say to something like that is if a school has absolutely no program in the area you are considering. For example, if you are really thinking about a public health major, many schools do not offer any possibility of even getting exposure to that area, much less a major. To some degree archeology is the same way, although many schools (like Tulane) have active archeology programs within their anthropology department, even if they don’t have an undergraduate archeology major. The IR area is similar; it is there, but covered under Poli Sci. In fact, Tulane just started a new publication for this area. [Political</a> Science](<a href=“http://tulane.edu/liberal-arts/political-science/]Political”>http://tulane.edu/liberal-arts/political-science/) They also list IR as a specialization within Poli Sci, so I think it is well covered. In addition, they have a strong coordinate program in International Development that is tied to the law school, and since you are thinking pre-law…[The</a> Payson Center for International Development | Undergraduate](<a href=“http://payson.tulane.edu/undergraduate.html]The”>http://payson.tulane.edu/undergraduate.html)</p>

<p>FYI, there really is no such thing as pre-law studies. Both schools I am sure have active pre-law societies, and many opportunities should you choose to stick with that. I can tell you that the Tulane law school is right there on the main campus, and many undergrads do get involved in various ways with programs there. I have no idea about the Fordham situation.</p>

<p>Having said all that, I still encourage you to choose based on factors besides major. Look at size, location, “vibe”, the opportunity for a really new experience, etc. Since you are from suburban NYC, NOLA would be the bigger change, but certainly actually living in NYC would still be different for you than living in the burbs as a high schooler.</p>

<p>I wish you luck in your decision, it is a tough one for sure. If you haven’t actually been to visit the Tulane campus, I strongly encourage that. Given the approximately $150,000 investment you/your family would be making for you to attend Tulane, it is worth the time and effort to spend a couple days there taking the tour, sitting in on a couple of classes, and exploring the surrounding area. It might just make your decision very easy.</p>

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<p>Also, keep in mind that Louisiana is the only state in the union that has its legal system based on the Napoleanic Code. In the past, this has created some roadblocks to students who have passed the bar exam in LA, but wish to practice in other states. I am not sure if that is still an issue, but it is something you should research.</p>

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<p>Why would that be important? He didn’t ask about going to law school at Tulane.</p>

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<p>From his original post:</p>

<p>“How do they compare in their pre-law programs and law schools”</p>

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<p>Yeah, I guess I just ignored that part because it really is not relevant for him at this point. FWIW, my son (who is now in law school elsewhere) was accepted to Tulane Law and seriously considered it despite their lack of a coordinate Russian program (which is what he ended up doing at another school). He inquired at the time about the whole Napoleanic Code thing and was told that it is virtually not an issue any longer. Obviously that is what you would expect Tulane faculty to say, but he seemed satisfied with their explanation as to why. That’s all I can say about it, I didn’t inquire further since he wasn’t going there.</p>

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<p>Tulane Law teaches Common Law also, so this is a non-issue. Though if I were the student in question, I wouldn’t bother to start picking out law schools yet, you’ve got a long way till the LSAT(:</p>

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<p>My point exactly.</p>

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<p>Although I mostly lurk I graduated from Tulane Law in the mid 1980’s. They taught common law for those of us who were not planning on staying in Louisiana. That was almost 75% of my classmates. I returned to NY after Law School and had no problem passing the NY bar, in fact all my friends also passed the Bar on the first try. If it were me I would go to Tulane.</p>

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<p>That is very interesting info, bklyngal. I will file that away since this does come up from time to time. But of course, this student is at least 4 years away from this making any difference to him.</p>

<p>Just out of curiosity, where did you go undergrad and what was your major?</p>

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<p>I went to City College of NY. I graduated high school at 16, and was not ready to live away from home. I was in a 6 year law program which guaranteed admission to Law School after 3 years of college. I didn’t want to go to the law school affiliated with the program, so I applied to Tulane Law. It was one of the best decisions I made. I am hoping to convince my son to give Tulane a look, when he starts his college search. I usually stay in the pre college forums, but always check out what is going on on the Tulane boards.</p>

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<p>thanks for all the info and insight about LA law. Ive still got a few years to even formally decide if im going to law school but its definitely the path i want to take. ill be visiting NOLA
in march when tulane has one of their formal accepted student days. again, thanks!</p>