I think my decision is going to come down to Tulane vs UF (in state)
I’ve visited UF multiple times and just don’t get a good feeling about it or feel at home like Tulane. However, I am concerned about the party school atmosphere at Tulane. I know UF is a party school too, but some seem to think Tulane is over the top. Is this true? Or do you think someone who is not a big partier but will go out occasionally fit in at Tulane. I’d be living in Wall, the honors dorm.
I’m not sure where but there have been posts on this topic. It seems like you would be fine as their are different types of people with different interests. Will you be attending Top Scholars weekend?
I am attending top scholars weekend! March 5-6!!
@sse13000 I think Tulane gets a rep for being a “party” school more because it’s located in New Orleans. While there will definitely be students who go out, there is so much more to a college experience at Tulane aside from that. There are always festivals or something going that has nothing to do with partying. There is also programing on campus geared towards alternative activities at night besides from going out.
@sse13000 my S (and family) will be there as well. We have never been to NOLA or the school so very excited.
Tulane is by no means an over the top party school. D, now a sophomore, was in honors dorm last year and had a good time that did not involve drinking 7 days a week. I think Tulane’s “party school” reputation derives from being in New Orleans.
If you’re going for your first visit to NOLA, some do’s and don’ts. Do walk down Maple Street near campus, and continue on to Oak St. Do walk to Dat Dog for lunch. Do walk down Magazine Street. Don’t walk down Bourbon Street, it is for out-of-towners just looking to get drunk, and very tacky. Do walk around other parts of the French Quarter. Do eat good food, which is easy to find.
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DS never seriously considered Tulane . . . did not want to be that far west or in New Orleans.
Are you from Florida? Bright Futures?
What is it that you don’t like about UF? We didn’t like the campus very much at all the first time we saw it, and DS has turned out to love it. But he is sort of a tech geek and not into partying at all.
Of course UF will not have an urban feel the way NO always will.
@SouthFloridaMom9 I really didn’t feel at home in the campus, everything feels huge and impersonal and spread out. Also, the whole gator culture is what everyone I go to school with wants but I really want to get away from all that.
Nothing wrong with that @sse13000. When I was your age I would have loved Tulane.
Where would you like to live after you graduate?
I just think that UF doesn’t ‘show’ well, but it lives well in the big scheme of things. You will see that university (whichever you choose) on your resume the rest of your life, chances are. Make sure you think long term.
I have no objection to Tulane (it’s a fine school!) for people who love it and I completely understand the desire to do something different. Did a similar thing myself.
@sse13000 - just my 2 cents. My daughter is also considering both schools and has her reservations about UF because it is the in-state school and too many people she knows will probably be there. She also wants to experience something new and different. I think that’s pretty common at your age. However, as a UF alumni, I will tell you that one of the best things about UF is that it is big. Due to its size it has so very much to offer. Although it may seem overwhelming, once you are on campus and start participating in activities you enjoy, you quickly find people that share the same interests as you and your world becomes small and comforting. Yet, you still have the option to explore and change your mind, and change who you are, without being judged.
When I was your age, I also didn’t want to go to UF because half my HS was going to be there, and I hated HS. But my parents didn’t allow me to have any other options. I was pretty down about it my 1st semester. However, as I met new people and found my place, it became home. I LOVE UF!!! I really did have the best 4 years of my life there. I never had to interact with anybody from my HS. I met my husband there. And the people I am best friends with today, over 20 years later, are still the people I bonded with freshman year.
So make the most of either option. Both are great!
@sse13000 Hi, in my opinion Tulane does not party as much as or as hard as schools like UF, Penn State, Michigan, etc. There is always someone staying in to do work or just relaxing. If you don’t want to be as involved in the party scene, definitely choose a living situation for freshman year other than Sharp or Monroe. It’s all about what you make of it: your dorm, your friends, if you choose to do greek life, etc.
@sse13000 In terms of academics, at Tulane you’re going to have more a personalized experience with every faculty member you meet because of the size. Professors here actually get to know your names even in freshman intro classes. This actually helps a lot because if you feel that the professor does not know you, you may not try as hard.
@Greenwavey That’s exactly what I want in terms of professor interaction, however on the partying front I’m concerned that since it is a smaller school it will be more difficult to find people who don’t party and it will feel more overwhelming.
@sse13000 It will be easy to find people who don’t party at Tulane. Each dorm as its own established reputation which draws its respective people: simply apply for housing to any dorm aside from Sharp and Monroe and you will find other academically-focused students. Most of your friends will likely be from your dorm. So, just choose a dorm that has a reputation that matches your personality.
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