Tulane has always been a school in which I’ve been highly interested. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve performed deep research and attended an information session. After both exercises, I believe Tulane is the right and best fit for me. The big issue, in my point of view, is that I’ve been unable to visit Tulane and don’t have the ability to prior to the Early Action deadline (ED is not an option due to financial constraints).
Does this leave me at a serious disadvantage in writing the “Why” essay? How can I make up for the account that I haven’t visited the campus?
No, you are not at a serious disadvantage. I don’t know what percent of applicants don’t have a chance to visit campus, but it is considerable. I would even go so far as to say that a significant percentage of the applicants who consider Tulane to be in their top 3-4 have not visited. After all, over half the students every year are from the West Coast area and New England/Northeast. That’s a trip that many just cannot fit in before applying. A lot know they can only visit once and many opt to wait and see if they are accepted first, so as to maximize the utility of the trip. So obviously they had not visited before writing their essay either.
There are also local information sessions hosted by Admission officers. In fact, I just received an email today from Tulane “We’re coming to a city near you!” where they talk about the local information sessions. This is another way to show interest.
You have come to the decision that Tulane is the right fit? Why? There is the essay! Visiting is nice, but watch the videos and listen to the admissions rep and speak from your heart. Good luck!