TulaneBarry [Another Current-Student Volunteer ... so Ask Away!]

Hi y’all,

My name is Barry, and I am a Senior at Tulane University majoring in Finance and Marketing with a minor in Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship. I have had the pleasure of helping out in the Tulane Admission Office for the past three years. Although I am not speaking on behalf of the Admission Office, I look forward to contributing to CC as a way to give back to Tulane.

After going through the college process, and seeing many others go through the same process, I have gained a superior understanding of Tulane and its admission process. I am happy to join this group and provide my insight, opinions, and information to anyone willing to listen! I am excited to be a resource for everyone looking to learn more about anything Tulane, NOLA, or college related.

I look forward to being a very active member on College Confidential. Looking forward to our future interactions!

Thanks, @TulaneBarry- As the parent of a current Tulane sophomore, I have a question for you:

Did you ever spend a summer at Tulane? If so, what kept you there? Did you live on campus? Was the Tulane campus full of activity as it is during the school year or did it feel too quiet? Thanks!

@Sally_Rubenstone - although I have never spent a Summer at Tulane, I am always told that I need to experience a Summer in NOLA. As much as I would have loved to stay in New Orleans for a summer, my internships were located in other cities. The campus is not going to be full since many people still do choose to return home for the Summer. Still, there are a good amount of people that will stay in New Orleans and do the business minor or work in the city. It will definitely be more quiet on Tulane’ campus, and in the city (since many people leave to avoid the heat). With that being said, the summer in New Orleans offers a great way for students to take advantage of parts of NOLA they may have yet to explore during the school year. There are a plethora of free concerts, summer festivals, and ways to stay busy during the summer months. White Linen Night, Red Dress Run, and free concerts at Tipitina’s are just a few of the great things to do in NOLA over the summer. If you can handle the heat, I definitely recommend spending a summer down here (as a student).

@TulaneBarry -Thanks for the speedy and thorough reply. What’s the scuttlebutt on the Summer Business Minor? Do people say that it’s killer work that doesn’t offer much breathing room between the spring and fall terms or do they feel that the vibe is a bit more chill than during the “real” terms?

My son did the Tulane Summer in Copenhagen program in June/early July. Even though the students were kept hopping with two 3-credit classes squeezed into just four weeks plus lots of field trips and group activities, I think that the professors realized that it was summer and they wanted the participants to have fun while they completed the work. (By the way, it was a great program … SO well run … I highly recommend it.)

But I noticed that the Summer Business Minor is TWO short “terms” in the summer (and students must do both), unlike Denmark which was just four weeks. So I wonder if some students feel that it’s TOO intense for a hot summer. Have you heard comments?

@Sally_Rubenstone - The Tulane Summer Business Minor is definitely more ‘chill’ than your regular fall/spring term. However, that isn’t saying that it’s easy. It’s still a very intensive program and you are taking 19-21 credits in a smaller time span than that of a normal semester. Professors understand it’s the summer and understand you’re taking 3-4 other business classes at the same time.

I guess in one sentence to sum it up: the business minor is an intensive program to boost students ahead, however the classes and professors are as much understanding of it being summer and are a little more laid back

Hi @TulaneBarry . First off, thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions-- your input is truly appreciated by so many. Do many departments offer opportunities for research during the summer? I’m specifically wondering about Neuroscience and/or Gender Studies since I want to study both.

@SoyUnaMagdalena - It is my pleasure. I love hearing all of the excitement that the members of the Tulane threads have!

For certain departments, such as Science & Engineering, students will work with professors to find ways for that student to conduct research over the summer. As you may have heard, undergraduates are able to participate in research at Tulane (which is not always available at the undergraduate level). For example, Tulane offers a Neuroscience Summer Research Program. This allows students to spend 9 weeks, over the summer, conducting research with various Tulane professors.

Many departments that offer research during the school year (Science & Engineering) will offer some sort of program over the Summer. To be completely honest, the relationships that TU students form with their professors is very unique. This close relationship allows students to work directly with professors to find opportunities to conduct research at Tulane (over the Summer) or in New Orleans. I have not heard of Gender Studies offering summer research opportunities, but that does not mean it can’t happen if you come to Tulane!

@TulaneBarry -Again, thanks. You’ve confirmed what I suspected. I have no idea if my son has the time or interest to do this but it seems like a good way to have a self-contained business program regardless of major.

@Sally_Rubenstone - I definitely recommend that your student speaks with his academic advisor and a business school academic advisor. They will be able to map out his entire 4-year schedule and see the effect the minor would have on his coursework. They will look and see if this is feasible or recommended. I always go to my advisors before making this type of decision, since they have been working with me throughout all my semesters as a Tulane students. It would definitely be a good conversation to have!

Also, the business school would be able to put your son in contact with someone who has done the business minor, which would probably be beneficial. The business minor is a great way for someone to obtain that b school experience/knowledge, without interfering with their fall/spring semesters/schedules/classes.

I look forward to hearing what your son decides to do!

@TulaneBarry -My son might actually LOL when he hears about this conversation that you and I are having because this business-program gambit might be entirely MY idea and not his at all. I know that, when he was still in high school, he was talking vaguely about a business career. Since then he has moved in a different direction so I don’t know if he still wants to consider a business program or if that ship has sailed! But I’ll definitely ask him and, if he’s at all interested, I’ll suggest that he follow the recommendations you offered. Thank you.

thanks @TulaneBarry ! I actually had no idea about the Neuroscience Summer Research Program, thanks for that info!