<p>So basically I finished freshman year loving Tulane. Ever since the beginning of this year (I'm a soph) it just hasn't been the same for me. I don't feel like I've made the best group of friends. I tried rushing a sorority twice thinking it would help me network and didn't get in. Everyone I live with right now is going abroad next year so I have no idea what I'm gonna do about housing. And I came into Tulane a poli science major but picked up a double major in communications. I think I'm leaning towards doing something in the communications field but Tulane's comm department is frustrating me, I feel like it's one of the weaker ones here. Basically, my delima is that I love Tulane and New Orleans but I don't know if I'm completely happy here or if I'd be happier somewhere else. I love New Orleans for being such a unique city and the culture that comes along with it, but I don't know if I could survive 2 more years here feelings like this. </p>
<p>Help me decide...should I stay or should I go?</p>
<p>What are your other options? Which schools did you turn down to attend Tulane? You might want to check with students attending your ‘other’ choices to see where they stand too…</p>
<p>What is it about the communications program that you are dissatisfied with? Make sure you do some “due diligence” and really check out the depth of the programs offered at other schools that have communications as a major if that is now your focus. Then you can compare it to the one you are in now. Maybe knowing that you will have better opportunities for internships and/or a stronger more in depth communications/media program or a chance at certifications in your area of interst could help you decide if a move makes sense.</p>
<p>Well when I was applying to schools in the first place I don’t feel like I really knew what I wanted. The main reason I chose Tulane was money (I’m in honors here). The other schools i was really considering were UDel, UC Berkeley, USC, Lehigh, BU, American, SUNY Binghamton, & Brandeis
I’m dissatisfied with the communications department here because I haven’t found many classes that I find interesting within the department. Most credits I need are upper-level and classes are very specific on topics that I don’t know much about. I also have had trouble fitting classes into my schedule because there aren’t all that many offered and most only have one section.</p>
<p>californiacation9- i’m a sophomore as well and i agree that this year has been entirely different than freshman year. people are already in their “groups” and it is much harder to make friends. the intensity of the coursework has also been amped up, and so there is also less time for socializing. luckily, even though i have no interest in greek life, i’m made a solid group of best friends freshman year, and have know lots of people through my various leadership positions in science clubs on campus.</p>
<p>i know nothing in regards to the communications department…</p>
<p>are you looking at living off campus, or trying to get into aron/willow for junior year?</p>
<p>i’m sorry you haven’t had the best experience here. i must add, however, that a lot of your complaints/frustrations probably won’t be fixed by switching schools. here are my suggestions:
join some clubs or organizations to try to meet people
go talk to the professors in the communications department. tell them exactly what kind of courses you wish the department had and look into setting up an independent study course if your needs aren’t being met
you should still look into other options, but keep in mind that it will be hard to get into an honors program/still get a scholarship at another school at this stage in your education</p>
<p>Thanks tulane14! That actually does help a lot. My living situation for next year is actually part of what’s gotten me down. I have no idea what I’m doing for it. I would love to go off campus, but I don’t wanna get a house unless it’s with people I can trust since there are a lot of saftey issues around Tulane. That’s why I might just end up in a random Aron apartment but I’m not sure.</p>
<p>I think Tulane14 gives you very strong advice. If you can find a prof you really like in the communications and poli sci areas and try and find a way to meld those together, that might help you a lot. Obviously one very politically active professor that is a current star in the communications area is Melissa Harris-Perry, but I am sure there are others within the two departments that can help you determine a path for your junior and senior years that will get you involved in such a way that you will feel more satisfied. Balance that with finding a club or two to get active in, and I think the situation would look brighter for you. Certainly there are also religious organizations that are very social, if you are inclined that way.</p>
<p>Have you met with your advisor, or Dean Luongo, of the honors program, to discuss these issues? They may be great resources to address your concerns. Good luck!</p>
<p>I don’t go to Tulane but I am also a sophomore. I haven’t made any real friends. I joined a club last semester and will continue with it but I’m still not really “friends” with them. Like I don’t have lunch with them or talk to on Facebook. I just see/talk to them in school and during class.</p>
<p>I don’t have a child in Tulane but my niece, who attends a different school, kinda felt like you this year too. She is a sophmore and came from a small highschool environment. In January of last year her best friend left suddenly due to some health issues. My niece woke up one morning, went to her friends room and she was gone. She was devastated. We spoke to her and reminded her that college is all about moving out of your comfort zone. So she did and enjoyed the rest of her freshman year. Then this year her new best friend, decided suddenly not to return after Christmas break. She transferred to another school. Again, my niece was shocked and especially since it was a transfer situation, which meant that the girl knew all along that leaving was a very distinct possibility. Again, it made my niece ‘have to’ branch out and make other friends. I agree with Fallenchemist and Tulane14 that you have to get out and join clubs, intramural sports, religious groups, etc etc etc. You really have to try and socialize. Switching schools may not be the answer.</p>
<p>I have a really good friend that goes to Tulane and I have visited her twice. She rushed her freshman year and did not get the sorority she wanted and dropped, but she has seemed to stay happy making friends elsewhere. You should consider whether or not you think that being a part of a sorority would actually make you happier. There are tons of other ways to make friends if that’s what you’re worried about. Is there anyone you are close to at school that you have talked to about it? I knew a sophomore last year who transferred to UNH from JMU because of family issues and her biggest problem was meeting new people as a junior because everyone lived off campus and already had their friend group. I would give it some serious thought before you make a decision because that may not be the solution to your problem. Good luck with whatever you decide.</p>
<p>I transferred out of Tulane after only staying one semester (Fall 2011). I am now a second-semester freshman at a new school and I couldn’t be happier about my choice. While we don’t have the same exact issues with Tulane, I agree that one of the hardest parts was leaving New Orleans and the Tulane campus itself. It’s such a special place and I felt guilty for wanting to leave it behind. It was a tough decision, but I just wasn’t happy there and I knew it could be better somewhere else. I didn’t really like most of the people I met at Tulane and I also hated being a Public Health major, which was a big reason I chose it in the first place. I guess the environment was a huge culture shock as well. Regardless, remember that your problems may be fixed if you transfer or they might not. For example, I rushed this semester and didn’t get into the sororities I wanted so I dropped out. You are definitely at a disadvantage being a transfer student in certain situations. Most importantly, don’t let the people at Tulane try to convince you to stay or let your friends at other schools try to convince you to leave. Do what’s best for you, and deep down you probably already know what that is.</p>
<p>when i was at tulane i actually found the communication program to be really challenging and interesting. the higher level and required courses that you take when you are a junior and senior were not easy and in general, really expanded my thinking on media and society. however, i did find that the communication program at tulane is much more theoretical rather than practical. while communication programs at other schools may focus more on practical applications like public speaking, advertising, or graphic design (just examples, i really have no idea what other communication programs actually focus on) tulane’s communication program is much more focused on the hows and whys of media and what it has to do with society. it is also much more focused on writing and thinking. what i got from it, and what communication professors will tell you, is that tulane’s program is very much geared to the student who would like to go on to graduate school. i hope that gives you some insight, but i’d encourage you to talk to vicki mayer (i believe she is still the head of the department), about what it is that you might want to get from the program. they are very accommodating and can help you tailor the major to what suits you. did you check into political communication classes? i know i took one when i was there. just an idea! lastly, i found the communication program to be absolutely fantastic at internship placement. they regularly send out e-mails on a listserv of communication majors (if you don’t receive them just make sure you sign up by talking to the department) about internships and temporary projects around new orleans, and even all over the country. my friends who were interested in film and television had tons of opportunities because of all the filming that’s being done in new orleans, while i myself was able to land a paid music internship my junior year.</p>
<p>so that is more information about the comm. dept., hopefully that will make it a little bit easier for you in that regard. but you still have to make the decision whether you will be happy at tulane or not. i wish i could help you more there!</p>
<p>Try engaging more deeply, and start some conversations with those who may be able to help. Meet with the department head and other professors in the Communications Dept. Tell them about your concerns - can’t find interesting classes, scheduling, etc. and tell them what about communications interests you. Ask for their help in overcoming the problems and putting together a plan. Don’t be shy. If you express strong interest, you will get help. Seek out clubs and other opportunities where communications come into play and get involved in those; e.g. newspaper, job in Admissions, debate club, radio station, performing arts, etc. Good luck!</p>
<p>Right on. I’m a freshman at Tulane and I am applying to transfer, as well. I received the 20k scholarship, invitation to the honors program (an absolute ruse), in addition to several other perks when I applied. Many students in this year’s freshman class have seriously contemplated transferring–about a 1/4 of my floor in Butler Hall is trying to, in fact. Among other reasons, the most frequently cited complaints are:</p>
<p>1) Largely unmotivated, homogenous, Westchester County students
2) A lack of on-campus engagement and true pride for the school
3) Mediocre academics with an even less impressive reputation
4) Weak business and engineering programs (see reason #1)</p>
<p>And for reference, I am EXTREMELY involved on campus in a variety of activities. This is not to say that Tulane has been a horrible experience, but rather, that Tulane is truly a mediocre school which does not warrant the once-deserved reputation it had over 10 years ago. PM if you have questions.</p>
<p>i am a senior and i was going through similar stuff my sophomore year. junior year i lived off campus with 3 close friends. just the fact that we had our own couch, kitchen and tv made life alot better. also i got involved with kids outside of the tulane bubble (boot/palms) i started working for a music company and now im doing work with music festivals and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.</p>
<p>but i know i was feeling the same thing a couple years ago. and my best advice is to keep your friends close, know that you dont have to stay in the tulane bubble, find people that want to get out and explore the city with you. and get a dog.</p>
<p>part of going to college is figuring out your work ethic - and what you want to do when you arnt working. everyone is different and ya just gotta find the cool kids.</p>
As if. Our retention rate last year was the highest it has ever been, and I doubt this year’s is lower–and if it is, it’s not by much. When one considers the fact that so many students come from hundreds of miles away, and 90% to 91% of them choose to return, I believe it speaks volumes. </p>
<p>Frankly, your bad experience is the exception and I feel sorry for you. </p>
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<p>This made me laugh. Honestly.</p>
<p>Largely unmotivated Westchester County students? Please. The most represented state on campus is Louisiana. Is it true that some New Englanders come here on Mommy and Daddy’s dime and party every other day? Sure. Are they the majority? Absolutely not. If you want to find people at Tulane who are motivated about being future leaders, future doctors, future lawyers, future CEOs, you can find them. I have. I looked, and I found. Did you? </p>
<p>Tulane students don’t have pride?! We have so much pride–and we don’t even have our sports teams to rally around. The only one not showing pride is you. I honestly have never heard anyone say Tulane students don’t have pride in our school. Seriously. I swear, if you walk down McAllister all you’ll see is Tulane t-shirts. </p>
<p>And a weak business program?! And engineering programs? Hilarious. Freeman is ranked probably top 40 nationally, and the only thing weak about our engineering program is its different offerings-which, by the way, we are getting back. I work in the BME office in Boggs and sorted our applications for our grad school BME program. We got in apps from Princeton and Stanford and a few other schools of that ilk. Don’t be ignorant and speak on things about which you have no clue. </p>
<p>As far as mediocre academics, please. That’s all relative, and I’d love to know what school you’re comparing us to. Take classes that challenge you, this time around.</p>
<p>It is sad to see a few unhappy students come here and make Tulane look bad, because less than 150 or so kids from our class of 1650 will leave Tulane–and a lot of those are for money reasons, NOT because they dislike the school. For every student like shermani, we have dozens who love Tulane, students who’s stories you aren’t reading about.</p>
<p>I apologize if my post is a bit harsh, but I took every single line of yours personally. I love Tulane and I’ve had the most amazing year of my life. I am nothing but excited about my future.</p>
<p>I’ve learned this year, though, that some people just can’t open themselves up to new experiences, to new things and places. Some people just can’t be happy. Tulane isn’t a good place for students who don’t love it (probably because of how much school pride we have…). Students who who love Tulane are the norm, and it’s easy to feel left out of the community when you don’t… And to be honest, I’d much rather have our community be full of people who love Tulane than not…</p>
<p>By the way, shermani, I see that you have applied to transfer to USC and an ivy league school.</p>
<p>Coming from Tulane–a “mediocre” school as you described it–you don’t believe you’ll actually get into those prestigious institutions, do you? They just don’t take transfers from anywhere, do they? </p>
<p>I know that unhappy people exist at every school, but the places this thread is going are pretty ridiculous…</p>
<p>All I can say is that I know A LOT of people on campus and that I’ve never met another student who claimed to be extremely dissatisfied with or “unhappy” at Tulane. The only people I’ve met who have contemplated transferring are those with financial issues (i.e. lost their scholarship due to poor grades).</p>