WashU vs. Tulane Honors Program

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tulane University
1

<p>I have yet to visit WashU (but I most likely will next month unless I get in somewhere significantly better) and I went to Tulane for Honors Weekend last weekend :).</p>

<p>I got a 25k/year scholarship at Tulane and I didn't apply for FA at WashU. My parents have told me not to consider money in making my decision but I can't help but consider it anyway since $100,000 is a LOT of money.</p>

<p>Tulane
Pros
*Weather (only 2 weeks of winter)
*Money
*Great city, but to be honest I did not enjoy downtown while I was there
*I really liked the people who I stayed with, but didn't QUITE get that click (so I guess this is a pro and a con :P)
*I've already registered for classes (nonbinding but won't change if i end up going) so I currently have no classes before 11 and no classes later than 4 every day except Thursday (but this will most likely change a bit because I have this annoying 3 hour block of 3 classes in a row)</p>

<p>Cons
*Crappy dorms (I stayed in Wall which is supposedly the nicest one)
*Mehh food with only 1 dining hall where meal swipes can be used
*Wide breadth of programs, but not particularly amazing for any of them</p>

<p>WashU
Pros
*Top 20 school, so the "Wide breadth of programs, but not particularly amazing for any of them" thing should not be a problem like it is at Tulane
*Amazing dorms (or so I've heard)
*Great food (or so I've heard)</p>

<p>Cons
*Paying full tuition
*St. Louis is probably not as great as NOLA
*Weather (but I'm from NY so it's not a huge deal for me)</p>

<p>I'm sure there are more pros and cons for each but that's my initial list. I'm copy and pasting this into the Tulane board as well. I'm a prospective science major (probably chem or biochem but there's also a slight chance of some sort of physics or evolutionary/ecological biology) but 99% sure I'm NOT premed. I have no interest in anatomy/physiology and I'm not a fan of being around blood. As of now, I see myself getting a PhD and either going into academia or becoming a patent lawyer. From what I've heard, a large portion of PhD programs are funded.</p>

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<p>Your pros for WashU include the US News rankings and two things you have yet to see for yourself? Lol. And a ‘con’ for attending Tulane is the food? New Orleans is known world wide for its cuisine. </p>

<p>Saying that Tulane “isn’t particularly amazing” at anything makes it seem as if you have already made up your mind, and if this is true, I suggest you don’t try to force yourself to attend Tulane. You wouldn’t stay…</p>

<p>WashU is an amazingly elite school; Tulane is great too, but certainly they are not on the same level. Just go where you want to go, and I think you already know where that is.</p>

3

<p>@smchls, I don’t plan on eating out often so I meant the food at Bruff. OF COURSE the food in NOLA itself is amazing XD.</p>

<p>I can’t really don’t know much about WashU yet which is why my list seems kind of shallow. I suppose maybe this thread is useless unless I visit, but I really am feeling pulled in both directions. The thing is, if it weren’t for the money, I would probably pick WashU in a heartbeat. Still there are things I absolutely adored about Tulane, like the weather, the fact that I got to register early for classes, this laid-back feeling in general that I got when I went there. However, it didn’t exactly scream “COME HERE!” when I went there for me. President Cowan talked a lot about “fit” at his speech there, and I don’t know if it’s the right “fit” for me, but I’m sure if I went there I could find my niche.</p>

<p>Oh and another pro: Community service requirements. I’m particularly excited about my TIDES class that I signed up for. It’s one about education in New Orleans, so for the service component I will probably get to help out at some schools in the area. That’s something I’ve been doing for the past few years of HS and it would be awesome that I’d get class credit for it at Tulane.</p>

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<p>i got into WashU and visited and i personally didn’t even like it that much. u should visit both schools before making your decision. </p>

<p>also, i got the feeling that WashU is a more sink or swim kind of environment than Tulane. while Tulane is competitive, it is by no means cutthroat or super intense. lastly, you should also consider the benefits of being a top student at Tulane vs being just like everyone else at WashU.</p>

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<p>I think it’s also important to note that right now I’m a bit more excited about WashU because I’ve had my Tulane acceptance since early December so I’m kind of taking it for granted a bit XD.</p>

<p>I don’t know… it’s just that it’s so hard to turn down a top 20 school, especially one that supposedly has some of the nicest dorms in the country. Don’t get me wrong though, Tulane left a great impression on me. Much better than expected, especially after I spent the night before Honors Weekend downtown and was a bit skeptical.</p>

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<p>RainbowRose: I am going to try to address your dorm comments. I am honestly not seen the dorm rooms at WashU, but I have heard that they are very nice. I do have a daughter at Vanderbilt where the freshman dorms are considered to be very nice. Frankly, I agree that the exterior of Tulane’s older freshman dorms are dated, but I have seen the rooms (we were there this past weekend for honors weekend) and I can honestly say that the rooms are fairly standard as compared to the many dorm rooms I have seen in college shopping with now two children. I guess I am saying, a dorm room is pretty much a dorm room, and as far as the actual rooms themselves, I think the rooms at Tulane are fine. It would be nice if they were all brand new and the exterior was more attractive, but you aren’t living on the outside of the building. So, I guess my point is, I wouldn’t let that particular issue be a deciding factor. Your dorm situation changes every year and while my daughter was very excited about her nice new dorms for her freshman year, sophomore year was a rude awakening. From what I saw at Tulane, the dorms appear to improve for upperclassmen who choose to live on campus compared to what the freshman live in. Someone else who knows more about the inside of those dorms will have to comment on the interior though.</p>

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<p>By the way, thanks for all the responses!! I have no response at all on the WashU board if that says anything XDD. I just don’t know… there’s a very large part of me saying “go to Tulane, you loved it and you’ll most likely do very well there as long as you try” and another equally large part of me is saying “go to WashU it’s an amazing school.”</p>

<p>Something else that’s kind of pushing me away from Tulane is that I have a couple of family members who are currently attending Tulane and I kind of want to make my “own” decision.</p>

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<p>I’ll chime in and start out by saying that A) I grew up in St. Louis pretty close to Wash U and I know it quite well; and B) WUSTL was also my D’s other main choice. She loved the campus, did think the dorms were great (although she has been absolutely fine with Butler and JL), thought the students were very smart and engaged, although not quite as upbeat as those at Tulane, and in general would have been very happy to go there. If she had gotten the full tuition at WUSTL like she did at Tulane, it would have been a tough decision. Like you, she wanted to form her own path and my being an alum was actually a bit of a negative, although only slight because Tulane has changed a lot in 30 years and I think now she is kind of glad we have common experiences that are still different.</p>

<p>Since it is likely you will go to grad school, I wouldn’t get hung up at all on the “top 20” thing. It really won’t make a difference in you going to Harvard, Princeton, Berkeley or wherever for grad school. If you do well at Tulane and if you do well at WUSTL, your chances truly are equal. It will depend a lot more on your doing research and getting a good rec, and that can happen either place.</p>

<p>You will eat out a bit more than you probably think you will, especially now that the Tulane cards can be used at some local places. I suspect that list of places will continue to grow. And while the food at WUSTL is very very good, their plan is also a lot more expensive, or at least it was when she was looking 2 years ago. Bruff has a lot of choices, plus there is the food in the LBC. I suspect you will find a lot of food you like.</p>

<p>I rather disagree that many of the Tulane programs are not first rate, but even so I again would say that for undergrad you are not focusing on one subject full time like you are in grad school. You will get an extremely solid foundation in whatever major(s) you choose, and get to do some great research. This, plus having an active life outside the classroom, is really what you want from undergrad. It is your last chance to really have this kind of life (not to sound melodramatic). Grad school is like a job, believe me. So keep your eye on the overall picture, and don’t overly weight a particular “program”.</p>

<p>Having said that, I will contradict myself slightly (only slightly because it isn’t a major but a very special program) and remind you to look into Newcomb Scholars. This might not appeal to you, or you might think it is completely amazing. If it is for you and you get accepted, it can mean some great interdisciplinary research and a great experience.</p>

<p>I think WUSTL is a great school, I really do. The administration is top notch, the staff is beyond helpful, the campus is great, and they have super resources. Most likely you would be very happy there. However, I think Tulane has all those things as well, some more so, some a bit less so but pretty much similar. What Tulane has that WUSTL doesn’t (WUSTL might have things Tulane doesn’t but they will have to blow their own horn, lol) is the commitment to community service, as you pointed out, better weather, and New Orleans, and all that the last entails. Two fabulous choices, I just really encourage you not to get hung up on the higher ranking. In the end that will be pretty meaningless.</p>

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<p>My D was faced with the same choice three years ago and chose Wash U. She’s been very happy there, but I think she would have had a good experience at Tulane, as well.
Wash U does have amazing facilities - beautiful dorms, dining venues, student center etc. And the administration really caters to the students in every possible way. The school is very nurturing, provides a lot of social activities, and fosters a strong sense of community – especially on the “South 40,” where freshman and sophomores live. However, I have not been that impressed with the education my D has received as an engineering major. Many of her science and math classes were quite large and she hasn’t had any professors who were outstanding teachers or with whom she has bonded. It doesn’t seem like there are a lot of research opportunities in her field (Systems Engineering). And I worry about her getting a job when she graduates. Not a lot of on-campus recruiters; kids have to really seek out the jobs themselves. The main reason she decided against Tulane is that, at the time, the student body seemed to be dominated by hard-partiers and slackers. However, I think a lot has changed in three years. Now my son is trying to choose between Tulane (with large scholarship) and some higher-ranked schools (without any aid), and I’m urging him to seriously consider Tulane.</p>

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<p>I just want to say that I think Tulane’s programs are pretty awesome in terms of prestige. It’s a private school and during honors weekend I was really surprised at the caliber of students, like yourself, that were considering Tulane, much better than the kids at my other choice (Ohio State). I wouldn’t make the decision based on prestige. You can’t really go wrong with either, and WUSTL is crazy for some majors. I know some really suicidal pre-meds there.</p>

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<p>Steverino - You and I posted nearly simultaneously. Very interesting about your D’s experience at WUSTL. It is one of the few negatives I hear about WUSTL, that the faculty can be a bit aloof. I always figured that was an overgeneralization and exaggerated, and I am sure there are many that are quite approachable. But there is NO question that in general (again there are always exceptions of course) the Tulane faculty is extremely undergrad focused, very friendly and approachable, and committed to helping the undergraduate student. My D is extremely happy with Tulane in this regard, having gotten to know a number of faculty members well and often enjoying their stories and conversations outside of class.</p>

<p>I think you are right that immediately post-Katrina, Tulane had that appearance of having more of a hard-partying group. That has changed a lot as far as dominance for a few reasons. The academic quality of the class has gotten better, the administration is cracking down some on overt drunkenness, and there are more programs in place to provide alternatives to drinking. I think those people were always a small minority, but of course they would stand out a lot. If there are 10 people standing there being normal and one guy passing out on the quad after throwing up, who are you going to notice, LOL? But the bottom line is this has definitely gotten much better.</p>

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<p>Rainbowrose,
I am also a current high school senior who attended the Honors Weekend at Tulane. I thought the most helpful thing to do would tell you why I personally have chosen Tulane over some more prestigious schools.</p>

<p>I was lucky enough to receive the Dean’s Honor Scholarship, so financially I would be in great shape, which was definitely a factor for my family and me. If your parents say money isn’t a factor, don’t put too much thought into the cost. Just mentally erase any thought of money from your mind and focus on finding the right fit, just like President Cowen said. </p>

<p>I also would like to get a PhD, so my counselor said it may be advantageous to go to a school with a very reputable program and great research opportunities where I could be a top student. I’m sure you would do great at WUSTL, but it is insanely competitive. It would be harder (but definitely not impossible) to be one of the top students going there. Being a top student would allow more access to the fantastic research opportunities which could help me stand out when I’m being considered for grad school. Once you gain a graduate degree, few people care where you went for undergrad. The only person’s opinion that matters is your own. </p>

<p>Tulane students were very kind and laid-back, yet still determined and intelligent. Everybody I talked to said fellow students are supportive of each other, even while competing for the same research spot or grant. Even a professor said she was stunned at how well everybody got along amongst different departments. There seems to be little drama amongst students and faculty. </p>

<p>Johns Hopkins has been my dream school for a long time. I visited in the fall and liked it quite a lot. Seeing as I want to major in biology and Johns Hopkins has notable strength in that area, it all seemed perfect. Then I visited Tulane. I LOVED everything about it. The campus, the people, the area, and the professors. I could easily picture myself there. While I could have chosen a college with nicer dorms or a five star food plan, I don’t think I will spend much time caring about those things. I plan on being very active during my four years, so I think I will spend most of my time in the dorm sleeping and studying. There is also so much outdoor space available to use and with the beautiful weather, I think I would spend less time in my dorm than I would at any other college I was considering. Also, none of the students I talked to seemed at all concerned with their living quarters’ size. I also thought Tulane’s meals at Bruff were good. If meals were too good, I’d have a feeling I would put on more than the Freshman 15. </p>

<p>I think once you visit Wash. U, the decision will become easier. You said yourself that if it weren’t for the money, you’d pick Wash. U. in a heartbeat. I think that speaks for itself. I wish you luck at whichever school you choose to attend.</p>

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<p>My S is a freshman at Tulane and I attended Wash U as a biology major many years ago. Wash U. offers amazing research opportunities. Not that Tulane does have similar type opportunities, but my impression still today is that Wash U. cannot be beat for a biology/biochemistry degree. Opportunities for research are amazing in St. Louis both through the University and industry like Monsanto. I personally love St. Louis. There are many good restaurants and the park across from the University is a great resource. I definitely suggest a visit. When I visited a friend at Tulane during my freshman year, I could not believe how different the schools were and I could not see myself at Tulane. But my S likes it and everyone has different expectations of college. You will know by the feel of the school when you visit. I was sure when I visited WUSTL that it was the place for me even though my parents hated St. Louis.</p>

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<p>

LOL, I hope there was another “not” missing there, mom? You are right that WUSTL is fantastic for biology research. My g/f from high school got her PhD from WUSTL doing amazing research in their biology/physiology areas, and has been on the faculty at a large state university medical school for years. Her labs were actually at the Barnes Hospital site a couple miles from WUSTL.</p>

<p>I think St. Louis is nice in many ways, and just like the Tulane students have Audubon Park, WUSTL students have Forest Park. Both even have zoos and a golf course. Just like Tulane students have Oak Street and Magazine Street and the like, WUSTL students have the Delmar Loop area (although I think Tulane has a slight edge there, but WUSTL has better “traditional” shopping closer). So on and so forth. In reality, in many ways the schools are quite similar, more so than different for sure. Yet they do have a pretty different vibe, so I completely agree that one will “click” with some students while the other may not, and who knows which that will be for any given student. I think the biggest difference is probably New Orleans and its uniqueness. Either you get it and like/love it, or your don’t. If you do it can be hard to turn down. In the end, though, most students would probably like both. As I and others have said, nice choices to have.</p>

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<p>Bump since I just got waitlisted at Northwestern, so my Ivy chances aren’t looking good and it will most likely come down to these two schools.</p>

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<p>You never know. Probably the motto of this site could be “Admissions are a crapshoot”. Eh, why would you want an Ivy anyway? LOL.</p>