Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, and Tulane University, under feet of water, closed for a semester and dispersed its students around the country to continue their education. The hurricane was a turning point in Tulane’s history; in the past fifteen years, Tulane University has come roaring back and is now one of the most popular colleges in the country. Tulane’s Admission officers say the students here are passionate, self-aware and intrinsically movitated.
Academics at Tulane University
Tulane is a medium-sized research university, known for a number of specialized academic programs: they are home to the only school of tropical medicine in the country. They are also one of the few colleges with a public health undergraduate major. Tulane’s environmental studies and biomedical engineering programs are very strong, with excellent internship opportunities in the area. Musical theatre and Tulane’s music program are strong here; keep in mind you’re in an amazing city for jazz!
Outside the Classroom at Tulane University
Known for its institutional dedication to community service, Tulane University is perfect for students who are deeply committed and passionate about helping others. Tulane’s hallmark TIDES program is a seminar-style course all first-year students take, with an experiential learning portion built into the curriculum. For many, this comes in the form of community service. Tulane’s location in New Orleans places it squarely where community service is desperately needed. At the same time, Admissions Director Jeff Schiffman warns students not to be struck with “savior syndrome;” that is, students with privilege should approach local community service in New Orleans as a learning experience.
Crawfest is Tulane’s signature student-run annual music and jazz festival, with a healthy dose of local cuisine sprinkled throughout.
Admission to Tulane University
Tulane’s admit rate has steadily dropped, and hovers around 11%. Students who earn Tulane’s top merit awards are also being admitted to top schools, including Ivy League universities.
Students are not admitted by major; you can apply as any major and change your major the first day of your freshman year! Eighty percent of students pursue both a major and a minor.
Tulane University cares (a lot) about applicants demonstrating interest in attending. With their increased popularity, Tulane is looking for students who can demonstrate their fit for Tulane – both how they’ll take advantage of Tulane’s offerings, but also, how they will contribute to the community, through their “Why Tulane?” essay. Interviews are strongly recommended and students can demonstrate their interest this way as well. Tulane University is ever more concerned about how students are aware of and responding to their privilege and the changing world around them.
All students are considered for Tulane’s basic merit scholarships with their application; there are several full-tuition special scholarships, including one based on dedication to community service, which require separate applications. Tulane is moving closer towards meeting full demonstrated financial need, and may reduce merit scholarships to accomplish this goal.
Evelyn visited Tulane in fall, 2017. You can see all of the photos from her visit here.
