Navigating Tulane’s Admissions Process
Tulane University, located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, offers a blend of rigorous academics, rich cultural experiences, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. Known for its unique programs ranging from Architecture to Jazz Studies, Tulane provides an enriching environment for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Tulane uses a holistic admissions process, considering not only academic achievements but also personal qualities and genuine engagement with the University. Understanding what makes Tulane special and how to align your application with its values is key to making a strong impression.
GPA
Your academic record will be the most important factor in the Tulane admission review process. Aim to take as many AP, IB, A-level, and Honors classes as possible while maintaining strong grades. Tulane admissions values the rigor of a transcript as much as it values your actual GPA. The average (recalculated & unweighted) GPA for the Tulane Class of 2028 was 3.71. Tulane uses core academic classes only (english, math, science, history/social studies, and world language) to recalculate an applicant’s GPA.
Test Scores
Tulane is test-optional, and for the Class of 2028, a majority of enrolling students did not submit test scores.
For students submitting test scores, the average SAT for the Class of 2028 was 1461, and the average ACT was 32.8. We recently met with Owen Knight, the Director of Admissions Marketing & Communications, Jorge Haise, the Associate Director, and Valencia Jones, the Director for Diversity Initiatives. During our meeting, Mr. Haise was very candid and shared that students with an ACT below a 32 or an SAT below a 1461 should apply test optional.
Major Selection
Unlike many other schools, your choice of major on the Tulane application will typically not have any impact on your admissions decision. Students are admitted into all five schools, and there are no hoops to jump through to switch majors or schools as a Tulane undergrad. With that said, Mr. Knight did indicate that admissions “may” give a closer look to applicants to Engineering and Architecture.
Deadlines
Application deadlines are also a significant factor in an applicant’s chances of admission.
Early Decision I and II deadlines typically fall on November 15th and January 15th, respectively. The Early Decision I acceptance rate is upwards of 50%, while the Early Decision II acceptance rate falls slightly below Early Decision I.
The Early Action deadline is November 15th, and if not applying Early Decision I, applicants are strongly advised to apply Early Action since the Regular Decision acceptance rate is “microscopic,” according to Owen Knight. The Early Action acceptance rate is typically in the mid-teens.
During our conversation, we learned from Mr. Knight and Mr. Haise that, despite the very low acceptance rate, Early Action is still an extremely viable option for strong students, so long as they demonstrate interest. According to these experts, the rumor mill has blown the importance of applying Early Decision out of proportion. However, they did say that a 4.8 and 36 ACT is not a sure thing for Tulane either, especially if you don’t engage with Tulane (which we will touch on in a bit).
The Regular Decision deadline is January 15th, and while improving, it is still in the single digits.
All Early Action and Early Decision applicants are considered for partial tuition scholarships, which range up to $32,000, when they apply and do not require a special application. These scholarships are awarded by the admission office based on the strength of the application within the context of a given year's applicant pool.
Academic, Leadership, and Service Scholarships often cover full tuition and are awarded based on superior academic performance and test scores (if available), exceptional community and high school involvement, potential for leadership, and extraordinary intellectual promise. All applicants for these scholarships must submit the Tulane Scholarship Application.
Typically partial tuition scholarships are given out before the Regular Decision Deadline. Further, the deadline to apply for full tuition scholarships is December 5th and requires students to have already applied. Therefore, applying Regular Decision will prevent you from receiving both partial and full tuition scholarships.
Strong Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation play a key role in showcasing your character, academic abilities, and potential to succeed in college. Tulane's admissions team looks for letters that provide insight into who you are beyond grades and test scores, emphasizing qualities like intellectual curiosity, leadership, work ethic, resilience, and a commitment to your community.
Counselor letters of recommendation usually have the most weight in the application process. Tulane admissions look to see if the counselor reiterates the strength of a student’s application, as well as adds more context and information that was not found elsewhere in the application.
Tulane prefers recommendations from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g., English, math, science, history, or a foreign language), ideally in your junior or senior year. These teachers can speak directly to your academic strengths and classroom behavior. Choose a teacher who knows you beyond just your grades. They should be able to provide specific examples of your character, work ethic, and contributions to the class. A teacher who can add a personal touch and speak to your unique qualities will write a stronger letter.
Personal Statement and Tulane Supplemental Essay
The personal statement is your chance to tell your story in your own words. It should offer insight into your personality, values, and motivations and allow you to demonstrate your fit with Tulane's mission and campus culture.
Tulane values authenticity. Admissions officers want to see who you really are—what excites you, what challenges you’ve faced, and how you’ve grown. Tulane is also looking for students who are passionate about learning and engaged in their communities. Whether it’s a personal hobby, an academic interest, or a cause you care deeply about, showing passion and intellectual curiosity in your personal statement can set you apart.
The Tulane-specific essay asks you to describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University in 250 words. This essay is crucial in demonstrating your understanding of Tulane’s unique offerings and how they align with your academic, personal, and career goals. Tulane values demonstrated interest, and this essay is one of the best ways to show that you’ve done your research. Be specific about the programs, opportunities, or aspects of Tulane that attract you. Mention academic departments, student organizations, research opportunities, or elements of the New Orleans community that resonate with your goals.
Tulane is known for its commitment to community service, social engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. Highlight how your values align with Tulane’s mission, such as its focus on social responsibility, civic engagement, or global perspective.
Tulane’s location in New Orleans is also a major part of its identity. If applicable, show how you’re excited to engage with the city’s culture, history, and community. Whether it’s through service opportunities, internships, or cultural immersion, demonstrating your interest in New Orleans can strengthen your essay.
Tulane seeks students who will actively contribute to the campus community. Use the essay to explain how you plan to get involved at Tulane, whether through student organizations, research, service initiatives, or other campus activities.
Many applicants to Tulane will have strong academic records and extracurricular involvement. Your essays are a chance to stand out by offering a personal narrative that no one else can replicate. The admissions team uses these essays to get a sense of your individuality.
One warning when it comes to your essays. Tulane admissions is NOT worried about AI essays. Why? They know when a student has used AI to write their essays. While there isn't a foolproof method to detect AI-generated content, admissions officers are trained to recognize certain signs that might suggest an applicant hasn't written their personal statement or "Why Tulane" essay themselves. Additionally, applicants enter the same prompt into ChatGPT or other AI-tools when using it to compose their essays, resulting in very similar essays.
Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement
Like many selective institutions, Tulane places significant emphasis on your extracurricular activities and community involvement as part of the admissions process. Extracurricular activities provide insight into your character, interests, and potential contributions to the campus community.
Admissions officers want to see genuine passion and initiative. This could be demonstrated by starting a new club, leading a community project, or pursuing an independent interest. Beyond just participating in activities, Tulane looks for depth of involvement. This means showing a long-term commitment to certain activities, taking on leadership roles, or making a significant impact in those areas.
By thoughtfully describing your extracurricular activities and community involvement, you can give Tulane a comprehensive picture of who you are and what you can bring to their campus community. Use your Common Application activity list and resume to reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and how they’ve shaped you. This reflection can add depth to your application. Focus on the quality of your involvement rather than the quantity of activities. Depth and impact are more important than a long list of superficial involvements.
Engagement or Demonstrated Interest
Engagement, or demonstrated interest, plays a crucial role in Tulane's admissions process. According to a blog post written by Owen Knight, “We try to be as transparent as possible with students, parents, and counselors when we say that engagement is a major factor when it comes to Tulane.”
Given the high volume of qualified applicants, engagement helps Tulane predict enrollment and gauge genuine interest. If you are able, visit the Tulane campus in person and participate in an information session and campus tour.
However, according to Mr. Haise, Tulane understands that not everyone can travel to visit the campus in person, and not doing so will not be used against an applicant so long as they demonstrate interest in other ways. Sign up for virtual events such as information sessions, tours, student panels, essay writing workshops, and case studies. Make sure to sign up for the Tulane mailing list and carefully watch your email for information about local information sessions including visits to your high school. All of these different touch points show admissions that you are taking the initiative to learn more about Tulane and will be tracked by the admissions office.
Emailing your regional admissions representative is another strategic way to engage with Tulane. Reaching out to your regional rep shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in Tulane. Establishing a relationship with your regional admissions rep can help personalize your application. They might remember your name and the conversations you've had, which can add a personal touch to your application review. In some cases, admissions reps can advocate for students they know well during the admissions committee discussions. Building a positive relationship can work in your favor.
According to Mr. Knight’s blog, “Try to ask those questions that cannot be found on a quick Google search!” Further, use discretion, when emailing your admissions rep and make sure to respect their time. Admissions reps are busy, especially during application season. Avoid over-contacting your rep.
Don’t forget to engage with Tulane online. Follow Tulane on social media, join or “like” relevant discussions and stay updated with any news or announcements. Make sure to open all emails from Tulane and spend some time following any links in the email and exploring the Tulane website.
Spend time writing a compelling Why Tulane essays utilizing your research and interactions with Tulane. Use your essay to show how your values align with Tulane’s Mission Statement.
While Tulane no longer offers interviews, applicants can submit a video along with their application using Glimpse or YouTube. The admissions office reviews all videos, and while they state that the impact of a video on admissions is marginal, taking the time to create and submit a video is another good way to demonstrate your interest.
Deferred?
Being deferred means that Tulane needs more time to make a final decision on your application. They will revisit your application in the spring along with the other deferred students and the Regular Decision pool. According to Mr. Knight, “A deferral says way more about Tulane and our process than it does about you as a student or human being.”
If you find yourself deferred or waitlisted, don’t lose hope. There are a few things you can do to strengthen your application and stand out in the deferral pool.
Express Continued Interest: Fill out the continued interest form available on your Green Wave Portal. This tool will let Tulane quickly identify who remains interested.
Email Your Admissions Rep: Send a brief email to your admissions counselor expressing your continued enthusiasm for Tulane. If Tulane remains at the top of your list, absolutely let your admission counselor know that. However, regroup before you email, and wait to send your email until after the New Year since the admissions office is closed over the holidays.
Update Your Application With Important Updates: Provide significant updates such as new academic information, major awards, or accomplishments. Be conservative and selective in what you share. And again, do not over-contact your admissions rep with a weekly update.
Switch Your Application to Early Decision II: If Tulane is 100% your first choice, consider switching your application from Early Action to Early Decision II. The EDII deadline is January 15th, 2025, so don’t rush into that decision immediately. Take the time over the holidays to really mull it over, and if you are certain that Tulane is “the one,” there will be a button in your Green Wave Portal allowing you to change your application to EDII.
In the competitive landscape of Tulane admissions, understanding the nuances of what Tulane looks for in applicants can significantly enhance your application. From genuinely engaging with Tulane to showcasing your extracurricular activities to crafting authentic essays, each component of your application offers a unique opportunity to highlight your strengths and alignment with Tulane’s values.
Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. At North Shore College Consulting, our team of seasoned experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need specific insights into Tulane's admissions process or broader support for your college journey, we're here to help you succeed. Reach out to us today to ensure your application stands out and truly reflects your potential.