tulane why tulane essay

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College Essays

If you're applying to Tulane University, you can choose to answer the Why Tulane optional statement as part of your application. The Why Tulane supplement essay asks you to explain why you want to attend Tulane.

In this article, we'll talk about what the Why Tulane application is, whether you should answer it, and how to write a successful essay that'll help increase your chances of admission.

The Why Tulane Essay Prompt

The Why Tulane supplement essay is straightforward:

Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (optional) (50-500 words).

See? Straight to the point.

While the instructions are simple, the wide range of word count and relatively open-ended prompt make the Why Tulane essay more difficult than it initially seems. The Common App prompt states, "We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so."

In other words, you'll need to put some serious effort into your essay in order to stand out as an applicant.

Should I Write the Why Tulane Supplement Essay?

Looking at the Why Tulane application essay, you might be wondering if you even need to write the essay in the first place. After all, the prompt does say "optional".

While that's true, it would be a huge mistake to not write your Why Tulane application essay. This essay is a great opportunity to a) show off any interests and talents you have that aren't immediately apparent on the rest of your application and b) demonstrate why Tulane is a great fit for you and vice versa. The Tulane supplement essay is your chance to prove that you belong on Tulane's New Orleans campus—don't forgo it.

What Is the Purpose of the Why Tulane Essay?

Colleges like Tulane want to see that you really want to attend their school. Applicants who love their school are more likely to be active and happy students and later, active and happy alumni. Your essay should show the admissions committee that you really love Tulane, which will make them feel more confident that you'll be a great addition to the campus. Applicants that really want to attend a school are also more likely to enroll, meaning that Tulane's rate of enrollment will be higher.

Similarly, Tulane wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to assess how you'll take advantage of the many opportunities on Tulane's campus to further your academic and professional career.

This essay is a great opportunity for the admissions committee to weed out students who haven't done their research on Tulane or really don't care about attending.

What Should I Write About in My Why Tulane Application Essay?

Your Why Tulane essay is your chance to express to the admissions committee why you want to attend Tulane. What made you apply to this school over any of the thousands of others you could have applied to?

Your Why Tulane application essay should be personal. The admissions committee doesn't want to read a cookie-cutter statement that could be written by any student about any school. Your paper should read as uniquely about you and uniquely about Tulane. With that in mind, here are three ideas for what you can write about for your Why Tulane essay.

#1: What Resonated With You When You Visited Tulane

If you made it down to New Orleans to visit Tulane, you should tell a specific story about what resonated with you on your campus trip. You could talk about a class that you sat in on or an experience you had with a tour guide. You could discuss visiting a local restaurant or engaging with New Orleans culture.

The Tulane admissions committee wants to hear about what stuck with you—and generic, bland answers will stand out as insincere. This essay isn't about why you want to attend college—it's about why you want to attend Tulane. Pick experiences that could only happen at Tulane, not anywhere else.

#2: What Makes Tulane a Great Match With Your Past and Your Future

You can use your Why Tulane essay to expand on your interests and passions as a student and person. Tie those interests back to Tulane itself to show why Tulane is the right school for you.

Tulane places a large emphasis on community service, so if you have experience doing community service in your hometown or plan to make that a large part of your life at college, this essay is a great opportunity to talk about that passion. If you want to study a specific field, like public health, that Tulane specializes in, the Why Tulane essay is the place to highlight that. Use this essay to describe how attending Tulane fits in with your plans. Doing so will help show the admissions committee that you plan to make the most out of your time on campus.

#3: Experiences You've Had With Current or Former Students

Tulane admissions officer Jeff Schiffman recommends name-dropping current or former Tulane students to explain why you're interested in attending the university . According to Schiffman, your reasons don't have to be particularly highbrow or academically-minded. You might just have noticed some awesome Instagram posts from a friend of a friend or heard great things from your second cousin. However you have the connection, use the Why Tulane essay to prove your interest in attending Tulane.

Tips for Writing an Amazing Why Tulane Essay

Writing a strong Why Tulane application essay isn't just about picking the right topic. You need to make sure your essay is the best possible example of your work in order to wow the admissions committee. Follow these three tips for writing an amazing Tulane application essay.

#1: Make Your Work Tulane-Specific

Nothing about your Why Tulane essay should be generic or impersonal. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better. Don't say Tulane has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. Tulane knows that already—it doesn't need you to tell its admissions officers that.

Everything you write about in your Why Tulane essay should be specific to Tulane—from the names of the professors and the courses to the feeling you had while visiting the campus. The more authentic you are, the more your passion for Tulane will stand out.

#2: Do Your Research

The best way to make your Why Tulane essay specific to Tulane is to do your research about the school. If you can, visit the campus to get a feel for its student body and on-campus life. If you can't, spend time perusing the school's website and try to speak with current or former students. The more you know about Tulane, the more convincingly you'll be able to write that Tulane is the best school for you to attend.

You should get an idea for the different clubs and activities that you'd like to participate in. You can find this information on the school's website. It can also be worthwhile to schedule a meeting with a professor, especially if you have a particular area of study that you're extremely interested in.

#3: Proofread and Polish Your Essay

Your Tulane essay should be the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your "Why Tulane" essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

The Why Tulane supplement essay is your opportunity to show why you want to attend Tulane University.

The Why Tulane essay is…

• An opportunity to explain what you specifically like about Tulane.
• A place to highlight your unique skills and interests.

The Why Tulane essay isn't…

• The place to share why going to college in general is important.
• An opportunity to talk about the other schools you're applying to.

What's Next?

Starting your essay is often the hardest part. If you're unsure where to begin, read our guide to starting your essay perfectly!

A good essay is just one part of a successful Tulane application . If you want to really wow the admissions office, be sure your grades and test scores are up to par.

Tulane University may not be an Ivy League school, but that doesn't mean your application shouldn't be Ivy League-caliber. Use these tips for getting into Harvard to shape your college application, and you'll have no problem getting into any school you choose!

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Tulane Essay Guide: 2022-2023

Tulane essay guide quick facts:.

• Tulane acceptance rate : 10% — U.S. News ranks Tulane as a highly competitive school.
• In U.S. News list of National Universities Tulane University ranking is #44.
• Common App essay
• 2 (50-500 words) optional essays
• 1 (250-word) extracurricular essay
• Tulane application note: Students can apply via the Common App or Tulane’s online application .
• #1 Tulane Essay Tip: Though each Tulane supplemental essay is “optional,” think of them as required. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to answer each Tulane supplemental essay comprehensively and thoughtfully in order to stand out to Tulane admissions. 

What are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

Each Tulane essay for the 2022-2023 application cycle is posted on the Common App site . The Tulane supplemental essays asks you to discuss your experiences, background, and reasons for applying to Tulane.

Think of the Tulane supplemental essays as an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond what you already wrote in your Common App personal statement . Successful Tulane essays will present a clear, cohesive, yet dynamic picture of who you are.

Tulane Supplemental Essay Requirements

Your Common App essay is a key part of your Tulane application. Tulane requires students to respond to the Common App essay prompt essays. 

Beyond the Common App essay, you’ll find three Tulane supplemental essays that are all optional this year. However, we recommend that you complete each Tulane supplemental essay to maximize your Tulane admissions odds, especially given the low Tulane University acceptance rate. Think of each Tulane essay prompt as a required part of the Tulane supplemental materials. 

Remember, Tulane also receives your personal statement submitted through the Common App or the online Tulane application. This means that you will submit your Tulane essays as well as your Common App essay.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .

How many essays are required for Tulane?

There are three optional Tulane essays. This year, each Tulane supplemental essay is technically optional. However, hopeful applicants should consider them all required. One Tulane essay prompt asks you to write a “Why Tulane” essay, another asks you to discuss your diverse perspective, and the third asks you to elaborate on an extracurricular experience.

In short, students are only required to complete the Common App essay in their Tulane application; all three supplemental essays are optional.

In addition, consider each “optional” Tulane essay a vital part of the Tulane supplemental materials. Tulane admissions is extremely selective. Hopeful applicants should think of every Tulane supplemental essay as an opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. While each Tulane essay isn’t technically a part of the Tulane application requirements, they still can make a huge difference in the Tulane admissions process. 

The Tulane University acceptance rate is relatively low (just 10%), so each Tulane essay can help you stand out . With so many hopeful applicants, you need to do everything possible to present yourself as a dynamic, serious, and motivated student. Competitive applicants will treat each Tulane essay as a required and important part of the Tulane application process. 

Tulane essay #1: “Why Tulane” Essay 

Please describe why you are interested in attending tulane university (up to 500 words)..

This Why Tulane essay is a classic type of essay. You may wonder whether you should write the Why Tulane essay since it’s listed as optional. However, if you are serious about being admitted, you should consider the Why Tulane essay a required part of your application. The word limit is as vague as it gets, so we recommend 300-500 words. Your Why Tulane essay will be more effective if it is focused and concise instead of long and rambling.

An effective Why Tulane essay will think beyond the Tulane University acceptance rate and Tulane University ranking. Though these factors feel important, they do not ultimately relate to your application. When answering this Why Tulane essay, don’t just write about why you want to attend Tulane. Think of this Why Tulane essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the Tulane community.

Successful Tulane supplemental essays will reflect the mission and key values of the school—a strong research institution with a tight-knit campus community and small class sizes. In your Tulane essays, capture the essence of Tulane’s demanding academics and community engagement.

Service-oriented

If you are committed to serving others, Tulane is an excellent place for you—and this “Why Tulane” essay is a perfect opportunity to discuss your commitment. The school has many opportunities to explore service learning courses , service research projects , and service abroad .

When writing your Why Tulane essay, be specific about classes you want to take, research opportunities you want to pursue, clubs you want to join, and places you want to serve. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will take these a step further, however. Don’t just name-drop. Instead, connect them to your experiences and goals.

Strong “Why Tulane” essays will incorporate some or all of the following questions: How and why will you choose to spend your time at Tulane? In what ways will your involvement help you pursue your major ? How will the ways you spend your time light up your curiosity to learn? How will they spur you forward in your career? In your Why Tulane essay, describe specifically how Tulane’s offerings will help you succeed.

Make it personal

Avoid cliché phrases, generalizing, and overly emotional appeals. Don’t discuss traditions that are too well-known or frequently written about, either. Instead, make it personal. Perhaps you attended a campus tour that left an impression on you or you attended a webinar that inspired you to apply. Mention these specific and personal connections to Tulane in your essay. What put Tulane at the top of your college list ?

This essay prompt is so broad that you have lots of freedom. Make sure to discuss both academic and non-academic reasons for applying to Tulane. No one expects you to have your future fully planned when writing the Why Tulane essay. However, the admissions team does want to see that you can articulate a genuine plan based on your interests and goals.

For each Tulane essay, brainstorm , research, outline, draft, and proofread before submitting. Your Tulane essays should represent your best content and writing ability.

Tulane Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your essay highlight why you would succeed at Tulane specifically?
• Is your Why Tulane essay both specific and personal?
• Does your essay “show” instead of “tell” through vivid details?
• Do you clearly and concisely write your response to the Why Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay # 2: Diverse perspectives essay

Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. if you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here. (up to 500 words).

This Tulane essay prompt, like the Tulane why school essay, is also optional. However, we strongly recommend that you complete it to maximize your chances against the lower-than-average Tulane acceptance rate. 

By explaining a specific perspective that has shaped your background , your response to this Tulane essay prompt will enhance your application. The prompt provides several suggestions for perspectives—family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, or religious group—but also allows for others.

Does something on this list resonate with your identity? What makes you stand out among your peers? Do you have a special hobby or interest? Are you soon to be a first-generation college student ? Did you take a meaningful gap year ? What else have you not shared about yourself with Tulane? Ultimately, how can your response to this Tulane essay prompt illuminate who you are?

Since there are only three Tulane supplemental essays, you’re bound to have some part of your identity you haven’t yet shared with admissions. Rather than thinking of this Tulane essay prompt as another box to check, think of it as another opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will delve into diverse perspectives you haven’t discussed elsewhere in your application.

When answering this Tulane essay prompt, you may have trouble being personal and specific when others share your identity. The most effective Tulane essays will make a broader identity unique to you by telling a compelling story and detailing how your identity has impacted your own life.

• Does your response to the Tulane essay prompt highlight something that you have not discussed elsewhere on your application?
• Is your Tulane supplemental essay personal and specific?
• Do you tell a compelling story about who you are for this Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay #3: Extracurricular essay

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words).

Choosing a topic for this Tulane essay prompt can feel overwhelming. Brainstorm several ideas before selecting one. Most strong Tulane applicants will have many options to choose from when responding to this Tulane essay prompt.

The most successful Tulane supplemental essays will be well-written and unique. You don’t have to write about the activity that you are most involved in, especially if you already discussed that activity in your Common App personal statement . Just make sure that the activity you choose matters to you.

Focus on impact

Effective Tulane essays will discuss why you chose to get involved in your activity or work experience , how you have dedicated yourself to it, and how this activity has impacted your community, growth, and character. As you address these questions, focus primarily on impact. What did you do, why did you do it, and what was the result? Choose the experience where you have made the biggest difference when writing your Tulane supplemental essays.

This Tulane essay prompt is quite straightforward but like some of the other Tulane essays it is very broad. You have the freedom to tell your story to the admissions committee. The best Tulane supplemental essays will either focus on one experience—one conversation, one interaction, one day—or discuss your involvement in an activity over time. The more detail you can provide, the stronger your response to this Tulane essay prompt will be.

Tell your story

When answering this Tulane essay prompt (and all others), be vivid in your storytelling. Instead of just stating what happened in your Tulane supplemental essays, use specific examples and descriptions. Be vivid without being wordy—successful Tulane supplemental essays will be concise. You only have 250 words, so don’t be too long-winded when answering this Tulane essay prompt.

Most importantly, include the “So what?” in your Tulane supplemental essays. While you should outline what you did, you should spend most of your Tulane essay describing why your actions mattered. What skills can you highlight? How did your mindset shift? What values does this activity reveal about who you are? Ultimately, why did you choose to tell this story instead of another?

• Is your response to this Tulane essay prompt original and personal?
• Did you select a topic that is interesting and important to you?
• Does your Tulane essay focus on your growth, skills, and values?
• Do you avoid repeating content that has already been discussed in your Tulane application?

How do I write the Tulane supplemental essays?

The admissions team evaluates your Tulane supplemental essays for both content and writing ability. So, what you choose to write about for your Tulane essays matters as much as your writing skill. Proofread your Tulane essays for all grammatical and syntactical errors. Finally, remember to review your essay for the message it sends to the admissions committee.

With three Tulane supplemental essays, you have plenty of freedom to explore different parts of your identity. Consider your application as a whole package. Each of your Tulane supplemental essays should provide a new and deeper window into who you are.

It may feel overwhelming to complete three Tulane supplemental essays. However, if you give yourself adequate time to plan, draft, and revise your Tulane essays, you can eliminate much of the stress in the application process. 

Additional tips for “Why School” essays

The why school essay is one of the most common types of essays that you will see during the college application process. The why school essay basically asks students to elaborate on why they want to attend that specific university. In a why school essay, students should be specific. 

In a why school essay, you can talk about the Tulane-specific programs that have caught your interest. Or you could discuss what clubs you would get involved in on campus. Alternatively, you may want to incorporate specific values and missions of the university. How do you personally resonate with that mission? What will you gain from attending that school? And what would you bring to its campus? 

Top 4 tips for writing a great “Why School” essay: 

#1 – brainstorm.

For each school that requires a why school essay, start by looking at the specific offerings. Write down what you like and would participate in. 

#2 – Demonstrate your passion

Use your brainstorming list to decide what you want to write about. You should talk about the programs or extracurriculars unique to your school that most excite you. What makes you want to apply?

#3 – The more detail the better

Remember that being general or vague in a why school essay is the kiss of death. It won’t impress Tulane admissions, or any other admissions committee. Elaborate on what interests you (unique to that school) and why. You can also mention specific professors, counselors, etc. 

#4 – Demonstrate “fit”

You want to use your why school essay to say what makes you want to attend, but you also need to show that you would be a great fit for the university. Why should you be selected out of the large pool of applicants trying to impress Tulane admissions? What will you bring to campus? And how will you carry your Tulane education into the future?

How important are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

The Tulane acceptance rate is just 10%. The slim Tulane acceptance rate comes from the school’s widespread acclaim. Given the low Tulane acceptance rate, the high Tulane University ranking, and the school’s holistic admissions approach, your Tulane essays can make a major difference. Your essays can strongly influence your admissions results and your chances at beating low acceptance rates .

You should approach each of the three Tulane supplemental essays with thought and care. In your response to each Tulane essay prompt, you have an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your Tulane application. Consider each Tulane essay as another one of the Tulane application requirements. 

There are several key elements of your application that you must submit in addition to your Tulane supplemental essays in order to meet the Tulane application requirements. Read the complete checklist to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll notice that Tulane admissions has gone test optional another year. This makes your essays even more important. While many students will have impressive test scores, GPAs, etc., you should use your Tulane essays to help you stand out from the pack.

Check out these college essay examples to see what makes a successful college essay. 

Five tips to make your Tulane essays stand out

Writing each Tulane essay may seem overwhelming. You may even be tempted to not add them to your Tulane supplemental materials as they technically aren’t part of the Tulane application requirements. However, that would be a huge mistake when it comes to your admissions odds. Competitive Tulane applicants need to consider each Tulane essay as “required.”

Five more tips for your Tulane supplemental essays: 

#1 – start early.

Give yourself ample time to complete each Tulane essay. In your writing process, leave plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, outline, and edit your Tulane supplemental essays. The Regular Decision deadline for Tulane is on January 15th.

#2 – Be authentic

Make it your goal to write unique and compelling Tulane essays that tell your authentic story. Your Tulane essay shouldn’t be able to pass as anyone else’s. Before submitting, reread your application and proofread your Tulane supplemental essays to make sure it truly shows who you are.

#3 – Show passion

Each Tulane essay should show your passion for the school. Don’t fake it. After brainstorming topics, choose to write on what got you genuinely excited about attending. Be sure to be specific and not vague in each Tulane essay. 

#4 – Ignore stats

When writing each Tulane essay, don’t get hung up on factors like the Tulane University acceptance rate or the Tulane University ranking. At the end of the day, focus on why Tulane is the school for you, and use your application to show the admissions team why.

# 5 – Invest time in the Why Tulane essay

The why school essay is extremely important to Tulane admissions when evaluating applicants. Make sure your application shows that you’re genuinely interested in attending Tulane. Even if the Tulane University ranking initially helped you learn about the school, you should focus on Tulane’s specific offerings in your Tulane supplemental essays

Tulane Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

In your Tulane supplemental essays, show the admissions committee who you are as a person, student, and community member. Research Tulane so you can write the most tailored and specific Tulane supplemental essays. Choose topics for each Tulane essay that genuinely get you excited about attending. 

Remember that the Tulane application requirements include the Common App essay prompts. Leave yourself plenty of time to write thoughtful responses to not only each Tulane essay, but to each Common App essay as well. Every Common App essay and Tulane essay is another opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. 

You can also visit resources like the Tulane University admissions blog . There, you’ll find Q&As from the Ask the Dean event and other helpful information for applicants. There is not one successful type of Tulane student, so be yourself in your Tulane supplemental essays. Good luck!

Still not sure how to approach the Tulane essay? For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click he r e . Want help crafting your Tulane University supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation online .

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Command Education Guide

How to write the tulane university essays, updated for 2023-2024, essay prompt .

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count.

Explanation:

This prompt offers you the opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you are interested in Tulane distinctly—what about Tulane is uniquely appealing to you as a prospective student? While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

In order to respond to this prompt, you will first need to conduct in-depth research on the university’s website, looking particularly at programs, initiatives, and opportunities that are highlighted as distinct Tulane offerings. Tulane’s admission page states: “Admission to Tulane is extremely competitive, and our admission counselors look for high levels of academic and extracurricular achievement; however, we’re building more than a class, we’re building a community. We review each applicant with an eye toward shaping Tulane and making it stronger and more vibrant each year, so it’s important that we look at each applicant as a whole.” Because of this emphasis on community and holistic consideration of prospective students, use the word count to cover multiple different aspects of Tulane’s academic and nonacademic offerings as well as how these offerings are compatible with your own multifaceted experiences and interests.

For instance, you might discuss the university’s research opportunities, the average class size of 20 students, or the public service project required as a part of Tulane’s undergraduate program. As you mention Tulane’s distinctive offerings that appeal to you, be clear about how these opportunities would uniquely advance you in the pursuit of your personal, professional, and academic goals.

Keep in mind that as you describe your particular interest in Tulane, you should also be thinking about how your answer conveys more about you—your interests, passions, and goals—and how you would be a strong fit for the university’s community as well. This will allow you to explicitly answer the second part of the prompt, which specifically asks about how you can contribute to the Tulane community. Your answer should not only be specific with regards to the university’s offerings, but it should also be specific about your intentions for your academic and professional future.

“Wait a minute, Ms. Carver. Are you telling me that none of the school’s recycling actually gets recycled?”

I was dumbfounded to learn from my high school environmental science teacher that our school had an environmentally unfriendly waste management program. We had separate bins for recycling plastic, but students used them wrong, and at the end of the day, it all went into the same landfill pile. Instead of frustration, I felt fascination. I knew from my AP Environmental class that recycling is a complex issue. I decided to try a solution: I printed bold, easy-to-read flyers explaining what goes in which bin and posted them in front of the school trash. With faculty support, I recruited a team of the students to come to school an hour early to get our hands dirty–literally–and we sorted the recycling. Through this experience, I felt the extreme pride and satisfaction that comes from combining my intellectual interest in Environmental Science with action-oriented initiatives for change.

At Tulane, I know I’ll be able to continue learning in an environment that prioritizes giving back. With incredible opportunities like the TIDES courses (this fall’s Climate Change Solutions is perfectly suited for my interests), I will be able to put my learning into making a tangible difference in the New Orleans area starting in my first semester. I’m also excited to take impactful, hands-on courses like “Urban Gardening” and “New Orleans Case Study.”

I believe with Tulane’s service-minded curriculum, I will continue using my passions to make a positive impact on my community.

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Tulane Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Tips

September 11, 2023

If you blinked at some point during the 2010s, you may have missed Tulane’s meteoric rise in selectivity that resulted in a 13% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027. However, today, this mid-size private research university in New Orleans is among the most selective schools in the country. The average incoming freshman possesses 95th percentile standardized test scores and a strong academic transcript. This brings us to the topic of this blog — the Tulane supplemental essays for 2023-24.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Tulane? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Tulane University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like Tulane that rejects nine of every ten applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the supplemental essay. Below is Tulane University’s supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Tulane Supplemental Essay 2023-24

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.

This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Tulane is inviting you to share more about your experiences, talents, and/or values through the lens of how that will impact your experience at the university. Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

Tulane Supplemental Essays (Continued)

• A perspective/value you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity
• A particular talent/skill

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)?

You’ll then need to discuss how your experiences, talents, and/or values will influence your distinct contributions to Tulane’s community. Further, you’ll need to explain why you’re interested in joining that community in particular. We’d recommend being as specific as possible.

For example, given your visual arts background, perhaps you’re excited about contributing to and learning within Tulane’s thriving arts scene, including the NOLA Through Visual Culture interdisciplinary experience course and Tulane Art Club . Or, perhaps your experience fighting food insecurity in your community has made you interested in Tulane’s Food Recovery Network, and you hope to contribute to Tulane’s community service-centric culture and values .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Tulane’s immense resources both inside and/or outside of the classroom by citing specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , service learning , study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Tulane supplemental essays?

Tulane lists four factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee: GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, and the rigor of your secondary school record. The Common App and supplemental essays are “important”.

Want personalized assistance?

Interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Tulane supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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August 10, 2021

Tulane University 2021-2022 Essay Prompts

Tulane University has released its essay prompts for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. So what are the questions that applicants to the Tulane University Class of 2026 will be asked to answer? Tulane, a university with a history of asking long essay prompts on its application, asks applicants to respond to two 800-word essays. That’s right. 800 words for each essay! It’s indeed one of the longest admissions supplements — if not the longest — among any highly selective university in America.

The first Tulane essay prompt reads, “Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University.” The essay is optional, but loyal readers of our college admissions blog know all too well that “optional” means diddly squat in elite college admissions. If test scores are optional, does that mean one shouldn’t submit test scores? Of course one should! When an admissions essay is optional, it means you can apply without writing it, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting in. So write the 800-word essay which you’ll recognize is a Why College essay.

The second Tulane essay prompt reads, “Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here.” This second essay is also optional, but don’t write this essay at your peril as well. It too is an 800-word essay.

Have a question about the Tulane University 2021-2022 essay prompts? Let us know your question by posting it below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION

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"Why Tulane University"

Tulane University

Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (optional).

50 - 800 words

( Tulane University )

I need a meaningful education to be a meaningful educator. Tulane is unparalleled in its dedication to development of the students, on a personal and intellectual level. From when I touch the Victory Bell after Convocation all the way to when I say farewell at the Wave Goodbye Party at Commencement, I’ll have changed and grown, both in my mind and in my heart.

Why This Essay Works:

• Shows Specific Ways to Get Involved : For "Why Us" essays, it's critical that you imagine how you'll be involved on campus. One strategy is to research specific initiatives, events, or programs already taking place. The more unique these are to the school, the better. Then, talk about how your personal interests would make you a perfect fit for participating in these opportunities. Don't reference too many (over 5 is pushing it) in a committal way (i.e. saying "I will do XYZ") because it can seem unrealistic. Instead, focus on a handful that you're most interested in, and then you can reference others as "possible" ways you'd get involved.
• Finds Aspect Unique to the School : For "Why Us?" essays, one of the hardest parts is finding what is super unique about the school that other colleges don't offer. Most colleges have similar research, curriculum, sports, clubs, etc. While those can be good references (if unique to the school), it can sometimes be easier to find unique aspects by focusing on the intangibles: the culture, approach to education, values, character of student body, ideals they uphold, etc. Having a combination of both unique offerings (programs, opportunities, curriculum, etc.) and ways the school is unique in its approach will make for the most compelling reasons for "Why Us?".

What They Might Change:

• Repeats Unnecessary Info : Avoid telling admissions officers what they already know about their school. You don't need to repeat the school's history or information about its faculty, unless there is something exceptionally unique about it that you're pointing out. Admissions officers will already know these facts, so instead jump into the "meat" of your point. Focus on the unique aspects that make you interested in the school, rather than the ones that could be said about almost any school.

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How to Get Accepted Into Tulane University 2024-25

If you’re wondering how to get accepted into Tulane University, be warned: it’s not exactly as straightforward as you think.

Like other elite private research schools, they boast a slim acceptance rate. And, over the past few years, their admit rate has only dipped. Additionally, more students are applying every year. However, good grades and ECs alone won’t get you in. Unlike other schools, Tulane has a special metric outside the Common Data Set.

This article will covers everything you need to know to get accepted into Tulane University. We’ll discuss the admissions factors they value most, the GPA needed, admissions stats throughout the years, and more.

Table of Contents

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Tulane?

• Tulane Acceptance Rate Over Time.

What Kind of Student Does Tulane Look For?

“engagement”: tulane’s super sneaky admissions factor., why showing demonstrated interest in the tulane essay is impossible., the solution., you need to reassure tulane’s yield rate., lastly… stand out..

Here’s Tulane’s most recent Freshman profile of admitted students for the class of 2027 (2023-24 admissions cycle.)

If you want to have a very solid shot at getting accepted into Tulane University, expect to have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

If you don’t have a high GPA, consider taking the SAT or ACT. Aim for a 1450 SAT score or higher. For the ACT, aim for a 33 or higher.

Below we’ve also provided what percentage of students fell under certain GPA ranges.

For the 2023-24 admissions cycle, most enrolled Tulane Freshman had a 3.5 GPA or higher. Nonetheless, some still had a GPA between 3.25 and 3.5. And, there are even outliers who have lower GPAs than that.

For instance, you can still get accepted into Tulane with a GPA of 3.6. But, for the best admissions chances, aim for a 3.7 GPA or higher. It doesn’t mean you’ll be the most competitive. But, there are a good number of enrolled students who fall under that range!

Tulane Acceptance Rate Over Time

To get accepted into Tulane, you must account for their admissions rate over time. The school has endured major dips in acceptance rate throughout the past few years.

Thus, you must act accordingly to compensate for this ever-decreasing trend.

Here is a visualization of Tulane’s acceptance rate over the past 7 years.

Below we’ve provided a table of Tulane’s acceptance rate trend as well.

While Tulane’s acceptance rate slightly increased over the past 2 years, their overall acceptance rate halved in just a matter of 3 years. Yikes. Be sure to stand out from the rest of the admissions pool by showing that you have what the school is looking for.

We’ll show you how to do that below.

Tulane weighs academic factors very heavily. These 3 elements are the most important factors for getting accepted into Tulane.

• Academic Rigor (How many advanced classes you took.)
• Academic Performance (GPA)

Additionally, you’ll need other elements like strong extracurriculars and demonstrated character/personal qualities to truly stand out.

Now, don’t take Tulane’s Common Data Set at face value.

There is a bit of deceptive information here. Specifically, pay attention to the “Essay” and “Level of Applicant’s Interest” (demonstrated interest, or DI for short) section.

Notice how they’re labeled “Important” but not as important as Rigor, Class Rank, and GPA? It’s easy to presume the essay and DI are just about as important as other stuff like volunteer work and first-gen status. But, this is not true. Both the essays and DI are very, very, very important to Tulane’s admissions process.

In fact, Tulane even gave it its own name. It’s called “Engagement.”

So, WTF is engagement?

Engagement is essentially Tulane’s way of saying demonstrated interest. However, it’s different from demonstrated interest because you must “prove intent” to attend the school instead of just checking a box .

In Owen Knight’s —Tulane’s Director of Admissions— article, he writes…

“Engagement (also known as demonstrated interest) is the process of keeping an eye on a student’s interactions with a school… We started to refer to this as engagement rather than demonstrated interest to try to emphasize that we are looking for more than just “checking the box” and going through the motions… Owen Knight: Tulane Director of Admissions

The distinction between Engagement and demonstrated interest is that demonstrated interest can be faked. Engagement typically can’t

Engagement must prove intent to attend once admitted through dedication and interest. That may come from attending events, engaging with the community, etc.

Owen Knight provides an interesting example of Engagement vs demonstrated interest below.

…The example I always share to explain the difference between “demonstrating interest” and “engaging” came from a college fair a few years back A student walked up to me at a college fair and literally said “I’d like to demonstrate my interest.” He filled out a card to share his information and sign in for the event. While he was doing so, I asked him if he had any questions about Tulane. He said no, handed me his card, and walked away. It was very bizarre and a prime example of what I’m talking about. Sure, his application reflected that he took the time to swing by the table at the college fair, but he did not actually do anything to learn more about Tulane or use it as an opportunity to add some humanity to his application. See the difference?” Owen Knight: Tulane Director of Admissions

So, if you want to show Tulane that you’re really dedicated to attending their campus, actually engage with the community. Communicate with the admissions office. Attend events.

Show admissions officers that you’re actually passionate about attending instead of just doing it for the sake of gaining favor.

How Demonstrated Interest (DI) in Essays Change Everything.

The Engagement factor (demonstrated interest/applicant’s interest) becomes very important in the admissions process when you factor in the essay. This is because the essays are one of the main vehicles with which you share your Engagement.

Take a look at the Director of Admissions’ statement.

“We absolutely want students to attend our events and do research, but it is about how you  use that research  to write a great Why Tulane essay and explain why you are a good fit for Tulane, and Tulane a good fit for you. We want students to actively participate in their search.” Owen Knight: Tulane Director of Admissions

Attending the events and doing extensive research on the school is all fine and dandy. Tulane likes that.

However, you need to show what you’ve learned in your “Why Tulane” essay if you truly want to demonstrate Engagement. Engagement and the Tulane essay are inexorably tied up.

In other words, if you’re not writing the Why Tulane essay, you’re missing out on a lot of much-needed Engagement to get in. That’s why we say that while the Common App labels it as “optional”, you should ALWAYS fill it out anyway.

Below we’ve pasted the Tulane “Why Us” essay that Director Owen Knight was referring to. He mentions you should use what you’ve learned about Tulane to answer this prompt.

Except… notice anything wrong?

Take a look at the red box we drew. Tulane’s “Why Us” prompt only gives us a measly 250 words.

Keeping Owen Knight’s suggestion, your 250-word essay should include the following.

• Write about the cool stuff you learned about the school to demonstrate your interest.
• Connect why those things make us interested in joining Tulane.
• On top of that, we need to illustrate how to contribute to the Tulane community.

That’s where the problem is. The prompt is simply too short to fit in all 3 of these factors. You could “technically” shoehorn 80 words per item here. But, both fulfilling Director Owen Knight’s consideration and answering the prompt in full is virtually impossible without stretching your content thin.

The solution is to be spikey.

To be “spikey” in admissions terms means to focus on one big and impressive factor rather than many small ones. For instance, a chess grandmaster is spikey; but, a student who is a cabinet member of 12 clubs they attend casually is not spikey.

In this context, you want to focus on just one major significant element about Tulane to write about. You should choose just one; and, make sure it’s a very hard-hitting topic too. If you do this, you can have a solid reason backing your demonstrated interest without having to sacrifice too much of your word count.

Often, this involves one aspect of Tulane that is inexorably tied up with your future career aspirations. A good question to ask yourself would be, “What does Tulane have that, if I didn’t have in my career, would leave me helpless?

This is one of the best ways to show demonstrated interest in Tulane; for, it also connects Tulane to a rational reason behind your admissions decision. It also shows you’re not just carelessly applying to schools without consideration.

Now, we know what you may be thinking.

“Why can’t we just write a separate email to Tulane’s admissions office showing our demonstrated interest?”

Well, it’s because they said so. It’s literally in their “Not Engaging” list .

We know. It sucks. But, no emailing the school just to get that check box! Remember: it’s about actually showing a love for the school, not about checking boxes!

Tulane weighs Engagement (demonstrated interest) very heavily because it helps them enforce yield. Yield measures the number of accepted students who enroll.

By seeing who is truly interested in attending Tulane, they can accept students who are truly committed to attending after acceptance. It lets the school provide space for students who actually want to attend.

To get accepted into Tulane, you’ll must reassure admissions officers you won’t skew their yield rate. Your application essay should show you’re someone who will attend if admitted. The best way to do this is to align your essay with logic and reason. Show that Tulane is the most suitable, rational choice. That way, admissions officers will believe your demonstrated interest holds weight. You’re essentially making a case for the school and showing how not attending would be a stupid idea.

Additionally, it helps to show that your character and personality align with Tulane’s philosophy and culture. For, if you’re someone who would fit in the community, you likely know what you’re getting yourself into. By showing you’re a great fit, you’ll clearly demonstrate that you did your research.

For a solid chance of getting accepted into Tulane, you must stand out.

Aside from engagement and demonstrated interest, you can stand out by having strong extracurriculars, doing volunteer work, and conducting personal passion projects.

Then, there’s the essays. Listen to this.

“Be yourself! Whether it is your activities or essays, you need to be authentic. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just to “look good for college…”” Owen Knight Director of Admissions

Authenticity is the key to having a unique college application. Most students are writing their college essays with the threat of rejection hanging over their head. So, many of their essays turn out disingenuous. They end up making their essays about “making” the admissions officers see them as unique and special.

To be unique, you must be authentic. This means deconstructing all the interesting and meaningful elements of your life and translating them honestly. This “real you” will be more than unique enough to stand out from the rest of the admissions pool so long as you analyze the important themes and motifs surrounding your life.

Here’s an example: you’re writing your Common App essay about your Asian American background. While this topic is common, YOUR experience has unique minute details. You struggle with accepting the discriminatory traditional Chinese practices. However, you also respect your Asian culture and don’t political beliefs to clash with your cultural heritage. These complex themes and motifs help you stand out in the Tulane essays because they dig at deeper ideas.

If you’re still struggling to get accepted into Tulane or need help with the application essays, don’t worry. We’ve helped countless students such as yourself get into T20 schools. Schedule a free consultation with us today ; and, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with free advice and consulting!

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Why Tulane? Essay

I started to write my “Why Tulane?” essay today, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to make this essay really strong. Also, I was wondering approximately how many words people typed, as Tulane does not give a suggestion. I have written approximately 500 words so far and feel as if my essay if very strong, however, I am worried I am missing something imperative. Would love to hear from parents and accepted students! Thanks!

@neuprospect98

500 words is probably the max you want to go. I mean 510 is no big deal, but I wouldn’t start running it to much more than 500 if you can help it.

First I will say what to avoid. Stay away from the cliche themes like “Tulane is such a great school with good academics” (that really doesn’t say anything, there are lots of great schools with good academics), “NOLA is such a fun/fascinating/unique/… city” (everyone knows this), etc. I am not saying that if a reference to these qualities slips in there for a line that is a bad thing if it sounds natural, just don’t make it your whole focus.

Instead, what is it about Tulane that is makes it fit you and you fit Tulane? Why Tulane rather than Miami, or WUSTL, or NYU, or… Again, not saying you might not choose these schools given the choice of Tulane or them, but if you were to choose Tulane over them, why would you do that? This requires some research about Tulane on your part, because if you can get specific about a certain program Tulane has, or relate something you read about Tulane back to you that would show you have something substantive about why you applied to Tulane (and of course they know you applied to a few others) instead of 100 other schools you could have applied to but didn’t. What I have been advising people to do is starting in their junior year (I know you are past that but still it could help) is to subscribe to the daily news feed Tulane provides http://tulane.edu/news/newwave/ and/or see if there are social media accounts you can follow for the area(s) you are most interested in, be it one of the five Schools (Architecture, Liberal Arts, Business, Science and Engineering, or Public Health & Tropical Medicine) or even a specific department. Maybe even a specific prof, although that would be somewhat unusual. Anyway, you get the idea. This kind of thing not only helps you learn far more about the school you are highly considering, but also has a good chance of inspiring a Why Tulane essay that is not at all generic.

Hope that helps.

P.S. They didn’t have the Why Tulane statement when my D applied (and they had barely invented stone tablets when I applied), so no help there. However, I would be happy to share my thoughts with anyone as to what made it such a great place for me (and these things still apply) and what she and I have talked about from her perspective if you want to via PM.

@fallenchemist @dolphnlvr6 Thank you both for the advice!! It was truly helpful and truly insightful!! I will “trim the fat” of my essay and take out the stuff that is too generic. Thanks!

When I wrote my essay last year, I split it into three sections: academics, service, and my connection to Tulane in general. I looked through all of the pamphlets and emails that Tulane had been sending me (I had joined their mailing list in the fall of my junior year) and made a point to connect to some of those “buzzwords” and elements that were really played up by Tulane’s marketing people. I also thoroughly researched how my chosen major works at Tulane, specifically the class offerings and the university’s approach to the subject. I did my best to highlight the areas in which Tulane and I were compatible for each other–why I would succeed there, and why they would be lucky to have me on campus. Remember, this isn’t just an essay about why Tulane is right for you; it’s an essay about why you’re right for Tulane. Sell the match to the admissions people; talk about how you and Tulane would benefit each other.

Making this essay good can make all the difference; I received a full-tuition scholarship from Tulane this past Spring and my “Why Tulane?” essay was actually quoted (more than once!) in the scholarship offer. One of my good friends (with “stats” similar to my own) threw his essay together the night before the application deadline and was rejected–not even waitlisted. Take your time and make a real connection; it will show in your writing!

And to answer your second question, my finished essay was about 450 words, and that seemed about right for me!

Now there is a dramatic example!! But as we have said a million times on here (more or less), Tulane loves genuine interest. And why not? All schools prefer it of course, but let’s face it. Tulane is really unique in some very important ways that do make the word “fit” even more applicable.

Anyway, I just felt compelled to react to such a stark anecdote. Back to programming on channel OP.

@smurphy17 Thank you so much for the help! That is an awesome story, and congrats on the full-tuition scholarship! That is awesome! I have been following Tulane’s information since the fall of my Junior year too! I plan on working on my essay for a while because I want to make sure it shines! I unfortunately live far away and cannot visit campus. Do you think that touching on the fact that I have done a lot of research and seen a lot of the campus via the internet will benefit me or hurt me? Should I not mention the fact that I have not visited? I feel like it might be understood as I unfortunately live in the northeast. @fallenchemist I would love to hear what you think about this too.

I wouldn’t worry about not being able to visit campus, and there is no need to mention it. Stay focused on “Why Tulane”. If it doesn’t contribute directly to that theme, cut it. I think that you did a lot of research and watched the videos will be obvious by what you say in your statement, whether you explicitly say that is what you did or not. If you do decide to include it, do it in a casual way, like “When I saw the video about the Mayan dig, I knew Tulane was a school I had to look into more”. Just be natural, the admissions people are very good at knowing who knows the school and who doesn’t. They read way too many of these things not to have a handle on it. smurphy17’s story is a strong testament to that!

@fallenchemist Thank you so much! You are literally one of the most helpful people on CC. You should be a Tulane an admission counselor!

The time you’re putting into your research will speak for itself. Visiting campus is definitely not the only way to demonstrate your interest–the campus is beautiful and New Orleans is amazing, but you can find out everything you need to know without setting foot on campus! Show in your writing how much you’ve learned and the connection you’ve made with Tulane. And keep demonstrating your interest; make sure to be there if a Tulane rep comes to your school in the fall, and strongly consider applying EA or SCEA.

And I agree, @fallenchemist you are a lifesaver. You are so helpful and so knowledgeable, and you’ve saved me from so much stress and panic!

That’s a good point, @smurphy17 . And not just his school, but since he lives in the NE it is likely there will be a meeting at a hotel in his area where the Tulane rep and students/alums come and do a presentation and answer questions. It is important that he show up at that if at all possible. Even if he has already applied by the time it is in his area.

Also, just a note for all seniors that will be applying to Tulane this fall, and to parents of those students, being deferred admission in December isn’t always a bad thing! I was deferred last year which really upset me as Tulane was one of my top choices. Well as it turns out, I was later on accepted, and with a very large scholarship! Tulane gets so many EA/SCEA applications in the fall that they can’t admit everyone out of that pool. Get your application in EARLY. I submitted mine early-mid November (which obviously wasn’t early enough), I would suggest getting it done by mid October. You won’t regret your early on hard work!

When I wrote my Why Tulane essay I focused on two aspects: 1) How Tulane’s department of biomedical engineering (what I’m studying) provides one of the best educations in the field of the nation. As it has been stated, do your research. Don’t say anything that you can’t back up with facts or don’t believe. 2) I talked about how New Orlean’s culture is so vastly different from that of my home town and how living outside of my comfort zone would further open my mind and allow me to get more out of my college experience. Again, I used specifics from when I visited NOLA and Tulane.

One last thing to keep in mind is that you can send in a rewritten draft of the essay if you aren’t pleased with the initial version. I applied EA last year and got deferred. I’m guessing that this had at least something to do with the fact that my first version of the essay was very basic and cliche. I emailed my admission rep and asked to resubmit the newer version and they were happy to comply.

And just to give you a basis for length, my final version was around 550 words. They told me it was a bit on the long side but as long as everything in it served a purpose it shouldn’t be a hindrance.

Good luck on the essay and on applying as a whole! I hope you are one of the lucky few who get to attend Tulane!

So, my son DIDN’T fill out the “Optional” ‘Why Tulane…’ essay and submitted for early action already. Can he update this essay in anyway?? He’s a top 10% in a private HS, 4.12W, 2000 so no shoe in.

Yes, he can absolutely send the essay to his admission person for Texas (I assume by your name).

Actually received the Acceptance the next day before he could write the essay. Very Surprised. He doesn’t have outstanding stats. Trying to figure out what the hook was. 4 years of successful debate?!?

No, I think it is because his stats put him so squarely in the Tulane “sweet spot” @TxDad56 . For the most part, the Why Tulane essay seems to be to identify those with Ivy level stats that are using Tulane for a safety. I am sure there are other things they like to see in it, but I have zero doubt that was its main purpose when they added it to the application 4-5 years ago. Sooooo many students with 34+ ACT or 2200+ SAT and 3.9+ GPA with lots of AP that were applying to Tulane but hoping for HYPS/Duke/WUSTL/etc. that would have been “disappointed” if they “only got into” Tulane. Those students often ignored the essay under the assumption their stats would be enough to get in, no problem. You should have seen the outrage on here when they got deferred in most cases.

At 4.12W and 2000 SAT, while I would never use the word shoo-in in college admissions for high level schools, I would have predicted an admission, maybe even if I had known he had not done the Why Tulane. Clearly Tulane was not a safety for him, but a great fit academically if not even a bit of a challenge, and I can only imagine they saw other factors that make them think Tulane is a very real choice for him. I would bet the rest of his resume had enough to indicate a good fit. Did he attend a local session and/or visit campus? That would certainly indicate interest.

Just a little FYI, Speaking of Debate- Tulane’s Debate Team is doing amazing- currently ranked 9th in the Nation!

@dolphnlvr6 really cool to know! I was surprised not much was publicized about the team (I did find some info today though). The team appears to be fairly new and student run.

Here is the recent short article that is being referenced. http://tulane.edu/news/newwave/102715_tulane-debate-team-wins-big.cfm

See, this is why I tell prospective students to subscribe starting as early as possible. You never know when some topic that can add a lot to a Why Tulane essay will pop up.

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Tulane University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Early Action: Nov 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

Tulane University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

Tulane has kept it simple with its classic supplemental question, so we’ll make this introduction brief. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: a straightforward supplement is a demand for perfection.  

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.

This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. we strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. while submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so..

This question is a blend of the Why Essay and the Community Essay. Admissions wants to know not only why you’re interested in joining the Tulane community, but also what you will, in turn, contribute to the community should you be admitted. Now’s the time to do some research and paint a picture of what your life would be like as a Tulane student. In other words, show off your fit! Maybe you’ve been a researcher since you were a little kid, devouring books and documentaries about your favorite subjects. What excites you about attending a university that the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranked in the top 2% nationwide for research activity? Once you’ve answered the first part of the prompt, focus on what kind of impact you want to have on Tulane’s campus. Whether you hope to bring your teamwork skills to a club sport or your leadership skills to a volunteer organization dear to your heart, be sure to tell admissions the kind of story that shows their student body will be incomplete without you.

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Blighted Horizons

On the crisis of men, autobiography of influence, doom scroll, the classics, love in the age of the pickup artist, death is not the end, most popular, against advice, it’s all over, wanting bad things, on being an arsehole.

Dispatches from the present

Indifference and Intensity

Despite drawing much of its student body from northeastern and West Coast megalopolises and being located in the heart of the most cosmopolitan city in the South, Tulane—where I am a Ph.D. student in philosophy—is a strangely provincial campus: national trends, if they ever catch on here, do so rather late in the game, and few that do have anything to do with politics. It is the top “party school” in the country according to numerous college-ranking websites; few list it among the most politically active campuses.

Last fall, however, Tulane stopped being a place where nothing happens. Some local pro-Palestine activist groups—an agglomeration of small campus organizations from Tulane and neighboring Loyola University joined by long-standing New Orleans leftist and anti-Israel activist groups—marched through Uptown, culminating in a rally on the stretch of Freret Street that divides the northern half of campus from the south. A counterprotest formed, made up of Tulane students who had likely never participated in such a thing before; things got heated, a scuffle broke out, and footage from the fight made Tulane an object of conservative news discourse for a week or two. It was the most exciting thing to happen on campus since 2021, when Hurricane Ida forced evacuation of students to Houston and two weeks of canceled classes.

I was out of town when the rally happened, but when I came back my Introduction to Philosophy classroom was abuzz with discomfort. More than 40 percent of Tulane’s undergraduate population is Jewish, and many of my students interpreted the rally as a provocation directed specifically against them. “Why here?” was the reigning sentiment: City Hall was just a streetcar ride away, Baton Rouge an hour down the road. University upper administration issued an obligatory statement, mostly for the sake of nervous parents, who were promised that further activity of this sort would be met with harsh opposition from campus security. The hubbub soon subsided, and the mood on campus settled back into its default state of humdrum hedonism. Winter break arrived, a new semester began, and everyone looked forward to the summer.

That is, until April 29th, the evening the alert went out. I had a half hour before my evening seminar on Rousseau and knew I’d have to see what all the fuss was about. I biked to the southernmost edge of campus, where Gibson Hall stands along St. Charles Avenue; in the waning light of dusk, I could make out a small cluster of bodies draped in keffiyehs and Palestinian flags hurriedly pitching tents around a live oak. Surrounding them was a ring of onlookers, some holding signs and chanting but most looking puzzled, as if they’d just stopped out of curiosity on their way to class or a party. Passing cars sounded their horns—whether in support or disapproval wasn’t clear. A small handful of campus police stood to the side, unsure how to respond. I biked off to class, guts knotted with a sense of foreboding. Later that evening, campus police—some on horseback—arrested six people in their first unsuccessful attempt at shutting down the encampment. Only one of those arrested was a student.

In my late teens and early twenties, I’d spent a few years participating in activist campaigns, including a few in New Orleans; I’d volunteered at the local anarchist bookstore and community bike shop, now both defunct, the Marigny building that housed them now a condo with a ground-floor wine bar; I knew rather well the kinds of people who devoted themselves to political agitation and provocation as a profession or a way of life. I knew there were groups in the city who held rallies against Israel on a regular, sometimes weekly basis, and even more people who, out of a sense of obligation to “the movement,” would show up to assist whatever radically branded political event happened in town. So it came as no surprise when rickety pickup trucks began delivering stacks of wooden pallets to the encampment, and even less so when the Palestine flags hanging on those pallets were joined by a large red banner bearing the logo of the Marxist-Leninist-Maoist group Freedom Road Socialist Organization (known locally for conducting year-round banner-and-bullhorn denouncements of this or that bad thing in the Central Business District).

As I visited the protest site over the next two days to observe, it was clear that whatever was happening there was hardly a student protest in the normal sense. Of course, students from the various Uptown campuses came by to observe, to hold signs in support of the action or (as did a number of Tulane undergraduates) to counterprotest draped in Israeli flags. But many of those gathered were considerably older, more countercultural, more tattooed than you ever see at Tulane, Loyola or Xavier. At the edge of the crowd, I noticed one sign reading “Tulane Professor—Protect Our Students!” Sympathetic locals from the neighborhood stopped in with small children and food donations, and the day-in-the-park, family-friendly atmosphere they brought juxtaposed strangely with the pallet-and-umbrella-enforced barricade full of masked, chanting militants. In the afternoon, Tulane police cordoned off the area with metal crowd-control fencing, and a tractor wheeled out an electric game-day billboard displaying “PRIVATE PROPERTY—NO TRESPASSING” and blasting a jaunty, lyric-less tune at a deafening volume; the protesters responded by setting up a sound system and performing a few warbling R&B originals about the evils of colonialism. It was clear that the more militant contingent were gearing up for a fight with the police, and in due time the cops would give it to them.

In the early dawn hours on Wednesday, after most of the crowd had gone home, police moved in to clear the camp; fourteen arrests, two of them Tulane students. (Four others were students from Loyola.) Seven more Tulane students were suspended on account of their participation. Nobody seemed to have gotten hurt, though the protesters were understandably pissed that their tents, umbrellas, books and food had gotten junked by the cops. Later that morning, biking past on my way to my last philosophy class of the semester, I saw just a few police officers and campus workers tossing the last remaining tents, umbrellas and signs into a pile.

I expected a small showing of students made anxious, like they were last semester, by the excitement; instead I found nearly every seat filled, students sitting attentive and expectant. “What a wild couple days it’s been,” I dithered, eliciting only one or two quiet chuckles in response. (A grad student colleague related a similar experience from that day: “I’m glad you all made it back from the campout,” he jested to his mostly full classroom, to a kind of collective shrug.) I considered our final reading of the semester, from W. E. B. Du Bois. “Patience, Humility, Manners, and Taste,” he writes, “common schools and kindergartens, industrial and technical schools, literature and tolerance,—all these spring from knowledge and culture, the children of the university.” He mentions Tulane by name, by way of example. In our time, the campus seems more defined by the values of hedonistic indifference on the one hand and passionate, zealous intensity on the other. But in front of me nonetheless, stood a collection of minds. I collected my notes, uncapped a marker. “Alright, gang,” I began: “let’s get started.”

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Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Tulane University Essays 2020-2021

Located in the vibrant and multicultural New Orleans, Tulane University is a private research university that began as a medical college to combat cholera. To this day, the school continues to uphold their commitment to service. Tulane has integrated community service into its curriculum and mandates it for all students. If you’re looking for ways to give back, the school has ample opportunities including service learning courses, public service research, and service-based study abroad programs.

The university is ranked #40 by the U.S. News & World Report and is #4 on the Princeton Review’s List of Colleges with the Happiest Students. In 2015, the school had an admissions rate of 31%, but it now has a much more competitive rate of 11% acceptance as of 2019. Of the admitted students in 2019, the middle 50% had an ACT score between 31-33 and an SAT score between 1410-1510.

The college has five different schools spanning science and engineering, architecture, business, liberal arts and public health. Something that makes Tulane stand out is that it encourages cross-disciplinary studies; a third of students double major! If you are looking to explore multiple areas of study, this college could be a good fit for you. 

The Tulane “Green Waves” represent the university in NCAA Division I, enjoying particular success in men’s tennis and achieving moderate recognition in baseball and women’s basketball. If varsity athletics are not your cup of tea, there are also over 200 student organizations to join (including Aikido, Quidditch, Fencing, Cat Mafia Comedy and Hallyu Youth Practicing Emotional Dance), and 20 fraternities and sororities to rush.

Has the allure of Tulane’s academic excellence convinced you to apply? Are you on the edge of your seat because of the ever-dropping acceptance rate? Never fear, our essay specialist team at CollegeVine is here to breakdown the tips and tricks to writing the Tulane University supplemental essays.

Want to know your chances at Tulane? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Tulane will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Tulane needs to know.

Tulane University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (20-250 words)

Prompt 2: Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (50-800 words)

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words max)

Although you probably already listed out your extracurriculars on your application, chances are you those one or two lines didn’t accurately capture the hard work and dedication you put into your extracurriculars. This prompt attempts to mitigate that by allowing you to expand on one of your extracurriculars. This is an opportunity to add depth to your application in a way that shows rather than simply telling readers your passions and character traits. Answering this prompt also lends credibility to your application overall by detailing your specific contributions to the organization or activity you previously mentioned.

When choosing an activity, use the following steps to determine which one would fit best into this prompt:

Choosing the activity :

• Step 1: Replicate your extracurriculars list from the Common App on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet.
• Step 2: Create a column to the right and write down any accomplishments, interactions, conversations, phrases, or words that are particularly memorable for each activity.
• Step 3: Further to the right, write down in a separate column the corresponding/related student organizations, events, and programs available at or in the vicinity of Tulane.
• Step 4: Rank your activities in order of content, with the ones with the most impressive accomplishments, most interesting conversations, and most corresponding Tulane programs at the top, and the ones with the least at the bottom.
• Step 5: Choose the top-ranked activity to write about, unless you feel very strongly for another high-ranked item.

You can approach this prompt multiple ways, but we recommend either a narrative- or collection-based approach. A narrative approach involves focusing in on one particular memory, event, or instance for the majority of the response. A collection approach would entail detailing a few of these events in a way where your response emulates some sort of connecting, underlying theme. Because of the smaller word count, a narrative approach will probably be easier to tackle, unless you have two or three strongly interconnected instances.

When constructing this prompt, it is important to focus on showing, and not telling your audience what you have done. While listing out the number of hours you spent volunteering or the board positions you held over the years does quantify your efforts, the essay prompt is a space to demonstrate these things more creatively, so avoid stating these facts directly unless they can be smoothly woven into your narrative.

The key to showing and not telling is specificity and descriptive language. A natural inclination many students have is to list out every event they volunteered at or contribution they made to the extracurricular, but within this word limit, this approach can leave much to be desired in terms of detail. Rather than pursuing quantity, try to zero in on one or two quality instances that you feel best showcase your contributions to the extracurricular, and use descriptive language rather than plain statements to illustrate how you feel about the activity rather than merely describing the steps you took to complete it.

Here are two versions of an essay about dance.

In my sophomore year, I stumbled into the dance studio by chance one day, and was invited to audition to be placed on a team. During the audition, I noticed how free yet powerful the advanced dancers looked when performing, and became determined to emulate their techniques. Ever since then, I have become a loyal member of the dance club at XXX High School.

In that first audition, I was selected to perform with the largest dance organization in school, which performed a variety of pieces, including house, modern, and freestyle at school fairs, annual productions, and charity events. As I learned to nail down the basics of hip-hop and modern dance, I began to choreograph for the team on occasion, and organizing extra practices for other members to perfect our upcoming set.

Dance is the newest thing I have learned in my life. In exploring this novel territory, I have learned the determination and humility necessary in nurturing a craft from scratch, characteristics that will certainly help me succeed in performing with the Newcomb Dance Company at Tulane. Other than this prestigious student dance organization, I am also interested in joining the Tulane Ballroom Dancing Club to supplement my repertoire of dance styles. It would be very interesting to experience and investigate the roots of social dance that we see today and I look forward to bringing my expertise in modern dance and choreography to the Tulane dance community.

Upon first pointe, I was immediately enraptured by the power (and delicacy), freedom (and discipline) of dance. Ever since, I have committed my creative spirit to cultivating the dance subculture at XXX High School, in a consummate mélange of my passion for hip-hop and community building .

With no prior training, I auditioned and was selected to perform with the largest dance organization in school.

To perfect our set and provide fellow budding dancers with the opportunity to expand their repertoire, I taught snippets of other styles — house, modern, freestyle… — in the bi-weekly extra practices I coordinated for the team.

The rest of my spare time I spent configuring my limbs into novel silhouettes in choreography for our upcoming set.

In exploring the exquisite art of dance, I grasped the humility and tenacity necessary in nurturing a craft from scratch, characteristics that will surely assist my transition into performing with the Newcomb Dance Company in the successors of its current production Above the Oaks. This annual student-run performance will prompt me to hone my technique in the three core styles that cement the foundation for all creative choreography: ballet, modern and jazz, perfecting my grand j été in the process.

Between rehearsals, I can be found waltzing into the Lakeside Room of the Reily Center to take lessons with Tammy Clark as a member of the Tulane Ballroom Dancing Club, foxtrotting across the floor, further into my dance journey.

While version 1 and version 2 both discuss the same activity, sequence of events, and even mention joining the same organizations at Tulane, version 2 is much more effective in illustrating an image of you enhancing the dance community’s spirit with your choreography of “novel silhouettes” in the admissions officers’ minds.

Here are some of the mistakes found in version 1:

• Failed to highlight the most impressive part of the candidate’s accomplishment in dance, which is being selected to dance with the largest organization in school with no prior training. While version 1 does mention performing with that organization after the first audition and mentions stumbling into that audition accidentally, it does not spell out the candidate’s lack of experience in plain words, and hence does not sufficiently emphasize her talent.
• Used very plain and commonplace phrases on applications such as:
• “I noticed how… and became determined to…”
• “Ever since then, I became a…”
• “Other than this… I am also interested in joining…”
• “It would be very interesting to…”
• Try to avoid these commonly used sentence structures. Otherwise, embellish them by rearranging the structure of the sentence or packing the rest of the sentence with unique words (that fit the context of course) and vivid imagery.
• Version 1 “told” without “showing” anything. Version 2’s  “ Upon first pointe, I was immediately enraptured by the power (and delicacy), freedom (and discipline) of dance” effectively conveys the idea that the candidate was hooked by dance upon her first encounter, but with much more powerful illustration than version 1’s statement of events that led to the candidate’s participation in dance. Version 2 also makes reference to “pointe,” which is a ballet term, further showcasing her true depth of experience in dance. If possible, try to incorporate relevant references to the activity throughout your essay.

Just remember, less is not more in terms of the level of detail in admissions essay-writing. In your first drafts, try to pen as many details about your anecdotes as you can possibly think of; you can decide which ones are not essential later.

Writing them all down on one page allows you to make a more objective decision about which ones are critical and which ones are not. Besides, in revising your essay, you never know which details you will need later on; therefore, it is beneficial to have an archive of all possible details in a longer first draft.

Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. (optional, 800 words max)

Many universities employ a “ Why This College? ” prompt to better assess your interest in the school and knowledge of their current offerings. Writing a strong response serves to set apart candidates who may have similar academic statistics and extracurriculars. You should absolutely respond to this essay, even though it’s technically optional.

Your response to this prompt helps admissions officers determine  if Tulane is a good fit for you – and in return, doing this type of research can also help you determine where it falls on your prospective school list. Therefore, it is important that you paint a detailed and accurate picture of what you are looking to get out of your college experience at Tulane. While it is impossible for you to truly know what your college experience holds, you can use your current skills and interests as a starting point to determine which communities you may inhabit at Tulane.

Since you have up to 800 words, you have ample space to talk about multiple aspects of Tulane that interest you, and you’ll be able to also provide plenty of detail on how those Tulane resources connect to your interests and goals. 

One potential starting point is thinking about your prospective major and potential courses you could take. A great starting point is Tulane’s website, where there is a list of Majors and Minors. Under this tab, you can choose your prospective major and then see a list of course requirements with course descriptions. You can also browse a list of professors and find one that participates in research that intrigues you. 

However, it is important to note that simply name-dropping a class or professor can have an adverse effect rather than contributing to your application. This might be the case if you choose courses that are too generic or mention professors without connecting them to your interests. Remember, while this essay is about your interest in Tulane, it is also about you. Therefore, establishing a personal connection to the college is important . 

For example, think about your current clubs and which of them you would like to pursue in the future. Tulane’s website has a Campus Life tab that contains multiple avenues to learn about the school’s offerings and its connection to the surrounding community. Just as with classes and professors, it is important to find clubs and events specific to Tulane and your interests. For example, if a student has a history of fighting food insecurity, Tulane has a Food Recovery Network organization. Because most schools have some form of community service, it is important to name the specific club and also specific goals and activities that you wish to participate in. You should describe what you wish to do at Tulane and tie it back to work that you have already done in this field. 

Here are two potential responses:

Bad: “I have always been very passionate about community service; in particular, fighting food insecurity is very important to me. I am interested in Tulane because I wish to make a difference in the community and there are clubs that fight food insecurity in the local area. I can use the resources at this college to further pursue my passion and help others. This will also help me gain leadership skills for my future career, which I hope will involve some form of community service in this manner.”

Good: “At my high school, I established a program to combat food insecurity where students could drop their unopened leftover food from the cafeteria lunches in a box that anyone could grab from. I worked with my principal to establish a program where the food that was left at the end of the lunch period was taken to a local food shelter. My passion for food redistribution is one that I hope to continue at Tulane, a school that prides itself on its commitment to community service. Through an organization like the Food Recovery Network, I can help package leftovers from The Commons to donate to a homeless shelter. I also plan on starting my own initiative to fight food insecurity on campus, by working with dining hall staff to create a program to increase accessibility to food insecure students.”

The first response may be factual but lacks the detail and depth necessary to sound convincing. The generic approach does not really convey the student’s background in this topic, or how they plan to pursue it at Tulane. The second response bridges the student’s past with their potential future at Tulane, and establishes a realistic and goal-oriented path for readers to follow. Adding these specific details signals a deeper interest in Tulane itself while also communicating your passion for this type of community service. 

Finally, because Tulane is a small, private university, it can be helpful to mention people affiliated with the university, especially if they influenced your decision to apply. Tulane espouses this as it can be helpful for their admissions office to know if you have an indirect link to the school. This can include current students, alumni, and recruitment officers. If you don’t know anyone yet, no worries! Tulane has a Green Wave Ambassadors program where prospective students can read about and contact current campus tour guides at the university. Networking can both help you learn more about Tulane and also give you valuable information for this essay prompt.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what's the sat range for tulane university.

Hello! I'm planning on applying to Tulane and I'm curious about the typical SAT range for their incoming students. Does anyone know what scores I should be targeting?

Sure! Tulane University usually provides the middle 50% SAT range for students who have been accepted. The middle 50% range means that 25% of admitted students scored below that range and 25% scored above it. For the Tulane undergraduate class of 2027, the middle 50% SAT range was between 1400 and 1490.

Keep in mind that your SAT score is just one part of your application, and Tulane considers other aspects as well, such as your academic record, extracurriculars, and essays. However, targeting a score within this range will help you be more competitive in the admissions process. Good luck with your application!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Tulane senior reflects on lessons learned reporting on campus protests

With her graduation just days away, a student reporter at Tulane University reflects on a semester that ended in war protests and a college experience that began with a global pandemic.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. 

MATT BLOOM, HOST: College graduations across the country have been disrupted this month as students continue to protest Israel’s war in Gaza. In Louisiana, Xavier University canceled its commencement speaker, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, after nearly 1,800 people signed a petition asking she be removed. And Tulane University, the site of a recent pro-Palestinian encampment, has upped security measures for its graduation this weekend.

To get a sense of how students are feeling, WWNO and WRKF’s Aubri Juhasz spoke with a senior at Tulane about her experience as a student and reporter for the school’s newspaper, The Tulane Hullabaloo.

AUBRI JUHASZ, BYLINE: I first spoke with Hannah Levitan in the fall, shortly after Hamas attacked Israel and the Israeli army began its war in Gaza.

The conflict sparked an immediate response at Tulane, where about a third of students, including Levitan, identify as Jewish. There were early protests in support of the Palestinian people. Counter-protestors also gathered. As a student reporter, Levitan tried to talk to as many people involved as possible.

HANNAH LEVITAN: There are people who are standing on the pro-Israel side, like, against Hamas or against antisemitism, or they're standing on the pro-Israel side because they support Netanyahu. And you don't know unless you speak with them.

Protests intensified again late last month. Pro-Palestinian protestors set up an encampment on Tulane’s campus, pitching tents on a big grass lawn off of St. Charles. Like similar demonstrations across the country, they demanded Tulane disclose their financial ties to Israel and divest.

Armed state police cleared the encampment less than 48 hours later at the university’s request. School officials argue it was necessary to restore order and safety. But many feel the use of force was unnecessary.

I recently sat down again with Levitan to discuss where things stand, and get a sense of how she’s feeling ahead of her own graduation this month.

Hannah, thanks for being here.

LEVITAN: Thank you for having me.

JUHASZ: How has it been on campus since police cleared the encampment?

LEVITAN: Well, I mean, there is still police presence on campus. I actually haven’t taken my graduation pictures yet. Now there’s two tents of police officers sitting right next to the big Tulane University sign. So you could definitely say that tensions are high on campus.

I think people including professors and faculty members are frustrated as well with the way the administration handled things, regardless of which side you support.

JUHASZ: How have students reacted to the university’s response?

LEVITAN: I think that it’s been a mixture of emotions, and I’ve definitely heard of people losing friends, people signing different open letters, and depending on which open letter you sign, somebody sees that and, you know, you’re no longer friends with them.

It’s kind of crazy. And I think another big problem is that there wasn’t really any kind of dialogue between the Tulane administration and protestors. I think that’s something that’s incredibly important.

JUHASZ: Right. So, Tulane officials say the majority of the people at the encampment were not affiliated with Tulane. They suspended some students who were involved. They also say some protesters used antisemitic chants. On the other side, protestors, some of whom are Jewish, say they were peaceful, were not using antisemitic language and posed no threat.

You were there. What did you see? How would you characterize what was going on at the encampment?

LEVITAN: To be honest, it was pretty hard to see the encampments, because there were a lot of barricades that were built up by the time I had gotten there the first day. Members of my team were already there, news editors, and we were trying to figure out how to best cover this because, you know, we understand this is a delicate situation.

At the same time, this is real life. This is happening right now, and we have parents and students and community members who wanted to see what was going on and couldn’t be there.

So we started a live stream. From what I saw and what I personally experienced wearing a Tulane Hullabaloo blue shirt and a Jewish star was harassment. And it was not from students per say.

I saw, you know, some of my friends on both sides. Some people I knew inside the encampments and some people I knew as counter protesters, and it’s hard being in the middle, literally.

JUHASZ: When we spoke in the fall, you had hoped that the Tulane Hullabaloo’s reporting, especially the podcast you helped start where you were trying to put a variety of voices back-to-back, would help bring students and other folks into more of this middle space where they could listen to one another about the conflict in the Middle East.

Do you feel like that has happened at all or does it feel even more divisive than it did a couple of months ago?

LEVITAN: It feels way more divisive. Way more divisive. I mean, that’s a combination of students becoming more entrenched in their views, locked to their phones. I had to delete Instagram for the last week because I’m confused. And I’m a history major.

I think the problem is that when I was at those protests, people on both sides were yelling, “You’re on the wrong side of history.” I took off my Jewish star at one point because I was being yelled at by both sides, like, “Why are you over there? You should be over here.”

JUHASZ: Folks who are opposed to the protests think that because you’re Jewish, that you should be on their side. And I’d imagine people who are there for the Palestinian people may feel like you are biased, even if they have no evidence of that.

LEVITAN: Correct. That is something that my colleagues and I attempted to remedy in creating a podcast that allowed for anonymity. And since we’ve had several students come into our actual newsroom and give us tips. That is kind of reviving the old journalism model.

I think that’s something that’s scary going into journalism, but also at the same time, having people feel more comfortable coming to you since you’ve created this space for anonymity, you get more stories out.

JUHASZ: Your class, the class of 2024, has seen so much upheaval since you arrived for your freshman year in 2020. The pandemic, Hurricane Ida, now the impact of war protests on campus. How should we remember your class and all you’ve been through?

LEVITAN: I guess for my class, it feels cyclical. It is cyclical. And I guess that’s what you get when your college career begins in one of America’s more eventful, historical years. And now it’s ending in a similar position.

At the same time, we’re students and we don’t really, I don’t really want to talk about myself and then get criticized for making it about me. But you know what? We’re college students. We’re trying our best. We’re learning about the world around us.

JUHASZ: And yourselves.

LEVITAN: And ourselves. So, it just kind of feels the same, for me at least.

JUHASZ: Hannah Levitan is a senior at Tulane University and the digital director for its student newspaper The Tulane Hullabaloo. She graduates this Saturday. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

LEVITAN: Thank you, Aubri.

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