How to Write the Tulane University Essays

You have 250 words to capture your excitement for Tulane in this essay, so make the most of it! This prompt offers you the opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you are interested in this institution distinctly—what about Tulane is uniquely appealing to you as a prospective student?

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, clubs, and opportunities that are highlighted as distinct Tulane offerings. Thinking about what you can get from this educational experience that you cannot get anywhere else. For instance, you might discuss the university’s research opportunities, the average class size of 21 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.

You should then consider how you will enrich the Tulane community in return—you’ll need to translate your experiences and interests into action as you approach the second part of the prompt.. Tulane’s admission page expresses that although they seek high-performing students on an academic and extracurricular level, they’re also interested in building a diverse and multifaceted community. They look at every applicant with a focus on what makes them distinct and how they can play a role in shaping the Tulane community for the better. Think dynamically about how you would be a strong fit for the university’s community and shape it in a way that only you can by joining existing organizations and positively impacting both the campus and greater New Orleans 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. Keep in mind that service is very important at Tulane, so it might be a good idea to tie in how you hope to take part in it while you’re there.

“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 bins. With faculty support, I recruited a team of students to come to school an hour early to get our hands dirty–literally–and sort the recycling. Combining my intellectual interest in Environmental Science with action-oriented initiatives for change filled me with pride, satisfaction and hopes to do the same in college.

At Tulane, I’m eager to continue learning in an environment that prioritizes giving back. Incredible opportunities like the TIDES courses (this fall’s Climate Change Solutions is perfectly suited for my interests), will enable me to make 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.