Academics
Tulane University, located in the heart of New Orleans, is an institution where “academics are rigorous” and which “encourages exploration, trying new things … and learn[ing] from people who are different from you.” Attending students benefit from a myriad of research opportunities—“it’s very easy to get into a lab or other research through relationships with professors,” says a student—as well as an “extensive alumni network.” They’re also quick to taut the academic flexibility which lets undergrads “explore [all] possible majors and minors.” This is largely due to the fact that all students “are admitted into every school at Tulane” so everyone has access to the business, science and engineering, liberal arts, public health, and architecture programs in equal measure. When it comes to specific disciplines, a few individuals note that “the Public Health Program is incredible.” And some students make a point of highlighting the Business School’s “high rate of job placement.” Overall, undergrads find their professors “extremely knowledgeable,” “really passionate,” and “incredibly accomplished.” Additionally, “most of them have had … careers outside the classroom [that] bring the lessons to life.” But perhaps their “greatest strength is their commitment to working with students.” As this undergrad illustrates, “Office hours are easy, and all of my professors are willing and even eager to meet when I reach out for help.”
Student Body
Tulane undergrads admit that the majority of their “peers are … white, upper-class individuals” who primarily hail “from the Northeast, Chicago, and the West Coast.” Fortunately, these same classmates have proven themselves to be “extremely open minded and some of the most accepting and kind people [you’ll] ever [meet].” Of course, it probably doesn’t hurt that many are also rather quick to adopt that “Southern hospitality mentality.” Moreover, a vast number are “excited to learn” and “eager to get involved on campus.” And they tend to be “enthusiastic, spontaneous, intellectual, curious, [and] exciting.” But perhaps what really unites these undergrads is their desire to “pick each other up and work together to make the world a better place.” Indeed, Tulane students “would [prefer to] pull someone up with them to get ahead rather than stepping on the shoulders of others.” As one undergrad adds, “We are not a competitive student body; we collaborate because we want to see each other succeed.” That attitude makes it easy to understand the “positive vibe” permeating the campus and the fact that, ultimately, students find that those “at Tulane are overall really happy.”
Campus Life
Due to the intensity of their coursework, most students spend the majority of their week hitting the books at one of the “great study spots” around campus. But when these dedicated scholars need a break, there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. For example, students can take advantage of everything from “community service projects [to] art shows.” And they have the opportunity of “attending guest lectures with friends” as well as “student theatrical [and] dance performances or … cultural demonstrations” presented by various departments. Many undergrads here are also rather active and health conscious. Therefore, a large number of “students exercise at the athletic center, run around campus or Audubon Park, or play sports in their free time.” Nevertheless, “once Thursday rolls around, students are ready to go out.” As one undergrad explains, “Bars around campus are [frequented] throughout the late week and into the weekend. [Additionally,] frat parties are typically thrown on the weekends and attendance is high.” Not surprisingly, the city of New Orleans itself is also a big draw. A good number of students spend their free time exploring “all of the different music and food festivals that are constantly happening.” And they are quick to note that “there are [an] infinite number of restaurants to try, jazz concerts to attend, [and] neighborhoods to explore.”
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