Essays/LORs/Other Personal Statement: “Function over form.” Focuses on authenticity, practicality, and lessons learned from things like my investment banking experience.
Why Tulane: Writing a lot about my company, and how I see the community through the eyes of a respected local, who I know very well.
LORS: CEO of the IB, APES teacher, APUSH teacher
Schools
Just want to know for Tulane, I can afford full price. I am applying ED 2 to show my semester 1 senior grades. Also, I would like to say I have shown a lot of demonstrated interest, participating in many events they hold. Let me know what you guys think. I am super nervous.
Edited by moderator to remove identifying information.
What is it about Tulane that makes it a wow ? You might consider UT Chattanooga which has a Forensics Certificate or College of Charleston as an alternative through its Crime, Law and Society minor.
I mention these two because city wise and school size there is some similarity although Charleston’s campus is more urban.
For finance in general, this is a bit of a concern. Why no precalc? You’ll have to do calculus at most (all?) colleges to major in finance, Tulane included, and most value strong math performance at high school. This could be a weak point for applications.
ED is your best shot so you may as well take it, but make sure you have some good target and safety applications in for the RD round as well.
Agree that the OP’s stats are unlikely to be overcome by the extracurriculars. Do you have an explanation for your GPA? Were there any extenuating circumstances? Remember not only is the goal to get into college but to be able to succeed and graduate from college. If a school and their academics are going to be too challenging that’s a consideration.
Also agree that if there’s any chance it is going to be by applying early decision.
You’re taking your best shot by going ED… and while not out of the realm of possibility of getting admitted you’re definitely on the low side of the bubble. You’re in the lower half of your school academically (141/230).
On your “Why Tulane” essay I hope you associated those aspects you outline above to specific things at the school.
Thank you for the feedback. I know my earlier GPA isn’t strong, but I was wondering how much an upward trend actually matters in admissions? I went from almost no rigor to 4 APs junior year and 3 dual enrollment classes senior year (and 2 more APs if counting macro and micro combined), and my grades rose from an 83 to an 89 and now a 94. Now I’m not trying to make excuses, but COVID during middle school meant I started high school without real study habits. With that said, I’d like to think worked hard to improve. Do colleges take that kind of growth into account, or do they mainly focus on the number they see overall?
You and every other student - nothing unique to you here.
Yes - the school will take the increased rigor and increase in grades as you moved from one year to the next into consideration. And it’s something they absolutely like to see. They are going to look at the school profile as well - are you mid-pack for a very competitive/rigorous school or mid-pack on a less competitive school, etc.
Did you take the AP tests in your Junior year? Unless I’m not seeing it you’re not listing your scores above.
My school is pretty competitive, most people get into great colleges. Many rigorous classes are offered, mostly to juniors and seniors though (loopholes for freshman and sophomore). I got a 4 on APES, APUSH, and AP AFRO. I only got a 3 on APCSP though. Not sure if I answered the competitive school question well, but that’s what I know.
Collectively you’ve been told it’s unlikely. We are here to be honest, not to bend for your hope.
But we are not Tulane. You are full pay and you are applying ED. But no ones feelings will change, just because you want them to.
If you get in, great - congrats. Nothing wrong with trying ED.
If not, you need alternatives - hence I mentioned UT Chatt and College of Charleston…because there’s a similarity of the environment in my opinion- and they would both be safe for you.
Good luck - but be prepared with a plan in case it doesn’t happen.
I stand by my original statement - and seems to be consistent with other sentiment - that it’s unlikely, but you’re shooting your shot with the ED and I don’t think anyone is suggesting you have ZERO chance… just not high. If you get in great but we suggest having other options ready.