I know that backup schools should be schools that you are basically guaranteed to get into. I was wondering if Tulane could be considered a backup school for me based on my stats.
Act: 35
GPA: 4.0 UW/4.47 W
AP Classes Taken: AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Biology, AP World History, AP Chemistry, AP US History, AP Lang, AP Psych, AP Calc AB
Major: Neuroscience, planning on going to medical school after college
PSAT: 1510, I am assuming I will qualify for NMSF and will take SAT if I am
Tulane considers level of applicant’s interest, so it may choose not to admit an applicant who appears to be using it as a low choice “safety”.
@ucbalumnus If Tulane is not right for a safety school, could you please recommend some schools that could be with my stats and major choice?
Go on the Tulane sub forum and check out last year’s results. There are soooo many students who thought Tulane was a safety and are whining about their rejection.
A safety should have an acceptance rate of at least 40-50%. Pitt is one with a lot of the same applicants as Tulane - apply ASAP and you’ll probably get full tuition at least (admissions and scholarships are rolling, so if you wait the money will be gone).
You should show “demonstrated interest” in the school. And (unless prohibited by any other EA/ED plan you are using) you can apply non-binding EA so you know by December if you are in.
I know an NMF kid this year with 35 ACT who was expecting a large merit offer from Tulane but instead didn’t get in…
Safeties must be affordable. Since you did not state your cost constraints, a worst case assumption (wealthy parents who cannot or will not pay) cost constraint would be very limiting. Fortunately, your stats could get you full rides at some schools listed at http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/ , but check school web sites to verify, since some information may be out of date.
I had lower grades and scores and got into Tulane 3 days after I applied w an 100k dollar merit scholarship – it seems like you’ll be fine. It’s also free to apply there, so use that as a safety and find another one. Apply to your state school as a safety (unless it’s Michigan, Berkeley, UCLA, etc)
@guitar321 Please look at the Tulane forum. I’m sure you can find many students with OP’s stats who were rejected.
If Tulane is your first choice, and you do not need to compare financial aid offers, you can apply ED to indicate a high level of interest.
If not, then you need to play the “show interest” game there, particularly if you appear to be “overqualified”.
A good way to show interest in Tulane is to apply for their full tuition scholarships. And, be sure to answer the “optional” Why Tulane essay, and answer it thoughtfully.
A safety must be affordable which means that you MUST know that ALL costs are covered by assured grants/merit and family funds.
How much will your parents pay each year?
What is your major and career goal?
It is a bad idea to apply to Tulane as safety. As was pointed out above, many high stats applicants get rejected. Nothing will beat Pitt as a safety with your stats and intended major. Apply early, you should have a response by mid October.