Hmm, I don’t think they require you to double major for TPM. We were never told that by Admission people. Also they have to invite you to apply TPM before you start at Tulane. You can’t apply to TPM once you’re a student at Tulane. You might be thinking of another program called Creative PreMedical Scholars, which is a guaranteed admission to medical school for Liberal Art majors, you still have to take the science prerequisites for med school but you can do any liberal art major and they don’t require MCAT. You can apply to Creative PreMedical Scholars Program in the spring of your sophomore year at Tulane. There’s minimum GPA requirement but no invitation required.
It’s possible that back when he was considering it, the policy was that you had to major in something other than a science, so he decided to double major. Don’t recall exactly, but I do recall that then you couldn’t major in a science. And again, it was pretty new when he considered it. The choice was made, IIRC, sophomore year. It was probably the creative premed scholars that is what you are describing. In fact yes that sounds right. So I guess the other program didn’t exist when he applied/attended.
Possible but I’ll say that the numbers of kids that submit test scores to Tulane is fairly small. Latest CDS shows 13% submit SAT’s and 28% submit ACT’s.
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Does anyone have experience with the Honors Scholar program?
Looks like they’ve been evolving it. When S23 was admitted (he wasn’t admitted to Honors Program and if he was likely wouldn’t have participated) the program was a specific Tides class and priority registration and I think specific housing - not much more than that. Seems to be a little more involved now.
Do you have specific questions?
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My daughter was invited to apply to Pathways to Medicine (proud moment) at this time last year, and was accepted in EA round. Did not submit test scores. She did not end up applying as at the time, she wasn’t 100% committed to Tulane. It was shared during Scholars weekend (admitted student event), that they invite the top 1% to apply. She had a moment of regret at that time, as I watched her sink into her seat.
She chose Tulane and couldn’t be happier. Great experience thus far for pre-med. Attentive advisors. Good mix of intense focus on academics, with a bit of fun mixed in.
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To be sure! With Carnival season kicking off yesterday and the students returning to campus this weekend!!
100!!
She heads back tomorrow 
but, I’m thrilled for her. General chem and bio were no joke, as we know they are weed out classes. I’ve been impressed thus far with the care and attention the kids receive at Tulane. It’s a very collaborative environment. Not cutthroat at all. Given it’s a selective school, she knew not a soul and it wasn’t easy at first (socially) but, she found her group. Mostly pre-med kiddos. They don’t go out as much as rumored about Tulane students but, seem to have a good share of fun, as they should. End of day, the kids are there largely for the academics and, it’s not easy. Definitely need to grind. Her group ventures off campus to explore NOLA as much as possible. That’s the beauty of Tulane. Strong academic offerings (she’s geeked out for her Brain studies class this semester) and access to cultural experiences, all the while simultaneously already preparing for Mardi!
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I agree with this. Much is made of Tulane being a party school. And yes, there is always a good time to be had but what I get conveyed to me from S23 is that there is no FOMO on “party X” because there’s literally always something going to be going on and you make what you can based on what academic time allows. If a student has a tendency to find trouble or get distracted to their detriment - Tulane (and New Orleans) might not be the best choice for them. Tulane’s retention and graduation rates suggest most find the balance.
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Wow I had no idea so few submit test scores. I wish they publish stats about TPM so there’s more transparency and the students get better understanding about their chances of getting in. It’s all very vague. The only info I could find are from random reddit posts or on other forums from past candidates who were invited or got interviewed.
thank you for this info. Did they mention how many people got invited to apply and how many typically get interviewed? I heard they only accept around 8 each year. Any insight you can share about the availability of research and clinical opportunities for premed would really be appreciated.
I’ll say the test score goes down to one of the “games” Tulane plays… which to me seems silly and unnecessary.
When S23 attended an admissions program prior to applying the group was explicitly told “We are currently test optional and we would suggest to you that if your SAT/ACT is not in the high end of the middle 50%, do not submit it”. They clearly were trying to drive the scores up that get reported to make them look more selective/elite than they are…
| Submitting Test Scores | '24-'25 | '23-'24 | '22-'23 | '21-'22 | '20-'21 | '19-'20 | '18-'19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | 13% | 14% | 16% | 15% | 30% | 26% | 23% |
| ACT | 28% | 31% | 34% | 41% | 68% | 72% | 77% |
| SAT Mid-50 | 1410-1500 | 1400-1490 | 1400-1500 | 1380-1490 | 1360-1470 | 1370-1480 | 1350-1490 |
| ACT Mid-50 | 31-34 | 31-33 | 31-33 | 30-33 | 30-33 | 31-33 | 30-33 |
It DID have that impact on SAT scores, prior to COVID when test scores were required the middle 50% was 1350-1490 and now 1410-1500. ACT shifted as well but only slightly.
Hi! Just trying to figure out if it’s worthwhile. It sounds interesting, but it no longer includes priority housing. Thanks!
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As a parent, I’ve learned a lot (while hovering and staying out of her path) about admissions, the last few years. All selective schools expect demonstrated rigor, naturally. This would include test scores. Mine took her ACT only twice and with no prep (her fault) and scored a 29. Unfortunately, that score is perceived as inefficient and in her case, does not truly showcase who she is. She scored very well on her AP tests (several 5’s, a few 4’s). She is an EMT (certified in high school) as well. Took quite a few electives. She was frustrated at one point and threw her hands up in the air, after I suggested she retest, and she said if schools don’t see her value outside a score, then the school isn’t for her.
End of day, Tulane seems to focus on how well rounded a kid is and that they are deliberate in their choices, versus solely focusing on the expected stellar stats, not to minimize that of course.
End of day for her, while she was honored for the invite, BSMD is very grueling and not many kids are 100% confident at age 17 or 18 to commit to a 7+ year path. In my kids case, she seems bent on emergency medicine but, is deliberate to a fault and simply didn’t want to commit to that.
I have heard that Tulane tends to accept a good amount of kids from undergrad into their medical school, sans Pathways.
Good luck to your daughter! Hope she chooses Tulane!
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From what was shared, it is a very low amount. Less than 10. They have to maintain a 3.8 GPA (I could be wrong). A 3.8 in college is not near as easy as it is, in high school. These kids need balance, for their own sanity.
I’ve also read about others not applying after an invite. While the guarantee of med school acceptance is enticing, as it’s not an easy feat, based on feedback from med school admissions, the path is there sans BSMD. In fact, those med school admissions counselors have shared they do not recommend the BSMD path, for whatever reason 
I feel it’s the prestige of being accepted, when most kids have no idea if direct patient care is their jam, nor have they had any experience with direct patient care.
There are several parents of Pre-Med forums out there, that have been helpful with any and all knowledge on the path to med school.
Main thing I learned, bow out and relax a bit.
These kids put so much stress on themselves. A few times, parents of kids at Ivies relayed their kids panic at difficulty in chem classes and lack of support, and that they were devastated at a C on a test.
Bonus, that was not my kids experience at Tulane. Most of it’s on the students, but she was able to connect with her professors and received genuine support and reciprocation, when she felt herself struggling early on. Again, It’s not easy. Tulane is small enough to enable that support. She was able to pivot with better study habits.
I’m rambling!
I failed to reply about research and clinical opportunities.
Clinical is on the students and it’s not expected the university would avail those opportunities. Those are typically had outside of school and over breaks. EMT, CNA, etc. Direct patient care. This is the most critical EC for med school.
I know my daughter would like to work as an EMT for the city of New Orleans. Not sure how she would have the time!! (In hindsight, she could probably make it work, as she attended her EMT class a few days a week, 4 hours a pop, in the evenings, an entire semester while in HS, coupled with labs and ride alongs, and was able to juggle that).
TEMS is a volunteer run outfit by students of Tulane. They respond to emergencies for Tulane and Loyola students. That could be an option for your daughter? Note, it’s very competitive. My daughter was not chosen last semester but, plans on trying again.
Research: I do know it’s available and is one of the reasons my kid chose Tulane. Well known for research. Typically it’s not availed for freshman. The key is networking with professors, in my opinion. Be proactive. I’d read up on Tulane’s social pages. There are always in depth and intriguing articles about the research being conducted. VERY smart folks at Tulane!
Thank you for your detailed responses. Very helpful info.
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My daughter is in the Scholars (honors) program and benefited from meeting with her advisor mid May, I believe? She scheduled classes and was all set, well ahead of fall semester, freshman year. She felt that of benefit to lock in classes.
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Not sure how many would be looking at the thread that haven’t already applied - but reminder that the application deadline for RD and EDII are 1/15.
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