@mogmm17 - Please keep in mind that not hearing back right now does not automatically mean you are not a ‘strong candidate.’ With so many applications to read, it is physically impossible for all decisions to be posted before December 20. Since Tulane is not a rolling school, they are unable to guarantee that just because you applied early, you will find out early. Having gone through this stressful process, I know ‘relaxing’ is easier said than done. You have done everything you (as an applicant) need to do. You have shown, through your application that you are interested in Tulane, and you have good ‘credentials.’ There are plenty of people in the exact same boat as you and unless it’s December 21 and you have yet to receive a decision (which won’t happen), it’s best to take a deep breath and relax. I know this does not make you any less stressed, and I wish I could help more, but I want to emphasize that hearing late does not automatically equal deferral. Hearing late might just mean they have yet to read your application.