I got into my to two choices Virginia Tech and Tulane and I am honestly completely stuck between the two.
I am very social, and really wanted school spirit and a vibrant sports culture, and I know VT wins there, but when I visited, the Tulane students all seem exceptionally happy and I love the academic flexibility (I want to major and minor in very different fields- humanities and performing arts) that’s very important to me too. I am OOS for both, btw.
Can anyone who really knows both schools share some insight on their experiences to help me decide? Thank you!!
Is cost a wash as well? Tulane has a much higher “list price”.
S23 was applicant to both schools as well (Architecture).
There’s quite a bit of school spirit at Tulane. Sports culture slightly less-so (they have decent enough teams but don’t always get the love from the student body they might deserve).
Very very different campuses and surrounding area’s - not to mention weather. I seem to recall that most VT students lived on campus for a year or two and after that moved off campus. Tulane now has a 3 year on-campus requirement. That could be a positive or negative depending on point of view.
Virginia Tech consistently gets high marks for their food. Tulane is trying to up their game on this front but has a ways to go.
Being OOS look how easy it will be to travel to/from. Tulane is a 25 minute cab ride from the airport. I believe VT is a little more challenging. You might only need to do it 3 times/year but something to consider.
~65% of VT student body is in-state - so most of the students you see will be from the state of Virginia. Tulane is much smaller student body but only 10% in-state. The remaining student body is from all over though pulls heavily from the west coast and the northeast.
Probably doesn’t help a ton but some things to consider if you haven’t already.
I am pre-law and I think Tulane might win for resources that could guide me to law school. I don’t have direct knowledge, but it seems there is a lot of advertised support for their “pre law” program.
I think as was said - these schools are different - size, environment, weather, access (transportation) etc.
I would not make a decision based on pre law - which is not a thing. It’s advising and not really necessary. Any major and any student can take the LSAT and apply to law school.
Yes, I am aware they are different, which is why I am asking for specific feedback from people who have experienced one or both.
I also know that ‘pre-law’ is not a major, but a program with specific advising support. I shared my intention to matriculate to law school for additional context, not to suggest that I would choose a school based on this sole criteria, but thanks.
I don’t know a lot about VT, but will say my daughter looked at Tulane specifically for their robust performing arts and flexibility with other majors. She didn’t end up there, but I will say her continued involvement in performing arts was a huge part of her college experience. Only you can decide whether sports culture overshadows performing experience. Best of luck with your decision!
I have no experience with the performing arts scene at VT (they do have a beautiful performing arts center - I’ve been lucky to attend a couple of performances there). Have you visited or reached out to that department at VT?
My initial thought is that the culture of these two colleges might be vastly different. VT has a down-to-earth, casual vibe. It’s a large public university with its campus located in a lovely small town with lots of farmland. I don’t doubt that there are wealthy students and families there but it’s not something that one would notice when looking around campus. Students are dressed casually and there’s also a very casual and down-to-earth drive among the parents whom I’ve met.
Tulane may or may not have a similar vibe - it’s a private university with a considerably higher price point than VT. I’m aware of similar schools to Tulane (in size and cost) where there is a much wealthier vibe. It also has a small student body, so the experience may be very different from a large public U.
There’s no right or wrong, by the way - it’s all in what kind of environment you are looking for and would feel comfortable in.
I also think it’s possible to have an environment with a strong sports culture and a strong performing arts program. The two need not be mutually exclusive.
Good luck with your decision - both are great options!
Thank you! I haven’t visited VT, but I need to to get a better sense of it and your guidance about sports and performing arts culture not being mutually exclusive is an excellent thing to keep in mind. I think the Sociology programs at both schools are good, but the theater piece is still unknown to me, so more research is needed for sure
I would definitely agree that the vibe at Tulane is that of very obviously wealthy students from exceedingly wealthy families. Obviously, this is not everyone, but when I went out with friends who are juniors there during a visit in the fall, every girl in the group had very expensive jewelry worth many thousands of dollars and purses that were of even higher value. All had just returned from a vacation on a private jet. I’ve never been on a private jet ;)) so it was notable, and it’s good to remember that not every school is like that
I’m glad your daughter was able to continue her creative passions in college. That’s so important for some (I’m a musical theater nerd!). And thank you for your feedback