Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA, USA

Reviews

Tulane University of Louisiana

Scott from Stillwater, MN

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In my first year at Tulane, I learned so much; not only in the classroom, but outside of it as well. At a school where almost 70% of the students are from outside of Louisiana, I had no problem meeting many diverse people, (culturally and geographically)! The friends I have made are from all over, including Boston, Hartford, Dallas, and even Sao Paolo, Brazil. At a school with a very high Jewish population, I was exposed to a religion that, living in Minnesota, I had very little exposure to. Meeting and getting to know people from all over the country and world has opened my eyes in so many ways. Whether it's learning new slang, to learning a little about different religions and cultures, you will learn a lot about yourself and others at Tulane.
Am enjoying being here
Tulane students are mostly easy-going, fun smart people. We take our school-work very seriously here, yet also find time to join clubs, play intramurals and just have fun partying. I would say we here at Tulane live by the motto Work hard, play harder.
Bang for the buck
It's no secret that Tulane is expensive. However, Tulane has a very large endowment that they use to offer students scholarships to make it more affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! There are so many clubs and organizations at Tulane to literally have something for everyone. I joined the club Ice Hockey team, played intramural sports, reffed intramural sports as a part-time job, and joined a fraternity. Tulane has everything from political clubs, to sports clubs, to environmental clubs, to acting and drama. Don't hesitate to go to the activities and clubs fair and sign up for some things you're interested in. Also, check out the Greek system. Keep an open mind, and go through the rush process. You don't have to join if you decide it's not for you, but going through rush is the best way to decide if you would like to join a Greek organization or not. Just keep your mind open to meeting new people, trying new things and getting involved in things that interest you.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to give back to the New Orleans community. Living in New Orleans provides you with so many volunteer and rebuilding opportunities, most of which can be found through organizations on campus! People who want to have the full college experience, meet new people, have fun while at school, work hard, and get a great college education from one of the nation's top universities. Most students here are from over 500 miles away, so if you like to meet new people, come to Tulane.

Katy from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My professors at Tulane are the most involved, understanding teachers I have ever had. I love going to class, I know what is expected of me, and they know what I expect of them (I know it sounds stupid, but it really is a big deal). My courses are challenging, but I enjoy them. I am even having a hard time deciding what to minor in because I love so many subjects because the teachers are so passionate about them.
Am enjoying being here
New Orleans is the one place I feel that you can walk down the street wearing ANYTHING, and no one questions it. It's the place where you can act the way you want, when you want, and everyone is ok with that. Tulane embraces that quality of New Orleans nicely, and I love being a part of that. There are so many things that you can do and actually have a good time,that do not cost any money and are on campus.
Bang for the buck
Tulane is expensive, but if you work hard in high school, they give out generous scholarships because this campus really needs good students, not just the rich ones.
Tips for prospective students
Keep track of time! Seriously, time management is key when there are so many things you want to do!
Great for these types of students
Students who are laid back, studious, fun, and quirky are the best kinds of people around here! Tulane isn't full of stressed out kids competing with one another, everyone helps one another. If that fits your personality, you should definitely come see what it's like!

Samantha from Fort Worth, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors actually care about their students and always give their office hours in their syllabus so you can come visit them whenever you have a question. When you visit them, they're very accommodating and try to help you understand. They make their lectures really interesting and relate the subject matter to the real world so you understand why this information is important. Also, students usually form study groups before tests, which are really helpful. You can most likely find someone studying the same subject you're studying in the study lounges or library.
The majority of the student body is from somewhere other than Louisiana, which is incredible because it gives you a chance to interact with peers that come from all over the country. I love our geographic diversity because it allows me to have friends from Utah and Boston whom I otherwise never would have the opportunity to meet. People from elsewhere have different opinions and viewpoints on subjects and learning from your peers is a great experience.
Am enjoying being here
I love being at Tulane. The students always want to meet new people so it's really easy to make good friends. If you ever need any help, you're likely to get it just by asking a student walking to class. There are so many ways to get involved on campus. There is an activities fair once a semester where you can sign up to get emails from the clubs. These clubs advertise their events by 'chalking' the sidewalk in eye-catching colors. They also do tabling by the student union and sometimes give away free food.
New Orleans itself is a place of its own original category. There are festivals probably once a month and a few of the big ones are VooDoo Fest, JazzFest, and Mardi Gras. It's really fun to ride the streetcar down to the French Quarter with your friends on weekends. You can shop the French Market and visit Cafe Du Monde for beignets.
Our campus is beautiful. We have sculptures all over the Academic Quad and there's always a project going on to help beautify and make our campus more eco-friendly.
Bang for the buck
Tulane is a bit pricey, but they give out scholarships. We have some really nice facilities, like the library, gym (Reilly), and student union (LBC).
Tips for prospective students
Go to the activities fair because it's an easy way to get involved in one of our many clubs. If you're having trouble in a class, go see that professor during his/her office hours. The ERC is a student resource center where you can get free tutoring, so be sure and visit when you need help.
Great for these types of students
If your philosophy is 'work hard, play hard,' this is the school for you. The work is hard, but there's so many opportunities to experience new things and have fun that it's worth it. There's always something going on, which is good. However, you have to know how to focus on your studies when you've got a test because there's always someone who will be going out that night.

Lisa from Centennial, CO

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are all very knowledgeable in the subjects they teach. They also make themselves readily available to assist students with questions and other issues. The variety of subjects offered allows each and every student to study what they want and to explore new subject areas.
Am enjoying being here
The school offers so many fun activities on campus. There are sporting events, concerts, and even slip n' slides and giant twister games. There is also a huge variety of activities to do off campus. The city of New Orleans offers so many things, museums, the zoo, a riverwalk, the famous French Quarter, beautiful architecture, fantastic festivals, and incredible food! The people are all friendly and the university staff are always there to help and guide students.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is expensive, yes, but you are getting a wonderful education and wonderful contacts for after graduation. Tulane professors and staff have access to so many internships and career opportunities that they willingly share with students. The social life of campus is also very strong and there is never a dull moment. Financial Aid and scholarships are also available to students to assist with costs.
Tips for prospective students
Tour the school to make sure the campus has the right feel for you. Don't be afraid to take a risk and go far from home.
Great for these types of students
This is a school great for students who want to earn an education in a fun and exciting city with an extremely unique culture. If you like to work hard but also like to play hard, this is a great choice. This school takes much determination and hard work to succeed, but there are so many incredible opportunities and fun things to do, both on and off campus.

Cory from Spring, TX

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In general, the professors at Tulane are superb instructors. Almost all of them will take time out of their day to help a student in need, and many try to keep students aware of his or her progress.

However, don't think these learned men and women are there to hold your hand - learning is definitely the responsibility of the student. As a research university, Tulane exists for a reason other to churn out liberal arts degrees. Tulane's teaching goal, as far as I can tell, is to produce self sufficient individuals who will be valuable to their respective field.

Developing discipline is very important - I, like another reviewer, may or may not have played 5 hours of pool when I could have been learning the intricacies of cellular respiration.
Am enjoying being here
Bursting at the seams with culture, New Orleans is a phenomenal city to live in. It's walkable, though the sidewalks are a little worse for wear Uptown near Tulane's campus. The streetcar will take you from campus to the French Quarter for $1.25 in usually less than an hour, and the ride itself can be pretty interesting. The Quarter is fantastic at any time of year, not just Mardi Gras. Actually, it's better at not Mardi Gras. Campus is directly across from Audubon Park, a great place for picnics or to go jogging, if you're so inclined. The area immediately around campus is chock full of interesting cafes and hangouts, and finding them is a little like a map-less treasure hunt - walk around, see what you find.

Tulane itself is pretty great - campus is beautiful, housing isn't the worst I've seen, and the newer, more expensive buildings are actually quite nice. Majestic stone buildings lend to the grandeur, while the more modern architecture of the student center is refreshing after the collegiate quad. Grub is passable and the student body as a whole is friendly and diverse enough for anyone to find their niche.

Finally, student life at Tulane is anything but boring. Between intramural sports, the Riley Rec center, Greek life, about a bazillion student organizations, and just hanging around with fellow students, being bored is pretty unlikely. Unless you want to be bored. That's cool too.
Bang for the buck
Tulane is a private university, with a pretty good academic reputation which is only getting better, as the school is getting more and more applicants and can thus be more selective. It's been called a baby Ivy, and though I can't vouch for this statement's accuracy, I can say one thing: Tulane is expensive. Real expensive. They throw scholarships like candy to promising freshmen, but beware: tuition, as at most other institutions, is going up. As students progress, it's likely financial aid will decrease. As far as bang for your buck, it's a great school. If you have great grades and a enough money to go to your local state school, you're in the clear. Tulane will take care of you.
Tips for prospective students
Bring a bike. If it breaks, the Benevolent Society can help you out. Additionally, find and befriend someone with a car - motor vehicles, while generally unnecessary in a city like New Orleans (sidewalks, buses, streetcars, and cabs are all readily available), are always a good thing to have access to in emergencies.

Don't live in Sharpe or Monroe. Please heed me on this.

Try to pick your roommate. Though I have heard of random matches made in heaven, I've also heard some horror stories.

Financial Aid is, sorry to say, a nightmare. Become best friends with your adviser, don't be afraid to ask questions, and do your research. Read the Terms and Conditions, and find out what Financial Aid covers and doesn't cover.

You register for classes for a reason. Show up. Teachers notice when you're not there, even in the big lectures.

Try to bring some AP credits with you.

I'm beating a dead horse, but sign up for lots of activities. You never know which one will really strike your fancy or expose you to some awesome people. Additionally, being involved gives you more contacts, which are really valuable: knowing someone in the student employment office might help you out someday.
Great for these types of students
As I said earlier, Tulane has tons of diversity. If you like sports, they have sports. Quiz bowl? Got it. Want to go Greek? Not sure? Spring rush gives you a semester to acclimatize. There is amateur theater, band, orchestra, science clubs, culture clubs, juggling clubs, you name it, there's a club, and if there's not, grab a couple other people, submit a form, and you're official.

With all this extracurricular activity going on, the most successful students are those who can focus, compartmentalize, and weigh their obligations wisely. Being able to self-discipline is extremely important, and not only when it comes to academics. Tulane is in New Orleans, after all. The unofficial motto is Work hard, Play harder. People who embrace this motto without losing sight of their academic career will have more than a great college experience. It'll be the time of their lives.

Jennifer from Lakewood, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has academics like an ivy, the partying of a state school, an eastern feel, a southern locale, an urban city, and a suburban campus. Tulane and the city of New Orleans are places that I miss the second I leave them--they are my home. Coosing Tulane will always be regarded as the best decision I have ever made for myself.
Tips for prospective students
Stay open--Tulane has something to teach everyone. Some learn to buckle down while others must learn to loosen up.
Academic Rigor
There are a few classes where you might get an easy A, but getting an A in a hard class can feel like the biggest accomplishment of your life.
Dorm Life
The dorms can leave something to be desired--but in their defense, they've seen their share of disaster.
Food and Dining
This is hard, because on campus food is okay, while off campus food is unreal. I'd average 3 and 5 stars for 4.
What to do for fun
Wow. It's wonderful. We have a pretty good bar scene, the Boot can be easy/cheap fun especially for the younger undergrads. Greek life is great, but the parties are for everyone. If you're not into drinking, we have brilliant restaurants, zoos, aquariums, museums, art, shops, and parks. You'll have so much to do that you'll never get to do it all before you throw your cap.
Bang for the buck
A major issue--it's very expensive. However, 85% of students are on some form of aid, and Tulane is very generous.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Prytania Theater is a great place to go if you want to watch a classic (or Rocky Horror). If you get sick of the dining hall, you can try Loyola's dining hall for free for a bit of variety.
Great for these types of students
Everyone, but you definitely notice the white east coast girls the most.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and it's easy to start new ones. And the campus arranges a lot of fun events that generally have a great turnout, like Fridays at the Quad.
Greek Life
Fun! Even if you're not a part, you'll end up at a bunch of their parties.
Campus Safety
The boys are a little too eager on campus with the amount of girls we have, and can get sort of entitled. That said, the biggest worry on campus are the students, not other criminals. This is the same way with most colleges.

Rebecca from Williamsburg, VA

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Tulane doesn't accept credit for college classes not taken in an actual college, so I had to retake general biology and general chemistry despite having already taken dual-enrolled classes in high school. If you want to skip those, take the AP tests and you should be fine.

Anything that I didn't learn wasn't the fault of the school or professors, but the fault of my continued senioritis.

I'd say that Tulane gives you every opportunity to learn whatever you would like. It's just up to you to spend time learning instead of playing pool for five hours with friends. Not that I would have done that or anything...
Am enjoying being here
According to my mom, Tulane is an urban campus, but it doesn't really seem like it. I'd have to agree. Everything is close together and easily walkable, but the trees and open grass spaces make it seem bigger than it is.

I love being able to hop on the St. Charles streetcar and get downtown for $1.25. If you are into music/concerts, I'm sure you could go to one every week if you felt like it.

It's also nice just to be able to walk or ride a bike anywhere you want to go. Whole Foods, the shops on Magazine, the Audubon Zoo, the shops over by Adams + Carrollton, and a lot more aren't more than a 15 min bike ride away. There are also free shuttles to Whole Foods, the downtown campus, and Wal-mart.
Bang for the buck
Like others have said, Tulane gives out a lot of scholarships. I got the Dean's Honor Scholarship, which covers all of tuition. It's due in December, so apply for that if you think it's an option. My sister is having almost all of her tuition covered by grants and merit scholarships. Now, that's not to say the other costs aren't high. On-campus housing and food plans are required the first two years, and they are expensive, but I figure they are expensive everywhere.

Bottom line, the school is seemingly expensive, but if you have the grades, they will throw scholarships at you (I think I only met one person who was paying full tuition). The school keeps getting rated more and more highly (due to gaming the system, I think, but whatever), so the impact of a degree from Tulane is only going to get better.
Tips for prospective students
The school has scholarships, try to get them.

Evidently all of the new freshmen this year want to live in Monroe and Sharp. You don't want to live in Monroe or Sharp. Really. You don't.

Everyone says this, but join a lot of clubs/activities. More than you can conceivably actually do. You can drop out of the ones you don't like much, but the only way to meet your soon-to-be-favorite people is to meet them. So try to.

Reilly (the gym) is probably nice, not that I would know. I hear they have ping pong.

If you have bike problems, there's a free bike help desk twice a week. They would love to help you fix your bike. They also rent bikes for cheap.

The library is actually a really great place to finish a paper/do work. You can try that if all else fails.

If a class is full but you need it, ask the professor if they will override you in. It works all the time.

You want Brent Koplitz for Chemistry. And you want Anthony Polizzi for math. These are facts.
Great for these types of students
I think pretty much anyone would have a great time here. If you are one of the weird kids the Benevolent Society is for you. If you are unabashedly nerdy, the library is for you. If you are a bro, you will enjoy frat life. If you are sports-inclined, there are intra-murals. If you like playing music, you can do orchestra or be in a band with some buds. If you like chillin' with friends, you can do that 24/7. It's college, you'll be fine.

Jonah from Baton Rouge, LA

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If there is one thing that can be said about Tulane, it's that the academics are miles above any school with which it's often compared. Multiple choice exams, 200-person classes, and TAs have little presence here; in my experience my professors have always involved their students and saw to it that each student would learn the material not through endless drills and notes but through research, open discussions, and one-on-one meetings in which students could learn in a manner flexible to their skills. It amazes me that there are universities where students are taught as though directly from a textbook while we learn from diverse sources, professors who know and love their topics of study, and research assignments that correlate to theses that masters or doctoral candidates would be investigating and methods they would be using.
Am enjoying being here
The location is great, even if transportation is a bit difficult. Tulane has a magnificently large and diverse campus. Greek life is amazingly fun here, but students are still highly encouraged to be independent and seek alternate social circles. The amount of general interest clubs as well as political action, academic, and social clubs is crippling. Most importantly, the student body has a certain unique character that comes from a mix of each individual's intelligence, creativity, charm, and sense of fun. At most universities you will not see such a mix of party and study, but the mixing of these diametric opposites creates a unique environment where every student will feel really encouraged to live out his or her youth while planning a professional career.
Bang for the buck
Unfortunately, Tulane's tuition is steep, and room and board are both expensive and below value, not to mention mandatory for even sophomores. It's also horribly obvious that a lot of funds are wasted by poor budgeting on the part of both the administration and the Associated Student Body. For a school with so many intelligent Business students, it seems financial planning is completely lacking, and financial aid is a nightmare.
Tips for prospective students
This is a fantastic place to come if you are looking for a change in your life, especially if you want the last days of your youth to be the best ones. Regardless of whether you want to go to college only for parties or only to do work, this place will show you the right way to cross over, and foster the right skills to become a diverse, sociable but diligent adult.
Great for these types of students
Biology and chemistry majors, especially pre-medical or medical engineers.
Political Science majors.
Cultural studies majors, especially in Latin American affairs but European studies are developed and Asian studies are coming up.
Business majors of all kinds.
Pre-law students.
Student athletes.
Students interested in leadership positions.
Students of diverse ethnic background.
Party-oriented students.
Research-oriented students.
Students interested in development and community relations.

anonymous from illinois

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
all of my classes so far have been manageable while still making me feel like i'm learning something. i had several fantastic professors just in my freshman year. they're all very approachable and genuinely care about what they're teaching you, which is such a good environment to be in.
Dorm Life
i lived in butler my freshman year. a lot of the people that were placed there without choosing it were worried (because it's known as the quiet honors dorm), but your college life is really what you make of it. everyone who wanted to go out whenever went out, and everyone who wanted to stay in more did that. while the showers were admittedly pretty gross, the communal bathroom part of it wasn't as bad as i expected. there will almost always be someone next to you while you're brushing your teeth, but i definitely learned to time my showers to when there wouldn't be anyone next to me. there was more than enough storage space and i was satisfied with the size of my room. plus laundry was free!
Food and Dining
there's a lot of options! bruff, the dining hall, has hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, etc. daily as well as different options daily. the lbc has a food court, which has a lot of options and might be a little bit of the reason why i chose tulane, oops. you can also get food at loyola, and your meal plan comes with a little bit of money to spend at off campus restaurants or order in.
Great for these types of students
the more outgoing you are, the more fun you'll have at tulane, so keep that in mind if you're super introverted. (although this might be the case anywhere)
Clubs and Activities
there's so much variety! everyone is really welcoming and there are expos where you can walk around and get to know club members and what the clubs are about. they can be a great way to find quick leadership as well. there are also several volunteer opportunities throughout the year
Campus Safety
i've never felt unsafe on campus, but new orleans isn't the safest place to be. i've walked home from parties (with friends, of course) a few blocks from campus and never felt uncomfortable. make sure to use common sense anyway. take advantage of the shuttles that tulane offers if you find yourself alone at night.

Amber from Holland, MI

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are generally awesome. Of my 5 semesters here I've only had one professor I didn't care for. They generally know what they are talking about because most of them have had field experience. They are also excited to learn from the students. If a student asks a question to which they have no answer they will typically research it and come back with an answer.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy being at Tulane and in the city of New Orleans. Tulane is really good at offering programs and having extra curricular activities available. The student body is a great group as well. It seems that everyone here has a passion for learning.
Bang for the buck
Tulane is a very good university. It does cost a lot but is very worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you deal with Financial Aid right away. Also make sure to get all of your questions about financial aid answered because you generally have to complete most of the process by yourself.
Great for these types of students
Lecture style learners; work hard, play hard people; people that wish enjoy getting involved in extra curricula's.