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Tulane

Tulane University

One short, optional but crucial 250-word "why Tulane" essay that blends fit with what you would give back.

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Supplemental essays

1 (optional, but write it)

Word limit

250 words max

Personal statement

650 words (Common App)

Testing

Test-optional

What Tulane rewards

Tulane keeps it short and deceptively simple. Beyond the 650-word Common App personal statement, there is one supplemental essay, capped at 250 words, and while Tulane labels it optional, you should treat it as required in practice. Skipping it tells a "why Tulane" school that you did not bother, which is the opposite of what they want to read.

Tulane is test-optional, and only about 40% of enrolled students submit scores, so your writing does a lot of the talking. The core challenge here is compression. You have to prove genuine fit with New Orleans and a specific Tulane program and show what you would add to the community, all in fewer words than most students use just to introduce themselves.

01Specific, demonstrated interest. Tulane is one of the most demonstrated-interest-driven schools in the country. A vague compliment about a 'vibrant campus' reads as a form letter. Name the course, professor, club, or research lab you actually want and show you did the homework.
02Reciprocity, not just admiration. The prompt asks what you would contribute. Half of a winning answer is about Tulane, the other half is about you giving something back. Applicants who only gush about the school miss the point entirely.
03A real relationship with New Orleans. Tulane is inseparable from its city. Service, culture, music, food, public health, environmental resilience: connect your interest to the place, not just the brochure version of it.
04Efficiency and voice. With a 250-word ceiling, every sentence is scored. Tulane explicitly tells you to prioritize content over hitting the word count. They reward students who can be vivid and precise at the same time.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Tulane, each broken down with annotated examples.

The Tulane Community Essay250 words maximum (optional but strongly recommended)

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Tulane and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 1
Early ActionNovember 10
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$83,846
Avg net after aid$34,000
Meets full needPartial
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Tulane weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $34,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Tulane interview? Format, tips, and practice The Tulane Reader ProScore your draft against Tulane's exact prompts
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Tulane FAQ

What is Tulane's acceptance rate?

Tulane is highly selective, admitting roughly 14% to 15% of applicants for the Class of 2029. It leans heavily on Early Decision, where binding applicants signal that Tulane is their clear first choice. The school is test-optional, and only about 40% of enrolled students submitted scores, so a strong essay carries real weight. At Tulane, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Tulane require?

Tulane requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Tulane cost?

Tulane's published sticker price is about $83,846 per year, but the average family pays $34,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Tulane require SAT or ACT scores?

Tulane is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Tulane's application deadlines?

Tulane's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 1; Early Action November 10; Early Decision II January 15; Regular Decision January 15. Add Tulane to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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