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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Tulane University Supplemental Essay Prompt
By
Maria Geiger
Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
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Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).
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Tulane University is a private research university located in the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans, Louisiana. The overall acceptance rate is only 10%, so the optional Tulane supplemental essay is a vital part of the application process. Use this guide for tips and tricks for your Tulane supplemental essay!
Writing the Tulane supplemental essay is a sure way to demonstrate your interest and desire to attend. Tulane is an institution that considers demonstrated interest in their admission review process, so it is in your best interest to answer the optional question. In fact, they state that “while submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.” Let’s start writing!
The Tulane prompt
“Optional: 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.” (250 words max)
While this prompt appears general in nature, this is your chance to get specific and tell a story that is genuine to you. Think about what makes you unique, and don’t be modest! This is the time to make the most of your talents and the set of beliefs that you value. For example, do you love animals and volunteer at a shelter? Maybe you would like to be part of organizing a “Puppy Comfort” day during exams. Were you raised in a particular faith and plan to continue on your spiritual journey while at Tulane? Share
There are plenty of options available to you, especially since the prompt is so broad. However, don’t think that your essay has to exactly 250 words in order to be a success. Everyone’s story is different, so when you feel you’ve reached an appropriate conclusion, be confident and end it there. The application states that the statement should be “250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count.” So,
Questions to consider
- What do I do in my spare time that brings out my best self?
- How do I hope to contribute to the campus community by making use of my specific talents?
- Are there any clubs or groups I plan to join?
- How has my family and community positively shaped who I am?
Final thoughts for students
When you start your essay, keep an open mind about different ways of writing. The usual formal writing you might’ve used in high school essays shouldn’t be used to answer these prompts. Instead, take on a conversational tone or become the narrator to your own story. The possibilities are endless and luckily, the essay is about you (who knows you better than you?).
See also: How to write an essay about yourself
Additional resources
After you’ve completed your Tulane supplemental essay, no doubt there are more steps in the college application process to complete. Luckily, Scholarships360 has the answers to your college questions. Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself!
Wondering when you should take the SAT or ACT? Read our guide for tips and recommendations for choosing the best time for you. If you are trying to decide between the ACT or SAT, or whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, we have you covered.
Tulane University accepts the Common Application as well as their own Tulane specific application. Remember to fill out the FAFSA, and if you need some help, our “How to Complete the FAFSA” guide is free!
Keep reading..
- How to fill out the Common App activities section
- Having trouble figuring out your major?
- What are some scholarships you can apply to?
