Tulane University 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Tulane University 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1-2 essays of 500 words; 1 essay of 250 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Activity

Tulane has kept it simple with its classic supplemental questions, so we’ll make this introduction brief. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: a straightforward supplement is a demand for perfection. So don’t overlook these quickie questions: read our guide instead!

Please briefly describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University.

(This statement should be 500 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. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.)

A classic why essay like this one is a time-honored supplement tradition, and your answer can reveal a lot to admissions about your potential fit and overall commitment to the school. Not writing it implies that you might not have a reason to apply; in which case, why are you wasting everyone’s time? Spend some time on the Tulane website and get to know the school. Explore all areas of social and academic life to build your list of reasons. Think about where you’d like to be five or ten years from now – your career or the impact you’d like to have or even just a geographic location. How will a Tulane education help you get there?

Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here.

(This statement should be 500 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. If you choose to answer this prompt, we strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. Keep in mind this prompt will not apply to all applicants, and it is completely optional.)

This prompt reminds us of the Common App’s first prompt, which asks applicants to discuss, among other things, an element of their background or identity that is crucial to understanding them. We recommend approaching this prompt with a similar mindset: What about your history or background sets you apart from your peers? How do you define yourself? What, in your short time on this earth, has helped shape the person you are today? Show admissions that you will add to the wide range of multicultural experiences and perspectives of Tulane’s student body.

If you would like to elaborate on one of your activities, you may do so briefly here. (250 words)

In short, this classic activity essay gives you an opportunity to expand beyond the mini description for one activity listed on your Common App. Ideally, you should choose one that you haven’t already discussed: If you already wrote your Common App personal statement on the transformative power of dance, you’ll have to seek inspiration elsewhere for this essay! As you weigh your options, consider highlighting a long-term activity. Tracing your four-year involvement with the meditation club will allow you to showcase your personal growth or maybe underscore your leadership qualities. If your resume is light on extracurriculars, don’t forget that you can also discuss a professional experience. From flipping burgers to interning at a museum, what have your work experiences taught you about the value of your time and your potential career aspirations? For more inspiration, check out our video on writing about an internship or work experience!