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Tulane University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

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. This 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. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Tulane Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Tips

September 11, 2023

If you blinked at some point during the 2010s, you may have missed Tulane’s meteoric rise in selectivity that resulted in a 13% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027. However, today, this mid-size private research university in New Orleans is among the most selective schools in the country. The average incoming freshman possesses 95th percentile standardized test scores and a strong academic transcript. This brings us to the topic of this blog — the Tulane supplemental essays for 2023-24.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Tulane? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Tulane University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like Tulane that rejects nine of every ten applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the supplemental essay. Below is Tulane University’s supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Tulane Supplemental Essay 2023-24

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.

This 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. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Tulane is inviting you to share more about your experiences, talents, and/or values through the lens of how that will impact your experience at the university. Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

Tulane Supplemental Essays (Continued)

• A perspective/value you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity
• A particular talent/skill

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)?

You’ll then need to discuss how your experiences, talents, and/or values will influence your distinct contributions to Tulane’s community. Further, you’ll need to explain why you’re interested in joining that community in particular. We’d recommend being as specific as possible.

For example, given your visual arts background, perhaps you’re excited about contributing to and learning within Tulane’s thriving arts scene, including the NOLA Through Visual Culture interdisciplinary experience course and Tulane Art Club . Or, perhaps your experience fighting food insecurity in your community has made you interested in Tulane’s Food Recovery Network, and you hope to contribute to Tulane’s community service-centric culture and values .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Tulane’s immense resources both inside and/or outside of the classroom by citing specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , service learning , study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Tulane supplemental essays?

Tulane lists four factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee: GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, and the rigor of your secondary school record. The Common App and supplemental essays are “important”.

Want personalized assistance?

Interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Tulane supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

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2 Terrific Tulane Essay Examples from an Accepted Student

Tulane is an incredibly selective school, so it’s important to write strong essays that will help you stand out from other applicants with strong grades and extracurriculars. In this post, we’ll share two essays that helped a real student gain acceptance to Tulane, and outlines both their strengths and areas for improvement.

(Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved)

Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays, but you should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarize. 

Read our Tulane essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example 1 – Why Tulane?

As I led a spoken-word workshop for my school’s newspaper club, my voice trembled. Reciting a poem about the urgency of fighting climate change, I glanced up at my friends, gaining confidence as I felt their support. My apprehension faded as we began discussing strategies to promote sustainability through writing. Realizing that my words can spark meaningful conversations about the environment, I feel driven to express myself creatively to enact social change. 

I find inspiration every morning in the Norman Rockwell painting, “Golden Rule,” that hangs above my bed. It reads, “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You.” When I explored New Orleans, everyone seemed guided by this phrase. When I was visibly overwhelmed by Bourbon Street’s colorful chaos, a musician paused his song to offer me directions. On a haunted tour, my guide rerouted our path to show my family where to find the best beignets. At Newcomb Art Museum, a Tulanian noticed my curiosity about the Transcommunality exhibit, taking the time to describe how Laura Anderson Barbata merged political activism with street theater. New Orleans is a city after my own heart, a community grounded in the “Golden Rule” that guides my daily actions. From my first steps on campus to my hours spent watching Alex Suh’s Tulane Youtube vlogs, I’ve learned that Tulane is woven from the same cloth of selfless service as NOLA. Surrounded by people who seek to better the world through small and large actions alike, I’d feel empowered to fight injustice through self-expression at Tulane. 

Envisioning my college experience extending beyond the limits of campus, Tulane’s emphasis on giving back to NOLA excites me. I hope to promote sustainability locally by minoring in Environmental Studies, turning thought into action by volunteering with Trash-to-Treasure and Green Light New Orleans. I also hope to continue harnessing poetry’s power to advocate for climate justice, forming a spoken-word club at Tulane and helping my peers discover the strength of their voices. 

Tulane’s commitment to inclusivity supports my work diversifying storytelling. By founding a literary magazine, I developed a platform for teens whose perspective often goes ignored. I strive to continue amplifying overlooked voices by majoring in English and Latin American Studies. Believing that writing can center marginalized stories and broaden narrow minds, I specifically aim to highlight immigration experiences like my mom’s to combat xenophobia. With Tulane’s focus on supporting diverse perspectives, I’d feel equipped to promote equity and understanding through fearless writing. I’m especially interested in researching Hispanic literature with Carolina Caballero, gaining inspiration as I work to self-publish a poetry book during college. Forging friendships within TU Gente, Queer Student Alliance, and Tulane Hillel – I know I’d build a home at Tulane.

As a university devoted to compassionate public service, Tulane reflects the future I want to help create. A “Tulanian” embodies a spirit of purposeful adventure, confronting global challenges head-on to benefit humanity. I imagine becoming one myself, joining a vibrant community grounded in humility, courage, and the Golden Rule.

What the Essay Did Well

The general point of the college essay is to advertise your most desirable qualities to admissions officers, while also showing them that you’re a real person with thoughts and feelings, not just a list of grades and awards. In this “Why This College?” essay, this student does exactly that while reflecting on the power of human connection, particularly through storytelling.

For example, lines like “When I was visibly overwhelmed by Bourbon Street’s colorful chaos, a musician paused his song to offer me directions” and “Believing that writing can center marginalized stories and broaden narrow minds, I specifically aim to highlight immigration experiences like my mom’s to combat xenophobia” show that this student has already spent time reflecting on what they value in a college community, and isn’t just paying lip service to things they think admissions officers will want to hear.

The student also connects their values to Tulane specifically, by describing their plans to form a spoken-word club at Tulane, and their desire to self-publish a poetry book with the help of a Tulane professor. 

Beyond their passion for storytelling, the student lays out other goals they have for college–minoring in Environmental Studies, volunteering in New Orleans, majoring in English and Latin American Studies, and joining Latinx, queer, and Jewish clubs–which shows they already have a comprehensive vision of what they hope to achieve in college. That clarity helps admissions officers envision how this student would fit into their school, and gives them confidence that they would hit the ground running upon arriving on campus.

Lastly, they show off a thoughtful, creative voice through lines like “New Orleans is a city after my own heart,” “Tulane is woven from the same cloth of selfless service as NOLA,” and “fearless writing.” These clever turns of phrase make the essay far more vibrant than it would be if the student just said “I love New Orleans” or “Tulane and New Orleans have shared values,” and that liveliness keeps us engaged from start to finish.

What Could Be Improved 

This essay is well-written, thoughtfully constructed, and incredibly enjoyable to read. But in the context of the college essay, there’s one more thing you need to worry about: the prompt. Unfortunately, this essay, for all its strengths, largely fails to answer the prompt.

Admissions officers are asking “why you are interested in attending Tulane University,” which means they want to hear about specific resources at Tulane, and how they will help the student pursue their goals. Right now, this essay is primarily about specific features of New Orleans, which doesn’t tell us why the student would prefer to attend Tulane over any other school in or around New Orleans.

To remedy this issue, we recommend a structure where each paragraph focuses on a resource at Tulane and explains how it relates to the student’s goals. This could look like:

• Paragraph 1: Community Resources. The student can keep their anecdote about the art exhibit to introduce the importance of community, but make the discussion more specific to Tulane by describing how excited they are to practice communicating their ideas in informal spaces like the Betsey Stockton Garden and the Rockefeller Dining Hall. 
• Paragraph 2: Location. It’s not inherently bad to talk about a school’s location, as long as that isn’t the essay’s primary focus. In this paragraph, the student can include the reflections already included in the essay about how New Orleans influences Tulane’s culture and values.
• Paragraph 3: Diversity Resources. The student can describe their goal of using storytelling to expose people to different perspectives, focusing on the Tulane-specific resources that will help them do so. Instead of being an afterthought, Carolina Caballero and organizations like TU Gente, Queer Student Alliance, and Tulane Hillel would be the focus of this paragraph. 

Additionally, this essay’s “hook” could use improvement. It is clearly intended to draw the reader in, but without an effective transition into the body of the essay, it ends up feeling contrived and isolated. 

Honestly, nothing in the introduction is necessary to understand the points the student makes throughout the rest of the essay–their compassion and desire to improve their communities comes across clearly in the second paragraph, through their descriptions of interactions they had with people on the streets of New Orleans. 

Moreover, the first sentence of the second paragraph, “I find inspiration every morning in the Norman Rockwell painting, “Golden Rule,” that hangs above my bed” is a compelling hook as is–we immediately want to know what about this painting the writer feels so connected to. So, we would recommend cutting the first paragraph entirely, and using the words saved to describe more Tulane-specific resources, as suggested above.

Lastly, this essay could benefit from shorter paragraphs, as large blocks of text, such as the second and fourth paragraphs, are visually daunting. Additionally, one of the strange realities of college essays is that, while you spend many hours writing and revising them, admissions officers have no choice but to read them extremely, because they have so many to get through. Using smaller paragraphs will help your reader digest your ideas quickly, as they won’t have to spend time wondering how several different threads are going to tie together.

For example, a logical place for a break in the second paragraph would be between the sentences “When I explored New Orleans, everyone seemed guided by this phrase” and “When I was visibly overwhelmed by Bourbon Street’s colorful chaos….” Here, the student is switching from an abstract idea to tangible examples of that idea manifesting in the real world, and using separate paragraphs will emphasize that shift.

Essay Example 2 – Diversity

• “It’s like Mexican Halloween right?” My friend pointed at the bright marigolds and sugar skulls that turn my home into an explosion of color in early November. 

“Something like that,” I hurriedly replied.

I had always misunderstood my family’s dedication to Day of the Dead. Growing up, I perceived our elaborate ofrendas, or altars, as extensions of Halloween – a morbid celebration of death and the supernatural. Gliding through the incense smoke that clouded my vision, I looked past the black and white photographs of ancestors I had never known grinning in sombreros and thick shawls. Living miles away from their home in Mexico, I felt no link between myself and the unfamiliar ghosts of a distant past. Up until my grandfather’s passing, I believed the boundary between life and death was insurmountable. 

Years had passed since I last visited him in Mexico as a young child, back when my Spanish consisted mostly of stammers. When he suddenly passed away in 2019, I felt I still had more to learn from him. As November rolled around, I cherished the opportunity to connect with him once more. Sharing stories about times when he made us smile with his wisdom and jokes, my mom and I set down offerings to symbolize nature’s elements: water, wind, fire, and earth. Lighting a candle and placing warm pastries beside his photograph, hazy recollections faded into my view: us playing traditional card games tense with militant strategy, flashes of wild laughter when we played tag, bear hugs so tight I felt I would implode. Though I’ve never been superstitious, I’ve learned that on Day of the Dead, the souls of the departed do return to Earth – if only in our loving memories. My relationship with my abuelo and my Latine roots remains vibrant through remembrance.        

By asking questions about my heritage, I’ve strengthened my sense of self and honored those who have worked to provide me with opportunities they didn’t have access to. I’ve discovered that my great-grandpa Enrique was a farmer, my great-great grandma Maria worked as a tailor, and my other great-grandpa Pablo organized workers’ strikes in Mexico City. With my ancestors’ sacrifices motivating me in times of stress, I’ve realized that memory is a powerful force.

Day of the Dead fuels my desire to ensure that unknown individuals throughout history have someone to tell their stories. The more internet rabbit-holes I go down, the more I learn how many meaningful experiences are buried by time. Using writing to preserve memories, I create poems about my family and articles about events that are excluded from many history books – such as the Chicano Movement and Mexican-American Repatriation during the Great Depression. At Tulane, I also hope to develop a podcast that highlights the artistic contributions of Latina women across history – adopting Day of the Dead’s beautiful celebration of life even in death. I strive to continue unearthing “Hidden History” through storytelling, fighting cultural erasure and keeping lost legacies alive.

In a “Diversity Essay,” you want to do two things: highlight a particular aspect of your identity, and explain how that aspect would make you a valuable addition to a college campus. By thoughtfully and humbly reflecting on her Mexican heritage, this student not only accomplishes both of those things, but also demonstrates that they are mature, honest, and open-minded, all qualities that admissions officers value highly.

For example, lines like “I had always misunderstood my family’s dedication to Day of the Dead,” “Up until my grandfather’s passing, I believed the boundary between life and death was insurmountable,” and “Though I’ve never been superstitious” show that the student is willing to admit their imperfections and work towards improving them. That humility gives admissions officers confidence that they will be able to both share their own experiences with their peers and learn from Tulane’s diverse student body.

At the end of the essay, lines like “By asking questions about my heritage, I’ve strengthened my sense of self” and “I’ve realized that memory is a powerful force” show the student’s capacity to not just reflect on the past, but take away meaningful lessons from it as well.

To shift focus slightly, one of the most common mistakes in writing a “Diversity Essay” is just talking about a diverse part of your identity, and failing to show how it shapes your actions and outlook on the world more broadly. This student masterfully avoids that error by describing tangible steps they have taken to accept their Mexican heritage, such as learning about their ancestors.

They even go a step further and tell us about things they hope to do in the future, specifically at Tulane, to continue to improve their understanding of who they are. The concrete details of both past actions and goals for the future prove to us that the student is serious about valuing diverse perspectives, and not just paying lip service to something admissions officers care about.

Finally, this student’s writing is outstanding. They form beautiful images in the mind of the reader that make us empathize with them and invest in their story. These include:

• Lighting a candle and placing warm pastries beside his photograph, hazy recollections faded into my view: us playing traditional card games tense with militant strategy, flashes of wild laughter when we played tag, bear hugs so tight I felt I would implode.
• I’ve discovered that my great-grandpa Enrique was a farmer, my great-great grandma Maria worked as a tailor, and my other great-grandpa Pablo organized workers’ strikes in Mexico City.

This essay is personal, precise, and compelling, and thus does not need much improvement. That said, there is one moment when the student’s writing becomes confusing. As they describe the effects of their grandfather’s death on their connection to Mexican culture, they write: 

“Years had passed since I last visited him in Mexico as a young child, back when my Spanish consisted mostly of stammers. When he suddenly passed away in 2019, I felt I still had more to learn from him. As November rolled around, I cherished the opportunity to connect with him once more.” 

The mix of ways the student lays out the timeline, from “years had passed” to “2019” to “as November rolled around,” makes it difficult for us to anchor ourselves. While the sentences are pleasing to read, sometimes clarity needs to take priority. If admissions officers feel confused about something basic like when an event happened, they won’t be able to appreciate your excellent writing. Here, the student may have been better off with something simpler, like:

“When my grandfather passed away in February of 2019, I was shocked to realize the last time I had seen him had been four years earlier. So, when November rolled around, I decided I would cherish the opportunity to connect with him once more.”

Another area for improvement for this student is sentence structure. While their sentences read very nicely, an inordinate number of them begin with dependent clauses, specifically gerunds (words that end in -ing):

• Gliding through the incense smoke…
• Living miles away from their home…
• Sharing stories about times when…
• Lighting a candle and placing warm pastries…
• Asking questions about my heritage…
• Using writing to preserve memories…

While this structure allows them to include extra details and paint a complete picture of what’s happening, it also means we frequently have to wait to figure out what their main point is, which at points makes the essay feel somewhat bloated. The essay would flow better if the student mixed in a few more sentences with simpler, more traditional structures.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay 

Want feedback on your Tulane essays before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Tulane University 2021-22 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Tulane University 2021-22 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1-2 essays of 50-800 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 describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (optional) (50-800 words).

Okay, can we talk about this word limit? And don’t even get us started on the parenthetical “optional.” In a nutshell, Tulane is saying, “Do what you want.” But we’ve got some suggestions of our own. First and foremost, this essay is not optional (despite what it may say). 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. And while you could technically write 800 words, keep in mind that admissions’ time is limited. The more you write, the less time they have to spend reading each word. Strike a happy medium and aim for 300 words or so.

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 (optional). (50-800 words)

This brand new prompt for the 2021-22 admissions cycle 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.

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (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 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!

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Tulane Essay Guide: 2022-2023

Tulane essay guide quick facts:.

• Tulane acceptance rate : 10% — U.S. News ranks Tulane as a highly competitive school.
• In U.S. News list of National Universities Tulane University ranking is #44.
• Common App essay
• 2 (50-500 words) optional essays
• 1 (250-word) extracurricular essay
• Tulane application note: Students can apply via the Common App or Tulane’s online application .
• #1 Tulane Essay Tip: Though each Tulane supplemental essay is “optional,” think of them as required. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to answer each Tulane supplemental essay comprehensively and thoughtfully in order to stand out to Tulane admissions. 

What are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

Each Tulane essay for the 2022-2023 application cycle is posted on the Common App site . The Tulane supplemental essays asks you to discuss your experiences, background, and reasons for applying to Tulane.

Think of the Tulane supplemental essays as an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond what you already wrote in your Common App personal statement . Successful Tulane essays will present a clear, cohesive, yet dynamic picture of who you are.

Tulane Supplemental Essay Requirements

Your Common App essay is a key part of your Tulane application. Tulane requires students to respond to the Common App essay prompt essays. 

Beyond the Common App essay, you’ll find three Tulane supplemental essays that are all optional this year. However, we recommend that you complete each Tulane supplemental essay to maximize your Tulane admissions odds, especially given the low Tulane University acceptance rate. Think of each Tulane essay prompt as a required part of the Tulane supplemental materials. 

Remember, Tulane also receives your personal statement submitted through the Common App or the online Tulane application. This means that you will submit your Tulane essays as well as your Common App essay.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .

How many essays are required for Tulane?

There are three optional Tulane essays. This year, each Tulane supplemental essay is technically optional. However, hopeful applicants should consider them all required. One Tulane essay prompt asks you to write a “Why Tulane” essay, another asks you to discuss your diverse perspective, and the third asks you to elaborate on an extracurricular experience.

In short, students are only required to complete the Common App essay in their Tulane application; all three supplemental essays are optional.

In addition, consider each “optional” Tulane essay a vital part of the Tulane supplemental materials. Tulane admissions is extremely selective. Hopeful applicants should think of every Tulane supplemental essay as an opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. While each Tulane essay isn’t technically a part of the Tulane application requirements, they still can make a huge difference in the Tulane admissions process. 

The Tulane University acceptance rate is relatively low (just 10%), so each Tulane essay can help you stand out . With so many hopeful applicants, you need to do everything possible to present yourself as a dynamic, serious, and motivated student. Competitive applicants will treat each Tulane essay as a required and important part of the Tulane application process. 

Tulane essay #1: “Why Tulane” Essay 

Please describe why you are interested in attending tulane university (up to 500 words)..

This Why Tulane essay is a classic type of essay. You may wonder whether you should write the Why Tulane essay since it’s listed as optional. However, if you are serious about being admitted, you should consider the Why Tulane essay a required part of your application. The word limit is as vague as it gets, so we recommend 300-500 words. Your Why Tulane essay will be more effective if it is focused and concise instead of long and rambling.

An effective Why Tulane essay will think beyond the Tulane University acceptance rate and Tulane University ranking. Though these factors feel important, they do not ultimately relate to your application. When answering this Why Tulane essay, don’t just write about why you want to attend Tulane. Think of this Why Tulane essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the Tulane community.

Successful Tulane supplemental essays will reflect the mission and key values of the school—a strong research institution with a tight-knit campus community and small class sizes. In your Tulane essays, capture the essence of Tulane’s demanding academics and community engagement.

Service-oriented

If you are committed to serving others, Tulane is an excellent place for you—and this “Why Tulane” essay is a perfect opportunity to discuss your commitment. The school has many opportunities to explore service learning courses , service research projects , and service abroad .

When writing your Why Tulane essay, be specific about classes you want to take, research opportunities you want to pursue, clubs you want to join, and places you want to serve. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will take these a step further, however. Don’t just name-drop. Instead, connect them to your experiences and goals.

Strong “Why Tulane” essays will incorporate some or all of the following questions: How and why will you choose to spend your time at Tulane? In what ways will your involvement help you pursue your major ? How will the ways you spend your time light up your curiosity to learn? How will they spur you forward in your career? In your Why Tulane essay, describe specifically how Tulane’s offerings will help you succeed.

Make it personal

Avoid cliché phrases, generalizing, and overly emotional appeals. Don’t discuss traditions that are too well-known or frequently written about, either. Instead, make it personal. Perhaps you attended a campus tour that left an impression on you or you attended a webinar that inspired you to apply. Mention these specific and personal connections to Tulane in your essay. What put Tulane at the top of your college list ?

This essay prompt is so broad that you have lots of freedom. Make sure to discuss both academic and non-academic reasons for applying to Tulane. No one expects you to have your future fully planned when writing the Why Tulane essay. However, the admissions team does want to see that you can articulate a genuine plan based on your interests and goals.

For each Tulane essay, brainstorm , research, outline, draft, and proofread before submitting. Your Tulane essays should represent your best content and writing ability.

Tulane Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your essay highlight why you would succeed at Tulane specifically?
• Is your Why Tulane essay both specific and personal?
• Does your essay “show” instead of “tell” through vivid details?
• Do you clearly and concisely write your response to the Why Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay # 2: Diverse perspectives essay

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. (up to 500 words).

This Tulane essay prompt, like the Tulane why school essay, is also optional. However, we strongly recommend that you complete it to maximize your chances against the lower-than-average Tulane acceptance rate. 

By explaining a specific perspective that has shaped your background , your response to this Tulane essay prompt will enhance your application. The prompt provides several suggestions for perspectives—family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, or religious group—but also allows for others.

Does something on this list resonate with your identity? What makes you stand out among your peers? Do you have a special hobby or interest? Are you soon to be a first-generation college student ? Did you take a meaningful gap year ? What else have you not shared about yourself with Tulane? Ultimately, how can your response to this Tulane essay prompt illuminate who you are?

Since there are only three Tulane supplemental essays, you’re bound to have some part of your identity you haven’t yet shared with admissions. Rather than thinking of this Tulane essay prompt as another box to check, think of it as another opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will delve into diverse perspectives you haven’t discussed elsewhere in your application.

When answering this Tulane essay prompt, you may have trouble being personal and specific when others share your identity. The most effective Tulane essays will make a broader identity unique to you by telling a compelling story and detailing how your identity has impacted your own life.

• Does your response to the Tulane essay prompt highlight something that you have not discussed elsewhere on your application?
• Is your Tulane supplemental essay personal and specific?
• Do you tell a compelling story about who you are for this Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay #3: Extracurricular essay

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words).

Choosing a topic for this Tulane essay prompt can feel overwhelming. Brainstorm several ideas before selecting one. Most strong Tulane applicants will have many options to choose from when responding to this Tulane essay prompt.

The most successful Tulane supplemental essays will be well-written and unique. You don’t have to write about the activity that you are most involved in, especially if you already discussed that activity in your Common App personal statement . Just make sure that the activity you choose matters to you.

Focus on impact

Effective Tulane essays will discuss why you chose to get involved in your activity or work experience , how you have dedicated yourself to it, and how this activity has impacted your community, growth, and character. As you address these questions, focus primarily on impact. What did you do, why did you do it, and what was the result? Choose the experience where you have made the biggest difference when writing your Tulane supplemental essays.

This Tulane essay prompt is quite straightforward but like some of the other Tulane essays it is very broad. You have the freedom to tell your story to the admissions committee. The best Tulane supplemental essays will either focus on one experience—one conversation, one interaction, one day—or discuss your involvement in an activity over time. The more detail you can provide, the stronger your response to this Tulane essay prompt will be.

Tell your story

When answering this Tulane essay prompt (and all others), be vivid in your storytelling. Instead of just stating what happened in your Tulane supplemental essays, use specific examples and descriptions. Be vivid without being wordy—successful Tulane supplemental essays will be concise. You only have 250 words, so don’t be too long-winded when answering this Tulane essay prompt.

Most importantly, include the “So what?” in your Tulane supplemental essays. While you should outline what you did, you should spend most of your Tulane essay describing why your actions mattered. What skills can you highlight? How did your mindset shift? What values does this activity reveal about who you are? Ultimately, why did you choose to tell this story instead of another?

• Is your response to this Tulane essay prompt original and personal?
• Did you select a topic that is interesting and important to you?
• Does your Tulane essay focus on your growth, skills, and values?
• Do you avoid repeating content that has already been discussed in your Tulane application?

How do I write the Tulane supplemental essays?

The admissions team evaluates your Tulane supplemental essays for both content and writing ability. So, what you choose to write about for your Tulane essays matters as much as your writing skill. Proofread your Tulane essays for all grammatical and syntactical errors. Finally, remember to review your essay for the message it sends to the admissions committee.

With three Tulane supplemental essays, you have plenty of freedom to explore different parts of your identity. Consider your application as a whole package. Each of your Tulane supplemental essays should provide a new and deeper window into who you are.

It may feel overwhelming to complete three Tulane supplemental essays. However, if you give yourself adequate time to plan, draft, and revise your Tulane essays, you can eliminate much of the stress in the application process. 

Additional tips for “Why School” essays

The why school essay is one of the most common types of essays that you will see during the college application process. The why school essay basically asks students to elaborate on why they want to attend that specific university. In a why school essay, students should be specific. 

In a why school essay, you can talk about the Tulane-specific programs that have caught your interest. Or you could discuss what clubs you would get involved in on campus. Alternatively, you may want to incorporate specific values and missions of the university. How do you personally resonate with that mission? What will you gain from attending that school? And what would you bring to its campus? 

Top 4 tips for writing a great “Why School” essay: 

#1 – brainstorm.

For each school that requires a why school essay, start by looking at the specific offerings. Write down what you like and would participate in. 

#2 – Demonstrate your passion

Use your brainstorming list to decide what you want to write about. You should talk about the programs or extracurriculars unique to your school that most excite you. What makes you want to apply?

#3 – The more detail the better

Remember that being general or vague in a why school essay is the kiss of death. It won’t impress Tulane admissions, or any other admissions committee. Elaborate on what interests you (unique to that school) and why. You can also mention specific professors, counselors, etc. 

#4 – Demonstrate “fit”

You want to use your why school essay to say what makes you want to attend, but you also need to show that you would be a great fit for the university. Why should you be selected out of the large pool of applicants trying to impress Tulane admissions? What will you bring to campus? And how will you carry your Tulane education into the future?

How important are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

The Tulane acceptance rate is just 10%. The slim Tulane acceptance rate comes from the school’s widespread acclaim. Given the low Tulane acceptance rate, the high Tulane University ranking, and the school’s holistic admissions approach, your Tulane essays can make a major difference. Your essays can strongly influence your admissions results and your chances at beating low acceptance rates .

You should approach each of the three Tulane supplemental essays with thought and care. In your response to each Tulane essay prompt, you have an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your Tulane application. Consider each Tulane essay as another one of the Tulane application requirements. 

There are several key elements of your application that you must submit in addition to your Tulane supplemental essays in order to meet the Tulane application requirements. Read the complete checklist to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll notice that Tulane admissions has gone test optional another year. This makes your essays even more important. While many students will have impressive test scores, GPAs, etc., you should use your Tulane essays to help you stand out from the pack.

Check out these college essay examples to see what makes a successful college essay. 

Five tips to make your Tulane essays stand out

Writing each Tulane essay may seem overwhelming. You may even be tempted to not add them to your Tulane supplemental materials as they technically aren’t part of the Tulane application requirements. However, that would be a huge mistake when it comes to your admissions odds. Competitive Tulane applicants need to consider each Tulane essay as “required.”

Five more tips for your Tulane supplemental essays: 

#1 – start early.

Give yourself ample time to complete each Tulane essay. In your writing process, leave plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, outline, and edit your Tulane supplemental essays. The Regular Decision deadline for Tulane is on January 15th.

#2 – Be authentic

Make it your goal to write unique and compelling Tulane essays that tell your authentic story. Your Tulane essay shouldn’t be able to pass as anyone else’s. Before submitting, reread your application and proofread your Tulane supplemental essays to make sure it truly shows who you are.

#3 – Show passion

Each Tulane essay should show your passion for the school. Don’t fake it. After brainstorming topics, choose to write on what got you genuinely excited about attending. Be sure to be specific and not vague in each Tulane essay. 

#4 – Ignore stats

When writing each Tulane essay, don’t get hung up on factors like the Tulane University acceptance rate or the Tulane University ranking. At the end of the day, focus on why Tulane is the school for you, and use your application to show the admissions team why.

# 5 – Invest time in the Why Tulane essay

The why school essay is extremely important to Tulane admissions when evaluating applicants. Make sure your application shows that you’re genuinely interested in attending Tulane. Even if the Tulane University ranking initially helped you learn about the school, you should focus on Tulane’s specific offerings in your Tulane supplemental essays

Tulane Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

In your Tulane supplemental essays, show the admissions committee who you are as a person, student, and community member. Research Tulane so you can write the most tailored and specific Tulane supplemental essays. Choose topics for each Tulane essay that genuinely get you excited about attending. 

Remember that the Tulane application requirements include the Common App essay prompts. Leave yourself plenty of time to write thoughtful responses to not only each Tulane essay, but to each Common App essay as well. Every Common App essay and Tulane essay is another opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. 

You can also visit resources like the Tulane University admissions blog . There, you’ll find Q&As from the Ask the Dean event and other helpful information for applicants. There is not one successful type of Tulane student, so be yourself in your Tulane supplemental essays. Good luck!

Still not sure how to approach the Tulane essay? For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click he r e . Want help crafting your Tulane University supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation online .

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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 interes t 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!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips for writing a stand-out why tulane essay.

College Essays

If you're applying to Tulane University, you can choose to answer the Why Tulane optional statement as part of your application. The Why Tulane supplement essay asks you to explain why you want to attend Tulane.

In this article, we'll talk about what the Why Tulane application is, whether you should answer it, and how to write a successful essay that'll help increase your chances of admission.

The Why Tulane Essay Prompt

The Why Tulane supplement essay is straightforward:

Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (optional) (50-500 words).

See? Straight to the point.

While the instructions are simple, the wide range of word count and relatively open-ended prompt make the Why Tulane essay more difficult than it initially seems. The Common App prompt states, "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."

In other words, you'll need to put some serious effort into your essay in order to stand out as an applicant.

Should I Write the Why Tulane Supplement Essay?

Looking at the Why Tulane application essay, you might be wondering if you even need to write the essay in the first place. After all, the prompt does say "optional".

While that's true, it would be a huge mistake to not write your Why Tulane application essay. This essay is a great opportunity to a) show off any interests and talents you have that aren't immediately apparent on the rest of your application and b) demonstrate why Tulane is a great fit for you and vice versa. The Tulane supplement essay is your chance to prove that you belong on Tulane's New Orleans campus—don't forgo it.

What Is the Purpose of the Why Tulane Essay?

Colleges like Tulane want to see that you really want to attend their school. Applicants who love their school are more likely to be active and happy students and later, active and happy alumni. Your essay should show the admissions committee that you really love Tulane, which will make them feel more confident that you'll be a great addition to the campus. Applicants that really want to attend a school are also more likely to enroll, meaning that Tulane's rate of enrollment will be higher.

Similarly, Tulane wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to assess how you'll take advantage of the many opportunities on Tulane's campus to further your academic and professional career.

This essay is a great opportunity for the admissions committee to weed out students who haven't done their research on Tulane or really don't care about attending.

What Should I Write About in My Why Tulane Application Essay?

Your Why Tulane essay is your chance to express to the admissions committee why you want to attend Tulane. What made you apply to this school over any of the thousands of others you could have applied to?

Your Why Tulane application essay should be personal. The admissions committee doesn't want to read a cookie-cutter statement that could be written by any student about any school. Your paper should read as uniquely about you and uniquely about Tulane. With that in mind, here are three ideas for what you can write about for your Why Tulane essay.

#1: What Resonated With You When You Visited Tulane

If you made it down to New Orleans to visit Tulane, you should tell a specific story about what resonated with you on your campus trip. You could talk about a class that you sat in on or an experience you had with a tour guide. You could discuss visiting a local restaurant or engaging with New Orleans culture.

The Tulane admissions committee wants to hear about what stuck with you—and generic, bland answers will stand out as insincere. This essay isn't about why you want to attend college—it's about why you want to attend Tulane. Pick experiences that could only happen at Tulane, not anywhere else.

#2: What Makes Tulane a Great Match With Your Past and Your Future

You can use your Why Tulane essay to expand on your interests and passions as a student and person. Tie those interests back to Tulane itself to show why Tulane is the right school for you.

Tulane places a large emphasis on community service, so if you have experience doing community service in your hometown or plan to make that a large part of your life at college, this essay is a great opportunity to talk about that passion. If you want to study a specific field, like public health, that Tulane specializes in, the Why Tulane essay is the place to highlight that. Use this essay to describe how attending Tulane fits in with your plans. Doing so will help show the admissions committee that you plan to make the most out of your time on campus.

#3: Experiences You've Had With Current or Former Students

Tulane admissions officer Jeff Schiffman recommends name-dropping current or former Tulane students to explain why you're interested in attending the university . According to Schiffman, your reasons don't have to be particularly highbrow or academically-minded. You might just have noticed some awesome Instagram posts from a friend of a friend or heard great things from your second cousin. However you have the connection, use the Why Tulane essay to prove your interest in attending Tulane.

Tips for Writing an Amazing Why Tulane Essay

Writing a strong Why Tulane application essay isn't just about picking the right topic. You need to make sure your essay is the best possible example of your work in order to wow the admissions committee. Follow these three tips for writing an amazing Tulane application essay.

#1: Make Your Work Tulane-Specific

Nothing about your Why Tulane essay should be generic or impersonal. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better. Don't say Tulane has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. Tulane knows that already—it doesn't need you to tell its admissions officers that.

Everything you write about in your Why Tulane essay should be specific to Tulane—from the names of the professors and the courses to the feeling you had while visiting the campus. The more authentic you are, the more your passion for Tulane will stand out.

#2: Do Your Research

The best way to make your Why Tulane essay specific to Tulane is to do your research about the school. If you can, visit the campus to get a feel for its student body and on-campus life. If you can't, spend time perusing the school's website and try to speak with current or former students. The more you know about Tulane, the more convincingly you'll be able to write that Tulane is the best school for you to attend.

You should get an idea for the different clubs and activities that you'd like to participate in. You can find this information on the school's website. It can also be worthwhile to schedule a meeting with a professor, especially if you have a particular area of study that you're extremely interested in.

#3: Proofread and Polish Your Essay

Your Tulane essay should be the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your "Why Tulane" essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

The Why Tulane supplement essay is your opportunity to show why you want to attend Tulane University.

The Why Tulane essay is…

• An opportunity to explain what you specifically like about Tulane.
• A place to highlight your unique skills and interests.

The Why Tulane essay isn't…

• The place to share why going to college in general is important.
• An opportunity to talk about the other schools you're applying to.

What's Next?

Starting your essay is often the hardest part. If you're unsure where to begin, read our guide to starting your essay perfectly!

A good essay is just one part of a successful Tulane application . If you want to really wow the admissions office, be sure your grades and test scores are up to par.

Tulane University may not be an Ivy League school, but that doesn't mean your application shouldn't be Ivy League-caliber. Use these tips for getting into Harvard to shape your college application, and you'll have no problem getting into any school you choose!

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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August 10, 2021

Tulane University 2021-2022 Essay Prompts

Tulane University has released its essay prompts for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. So what are the questions that applicants to the Tulane University Class of 2026 will be asked to answer? Tulane, a university with a history of asking long essay prompts on its application, asks applicants to respond to two 800-word essays. That’s right. 800 words for each essay! It’s indeed one of the longest admissions supplements — if not the longest — among any highly selective university in America.

The first Tulane essay prompt reads, “Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University.” The essay is optional, but loyal readers of our college admissions blog know all too well that “optional” means diddly squat in elite college admissions. If test scores are optional, does that mean one shouldn’t submit test scores? Of course one should! When an admissions essay is optional, it means you can apply without writing it, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting in. So write the 800-word essay which you’ll recognize is a Why College essay.

The second Tulane essay prompt reads, “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 second essay is also optional, but don’t write this essay at your peril as well. It too is an 800-word essay.

Have a question about the Tulane University 2021-2022 essay prompts? Let us know your question by posting it below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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I was accepted to Yale. Here's everything I included in my successful Ivy League application.

• I got into Yale University after submitting a successful college application.
• I included my SAT score and high GPA in the application, along with an essay about my culture.
• Ultimately, I tried to highlight all the ways I would be a benefit to the Yale community.

I recently reviewed my Yale admissions file after being a student there for three years. It was strange but enlightening to read what the admissions officers really thought of my application.

Since then, many people have respectfully requested to hear about my stats, extracurriculars , and essays.

I believe that everyone's college application journey is unique and that mine is just one sample, but I equally understand the urge to hear about other people's experiences. I devoured hundreds of college decision reactions on YouTube just three years ago, hoping to find that secret formula.

So, I'm now sharing a deeper look into my college application. But I want to first emphasize that as complicated and stressful as the process of applying to college may be, the best application you can ever show others will be the one you enjoy writing the most. I know I enjoyed every second of writing mine.

My GPA and standardized test scores were important factors in my application

With colleges such as Yale and Dartmouth reinstating standardized testing requirements , the reality is that academics will always be the first line of assessment for admission.

The GPA I submitted to Yale was 98.23/100. An admissions officer commended my GPA in the context of my financially underprivileged upbringing.

I also tried to take the most rigorous workload possible while also prioritizing my mental health , ultimately sending in six AP test scores. My SAT score was 1590.

I credit a lot of my academic achievements to the fact that I surrounded myself with peers who were very serious about their education.

My pre-calculus teacher's recommendation — the one that the admissions team rated higher — emphasized that I held the second highest grade in her class over her 20-year teaching career.

I tried to highlight my passions in my extracurriculars

My activities were a confusing mosaic of interests and impulses, but one that perfectly captured this 17-year-old boy who was still very unsure about who he was and what he wanted.

I researched human visual perception at a local community college , I performed spoken word poetry, and I hit about 80% of the notes in the choir (on a good day).

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My primary extracurricular, however, was the one I connected with most. At the start of the pandemic, I founded a language-learning program for children called "Spanish Meets You." I used the proceeds I made from the program, which featured tutoring and pen-palling services, to host community giveaways of essential health supplies — such as masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer.

"Spanish Meets You" evolved from my experience growing up in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, which was predominantly Hispanic and Asian. I loved going to cookouts and finding a diligent spread of both spicy tamales and fried rice. Despite our cultural differences , the two groups were united in our challenges and our respect for each other.

When I submitted my application, I worried that I didn't have a coherent theme for my extracurriculars, nor enough leadership — but based on the admissions team's comments, my genuine passion for one or two activities mattered in the end.

I wanted to capture who I truly am in my college essay

When I started drafting my essay, I knew I wanted to capture what was unextractable from my résumé: my curiosity, thick skin, and mistakes.

I decided to make the topic of my college essay about Chinese New Year, a holiday I celebrated with my 14 floormates in this tiny Brooklyn apartment building that we all called home for two decades. Every year, I would wait for my father by the door with mandarins, only to be disappointed by his absence.

Ultimately, however, I learned to enjoy this holiday — even if my celebration was unorthodox. My 14 floormates and I are unrelated by blood, but I remember we would gather over food every holiday, tell stories, and play a game of JENGA. Their laughter still ricochets in my ears hundreds of miles away as I now sit in my college dorm room , wrapping up my junior year.

I tried not to overthink the other essay questions

I would jot down whatever came to mind in the first 30 seconds, asking myself: "How would 7-year-old Brian answer this?"

Whenever I took too long to craft a response, it was a sign that I was probably sacrificing genuineness to make a false good impression.

One of the essays asked about my favorite intellectual concept. Instead of showing off by detailing some obscure scientific theory, I moved forward with writing about the diversity of motherhood in the animal kingdom, tying it back to my close relationship with my own mother.

My application was focused on proving how I would fit into the Yale community

Colleges are searching for those who will enrich the lives of their peers in different ways.

Therefore, in my application, I tried to highlight all the parts of me that would prove to Yale I would benefit their campus and their students. In doing so, I was accepted and met students doing just that.

One of my friends, for instance, is studying law. She also loves to rap and surprise her friends with midnight ice cream. Another is a science journalist who gives the best dating advice .

I would say Yale wouldn't be home even if one of them were missing. Everyone is here; everyone ends up where they are.

For students applying to Ivy League schools , I implore you to tell your dynamic, unique story — to think about how your rhythm will fold into a community's song.

Watch: How the Latin Kings gang actually works, according to a former member

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