Prompt: Please 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.
Essay:
While practicing the art of makeup application, you must follow a regimen that highlights one’s natural features. During COVID lockdowns, I delved deeper into this art. So, maybe I just have makeup on my mind, but as I began searching for my dream school, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between the ideal makeup routine and the perfect school. Don’t believe me? Well, allow this step-by-step guide to prove my point:
Step One: Apply a Base. Without a solid base that includes some sunscreen and moisturizer to ensure your skin is unharmed, the entire process will fall apart. At a school, the foundation for your academic experience is your core curriculum. As a Psychology major, the track at Tulane is a perfect fit. After numerous visits, three on-campus tours, and a sister currently attending, I’ve seen that the base one attains at Tulane truly prepares students for the next step in their academic careers.
Step Two: Concealer, Bronzer & Blush. Time to highlight your complexion and ensure your appearance looks genuine. After all, you want to look like you! On my most recent tour, our guide discussed the power of “office hours.” As he described those interactions with his professors, I developed a deeper appreciation of the culture at Tulane. The mind fascinates me, and I’m eager to form lasting relationships with faculty who can illuminate the topics that intrigue me like social psychology, adolescent psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Step Three: Mascara & Lipgloss. This step is all about completing the look. The wide variety of extracurricular activities at Tulane will serve as the finishing touches on my education. Currently, I spend most of my free time volunteering. I work at Hope’s Promise Farm, where special needs students experience equine therapy, and the Big Siblings Program, where I help children with organizational and social skills. I cannot wait to continue that work in my new NOLA community. In addition, after many visits, I believe that the vibrant atmosphere—the diversity, architecture, cultural outlets, cuisine—will be the finishing touch on an ideal college experience.
Most people believe that the purpose of makeup is to conceal your features, but I don’t see it that way. I even plan to pursue research on the perception of self and how the application of makeup can alter this perception, and I’m excited that Tulane could be where I begin that important study.
Once your makeup application is complete, it’s time to look in the mirror. I first visited Tulane in 2020. Driving down the Louisiana roads and preparing for a grand tour with my sister, I never expected that one day I would be attempting to follow in her footsteps. But on my latest visit, as I walked through Audubon Park, my only thought was that I didn’t want to be anywhere else. So, when I look into my mirror, what I see is that beautiful Tulane sign ahead of me, beckoning me to become a part of a place that already feels like home.
WRITING TIPS:
In the beginning of my writing journey, I had completed my common application essay and understood that I could not repeat the same ideas. This is a tip that I would share with upcoming applicants as even though I was aware of this, many may not be and it is imperative to not be repetitive. What I did not know, however, was the difficulty of conveying why you would like to attend a certain university. I began writing this essay during the summer in order to ensure I had enough time to perfect it, and five essays later, I believe I did. I began considering concepts and themes to follow in order to keep the reader engaged. My first few ideas did not make the final copy, and while that was discouraging, I advise beginning your essays ahead of time in case this happens to a future writer. Once I landed on my final theme, I began writing. This was a mistake. I wrote an extremely long essay on each step of the makeup process, my theme, but had no information on why I wanted to attend this school. I kept the information that I had previously written and started a new document that provided all of the information detailing the WHY part of my essay. While doing so, I conducted research on the school, as well as incorporated information provided through the various tours and meetings with the school. I then began combining the two essays. After much editing and weeks spent on perfecting the essay, I believe it is a perfect blend between the two concepts.