Class of 2021 reflects Tulane’s most qualified applicants

Tulane University’s admitted first-year students for fall 2017 represent one of the most diverse and academically qualified in Tulane’s history. 

Satyajit Dattagupta, vice president of enrollment management and dean of admission, said members of the admitted cohort were selected through a “holistic, comprehensive application review process” in which 21 percent of students were admitted out of a pool that exceeded 35,000 applicants. 

“We are excited that this group represents one of the most diverse, academically strong and well-rounded groups we’ve ever had,” said Dattagupta.  “The job of the admission office is to identify the students who we feel will be successful and happy at Tulane from the many qualified applicants who apply.”

“We are thrilled that so many of the world’s best students want to come to Tulane and embark on a transformative journey that will allow them to become true changemakers in the world.”

Mike Fitts, Tulane University President

The popularity of Tulane among the best and the brightest continues to rise.  As a result of that demand the competition intensifies with each passing year.

“We are thrilled that so many of the world’s best students want to come to Tulane and embark on a transformative journey that will allow them to become true changemakers in the world,” Tulane President Mike Fitts said.

In admitting students, Dattagupta said that academics are always the primary focus.  This includes a review of test scores, the student’s performance in high school and recommendation letters from their guidance counselors and teachers. It is often the additional effort of students that sets them apart from the group; such as the impact they’ve had in the community and their affinity toward the university.

As compared to the entering class of 2016 in which 26 percent of applicants were accepted, the admission process for the entering class of 2017 was more selective with 21 percent of applicants admitted.

“Compared to last year, the strength of the applicant pool was much stronger,” said Dattagupta. “It speaks highly of the fact that Tulane is a school that is so sought after.”

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