Tulane University is a New Orleans gem of higher education with a reputation for increasing selectivity. According to the 2026 US News & World Report annual college ranking, Tulane is ranked the 69th-best college in the United States (a ranking which we believe does not adequately reflect the school’s prestige and selectivity). In any case, naturally, a hop, skip, and jump isn’t all it takes to earn admission here. How should prospective Tulanians go about planning their applications?

What Is Tulane University?

Located on a sprawling historic campus in New Orleans, Tulane consists of a student body of 6,839 undergraduates. According to the 2025-26 Common Data Set, 2,665 full-time undergraduate males and 4,146 undergraduate females are currently enrolled (a famously skewed gender ratio!). The 2029 Class Profile reports that students in the Class of 2029 hail from all 50 states, with 14% straight from Louisiana and 8% from other countries.

Tulane University Admissions Requirements

Getting into Tulane requires more than just excellent grades (although those are undoubtedly important, too!). It takes more than just a few strong letters of recommendation. To truly stand a chance of earning admission to this highly competitive university, students must submit an application centered on a strategic singular hook.

Tulane GPA Requirements

There is, technically, no minimum GPA requirement to get into Tulane. The Class Profile supports this assertion to some extent: the average admitted student in 2025 had an unweighted GPA of 3.77. However, via the Focus Louisiana program, students from within the state with an unweighted GPA of 3.60 or higher are guaranteed admission, as long as they meet certain other criteria.

So, while there is no official minimum GPA requirement for Tulane admission, in practice, great grades do make a world of difference.

Does Tulane University Look at Class Rank?

Tulane admissions officers admitted 53% of the Class of 2029 from a pool of students graduating in the top 10% of their respective high school graduating classes, as per The Common Data Set.

Tulane SAT/ACT Score Requirements

Tulane has kept its test-optional policy, meaning your application does not require SAT and ACT scores. However, as is the case with much of the advice we offer on this list, we do not recommend taking Tulane’s word for it that they don’t care if you submit test scores. The reality is that students who don’t submit scores will always be at a disadvantage compared to those who do.

Amongst members of the Tulane Class of 2029, 11% submitted SAT scores, and 27% submitted ACT scores.

	SAT	ACT
Median	1,460	33
Mid 50% Range	1,430 — 1,500	32 — 34

Does Tulane University Superscore Students’ SAT or ACT scores?

A superscore combines the highest section scores from each individual test sitting for admissions evaluation. Tulane does superscore results from both the SAT and ACT, but only once it receives all of your scores.

At Ivy Coach, we caution against submitting more than one test administration for admissions evaluation. Submitting multiple scores shows Tulane that you had to work harder than many to achieve your highest scores and that your testing performance has inconsistencies. That said, while it’s not ideal, sometimes students have no choice but to superscore.

What High School Courses Does Tulane Require?

Tulane recommends the following high school curriculum to prepare for the academic rigor of the College:

English

• 4 years, with extensive work in reading and writing

Mathematics

• 4 years

Foreign Language

• 3-4 years of a classical or modern spoken language, or American Sign Language

Science

• 3-4 years of a laboratory science

Social Studies

• 3-4 years, with an emphasis on histor

Of course, it’s not advisable to take social studies, science, or foreign language (or any core subject, for that matter) for fewer than four years. Highly selective institutions across America seek students who have excelled in their core subjects throughout all four years of high school. What’s more, foreign language study should begin in the eighth grade.

What Extracurriculars Does Tulane Look For in Applicants?

There is no single extracurricular activity that will wow Tulane admissions officers. Applicants should concentrate on pursuing their passion or specialty to the best of their ability.

And no, before anyone gets too excited, Tulane is not seeking well-rounded students. Such students do not cut it because they do not contribute much to the variety of an incoming class. On the other hand, the engineering specialist, trailblazing artist, or budding biologist will always stand out over the well-rounded applicant.

Tulane Application Requirements

Tulane accepts The Common Application. Students must submit a counselor letter of recommendation, letters of recommendation, and a creative portfolio. 

Let’s focus on each individual component and discuss how students should complete them to give them the best shot at admission.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to Tulane should ask two teachers, ideally two junior-year teachers in core subjects, in addition to their school counselor, for letters of recommendation. While these letters are technically not required, optional never truly means optional in the case of elite college admission (or did you miss our thoughts on test-optional admissions?).

Does Tulane Require an Alumni Interview?

No, Tulane only allows a select number of international students to schedule an optional interview. In any event, interviews are one of the least important aspects of the Tulane admissions process.

What is Tulane’s Optional Portfolio?

Tulane offers all applicants, not just those in artistic programs, the opportunity to submit a creative portfolio. As they write on their website:

Here at Tulane, any student can take classes in the arts or architecture, audition for plays or ensembles, or take private lessons with an instructor without being a major or minor in that specific area. With this in mind, we welcome the chance to see your past creative work as a way of strengthening your application to the university. No audition or portfolio is required for admission to the university, but the inclusion of a portfolio can only help your application, never hurt it.

However, Tulane maintains specific parameters for portfolios submitted by applicants to the following programs: Architecture, Music, Studio Art, and Theatre and Dance, which students should research thoroughly before applying.

What are Tulane’s Supplemental Essay Topics?

As per a somewhat cryptic Instagram post from the Tulane Admissions page, Tulane has removed the Tulane essay supplement from the 2026-2027 application process.

Tulane University Application Deadlines

Tulane’s four admissions rounds are referred to as Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action, and Regular Decision. 

Early Decision I applications are due on November 1st of each year. Admission through this round is binding, as is the case with Early Decision II applications, which are due on January 15th of each year. Early Action applications are due on November 10th of each year. Regular Decision applications are typically due on January 15th of each year. 

Tulane University Acceptance Rate and Statistics (Classes of 2030 – 2019)

Tulane University Class Year	Total Applications Received	Total Applications Accepted	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2030	32,000+	Not Yet Released	~15%
Class of 2029	32,942	4,763	14.46%
Class of 2028	32,603	4,558	13.98%
Class of 2027	27,936	4,077	14.59%
Class of 2026	31,615	3,621	11.45%
Class of 2025	45,525	4,385	9.63%
Class of 2024	43,892	4,877	11.11%
Class of 2023	42,185	5,431	12.87%
Class of 2022	38,816	6,724	17.32%
Class of 2021	35,622	7,657	21.50%
Class of 2020	32,006	8,162	25.50%
Class of 2019	26,257	8,008	30.50%

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Tulane University

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s assistance in optimizing your child’s case for admission to Tulane’s Class of 2031 with the help of our team of former elite college admissions officers, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch.