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There are many reasons to get excited about Tulane University in New Orleans, like its prized research opportunities, or the way in which "artistic excellence is the norm," but the biggest refrain from students is the way in which this "competitive school" manages to be "accommodating at the same time." Enrollees emphasize a "great academic flexibility that allows students to major across schools" on Tulane's campuses. Equally important, they point to "countless resources" including a frequent willingness "to step in to cover costs so that students don't miss out on opportunities." Students are also provided with "success coaching, supplemental instruction sessions, [and] quickly available advising." But don't be fooled-Tulane is also known for its academic rigor. As one student confides: "My courses were ALL challenging! Nothing was given; it was earned."

Tulane also works its "city like no other" location into the curriculum. All first-year students are immersed into local history and culture through the Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminar (TIDES). One student's course used Dungeons & Dragons as a template for learning about "the campus, New Orleans, and each other; we are all now best friends and help each other on a daily basis." And then there's just the enrichment of the arts: Tulane "does shows with some of the best jazz musicians in the world" and dance classes offer "live drummers, which allows students to really explore and experience new and unique things."

There are "lots of ambitious, bright young people" at Tulane: "Everyone is interested in working hard and doing well, as well as going out and experiencing New Orleans." The campus is "very progressive" as well as "predominantly white and very wealthy" and features "clubs celebrating Middle Eastern, Israeli, and Latin American culture." Students from all walks are united by a friendly camaraderie: "I have never not been able to find a study group, and often the entire class is willing to work together. The only competition is with ourselves, not against each other." One student is impressed by "how genuinely happy everyone is to be here! The warmth of the students and faculty is unlike anything I have ever seen." Many would agree: "Tulane is unique because everyone has a strong work ethic, but also knows how to enjoy themselves on the weekend."

It doesn't get better than New Orleans! exclaims one student, encapsulating the overall vibe. "It's a gift" or "a dream" for those who spend their free time watching sunsets by the river in Butterfly Park, "shopping at boutiques on Magazine Street," "eating at Cafe Beignet by Bourbon Street," and exploring "popular attractions like the French Quarter." One student lists a handful of festivals, from the well-known Mardi Gras to the Mac N Cheese Fest, and another just estimates that "there are more festivals in New Orleans than there are days of the year." Overall, "living in a city so cool and rich in history is a gift."

Of course, students don't have to leave "the sprawling campus" to have a good timethere's "a good balance of fun and academics" on site. "When it's light and warm out (which is very often), so many people will be out on the quads sunbathing." If the range of activities like WTUL, the on-campus radio station, or TUSTEP, a program for training service dogs, doesn't catch your eye, "starting clubs [and] joining clubs is straightforward."