What does Tulane look for in transfer applicants besides the minimum admission requirements?

Tulane looks most closely at how well you are performing in college and whether you seem like a strong fit for Tulane academically and personally.

Beyond the minimum requirements, they want to see that you have adjusted well to college, taken challenging courses, and built a clear reason for transferring. A strong transfer application usually shows academic momentum, not just acceptable grades. If your grades improved over time or you chose demanding classes and handled them well, that helps.

Your reason for transferring matters more than many students realize. They respond well when applicants can explain specifically why Tulane fits their goals, whether that is a particular academic program, interdisciplinary opportunity, undergraduate research, public service, or the New Orleans setting. Vague reasons like wanting a fresh start are much less persuasive.

They may also consider your activities, work, leadership, and community involvement, especially if those show initiative or match Tulane’s values. Tulane has a strong service-oriented culture, so meaningful engagement can strengthen your application if it feels genuine and sustained.

The transfer essay is where all of this comes together. The strongest essays explain what is working at your current college, what is missing, and why Tulane is the right next step in a concrete way.