How should I choose extracurriculars for a Tulane application profile?

For Tulane, the strongest extracurricular profile is one that shows real commitment, leadership, and a clear sense of how you engage with other people and your community. Tulane is a highly selective university with a strong emphasis on service, civic engagement, and student involvement, so they tend to respond well to activities where you have made a measurable impact rather than just joining many clubs.

A good Tulane profile usually includes a few things done deeply: leadership in a school or community organization, meaningful service or volunteering, and a sustained interest that shows initiative, like research, arts, debate, entrepreneurship, athletics, or advocacy. Because Tulane values public service so much, activities that show you taking action for others, especially if you helped start, organize, or grow something, can be especially compelling. That could be tutoring, organizing a local drive, leading a volunteer project, or building a program around an issue you care about.

What matters most is not matching a specific “Tulane type” of activity, but showing that you are active, engaged, and likely to contribute to campus life. Tulane wants students who will participate beyond the classroom, so your activities should reflect energy, initiative, and community orientation. If you have fewer activities but stronger depth and leadership, that is usually better than a long list of light memberships.

When choosing what to highlight, prioritize the activities where you have the clearest impact, the most responsibility, and the strongest story about growth.