Pre-college summer programs are a little different from one university to another, but at Tulane, applying comes down to five simple steps: choose your experience, pick your courses, submit the required materials, meet the deadline, then watch for your decision.
Every Tulane Pre-College Programs applicant starts in the same place: an online application starter that unlocks the student portal. From there, the exact materials you need depend on whether you are applying to an enrichment course or a credit-bearing program.
Below is a walkthrough of the process from start to finish, along with the documents to have ready before you begin. If you have questions along the way, get in touch with Tulane Pre-College Programs by emailing summer@tulane.edu or calling (504) 314-7619.
Step 1: Choose Your Experience
First, decide whether you want to live on campus in a residence hall or commute to class each day and go home in the evening. Tulane Pre-College offers both a residential and a commuter option. Read more about the available student experiences here on our website.
Step 2: Browse Courses and Programs
Next, look through the full list of Tulane Pre-College academic programs and courses to find a subject that fits your interests, whether that means going further into a favorite topic or trying something completely new. Enrichment courses are open to rising 9th through 12th graders and are exploration-focused with no grades or exams. Credit-bearing courses are designed for rising 11th and 12th graders and mirror the intensity of a first-year college class, resulting in three transferable college credits upon successful completion. During the application, students will list preferences for two courses — so it's worth having a backup in mind before you start.
Step 3: Gather Your Application Materials
All submitted application materials must be in English, and requirements vary by program type. The table below breaks down what each Tulane Pre-College Programs applicant needs to prepare.
| Requirement | Tulane Pre-College Enrichment Courses | Tulane Pre-College Credit-Bearing Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Academic record | Recent report card | Full high school transcript |
| Essay | Required, explaining your interest in the selected courses | Required, explaining your interest in the selected courses |
| Teacher recommendation | Not required | Required |
| English proficiency scores | Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) | Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) |
| Passport copy | Required for international students | Required for international students |
You can find the complete, up-to-date breakdown on our application checklist page before you submit anything.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline
Applications to Tulane Pre-College Programs typically open in early December, with a priority and international student deadline in February, a regular deadline in early April, and an extended deadline toward the end of April. Visit our admissions page for the current cycle's exact dates before you apply.
Because seats fill on a rolling basis for Tulane Pre-College Programs, applying earlier gives you a better shot at your first-choice course. Families who need support with the remaining balance can review options on our tuition and financial aid page. Students will apply for financial aid in the application and receive an aid decision along with their admissions decision. Financial aid decisions are also made on a rolling basis with application decisions.
According to U.S. News & World Report, gathering materials and applying early is one of the most common pieces of advice for pre-college applicants at any university, since admission can be competitive. At Tulane, certain courses can fill up quickly, so we encourage students to apply as soon as they can.
Step 5: Watch for Your Decision
Tulane Pre-College Program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they arrive, and a decision can take up to three weeks to reach your inbox and your student portal.
If admitted, you will need to accept your offer within one week and pay a 10% non-refundable deposit within two weeks of accepting. Planning ahead for costs regardless of financial assistance awarded is a step TeenLife recommends for any family comparing summer learning programs.
Once you have accepted your Tulane Pre-College Programs offer and submitted your non-refundable deposit, watch your email for enrollment paperwork, technology setup instructions, and other next steps so you arrive ready for your first day of class.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Tulane Pre-College Programs application open?
The application to Tulane Pre-College Programs typically opens in early December, with priority, regular, and extended deadlines following over the next several months. Check our admissions page for the exact dates for the current application cycle.
Do I need a letter of recommendation to apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs?
Not always. A teacher recommendation is required for credit-bearing courses in Tulane Pre-College Programs. Applicants provide the name and email of their recommender, and we send the recommender an email with a brief form and space for a letter of recommendation.
Can international students apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs?
Yes. Tulane accepts pre-college applicants from across the United States and around the world. International students applying to on-campus programs must also upload a scanned passport copy, provide a US-based emergency contact who can be reached during the program, and — if they are not native English speakers — submit English language proficiency scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test.
How long does it take to hear back from Tulane Pre-College after applying?
It can take up to three weeks to receive an admissions decision for Tulane Pre-College Programs. Notifications are sent by email and posted to your student portal, and priority is given to applicants who submit before the priority deadline.
Can I apply to more than one Tulane Pre-College course or session?
Yes. Students can select multiple sessions when submitting their application and can opt for different experience types across those sessions. Keep in mind that all classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so it is not possible to enroll in two courses that run during the same dates. If you have already submitted your application and want to add a session, reach out directly to the Tulane Pre-College team at summer@tulane.edu. Additional fees apply for each extra session.