When Are Pre-College Program Application Deadlines?

Tulane Pre-College Programs have three key application deadlines each year: a priority deadline in late February, a regular deadline in early April, and an extended deadline in late April with admissions decisions made on a rolling basis throughout.

Applying early isn't just a formality. Courses fill up, and the earlier you apply, the stronger your chances of securing a spot in your first-choice course. Here's everything students and families need to know about the Tulane Pre-College application timeline.

Summer 2027 Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning earlier submissions receive earlier decisions — and earlier access to course spots. Once a course reaches capacity, it closes regardless of where the deadline stands.

Why the Priority Deadline Matters

The priority deadline in February is the most important date on the calendar for many applicants. Students who submit by this date receive first consideration for admission and the strongest chance of being placed in their preferred course. It is also the only deadline available to international students, who must apply before late February to allow sufficient time for visa document processing and approvals. Current visa wait times are available on the U.S. Department of State's website.

Applying by the priority or regular deadline also gives students more time to complete enrollment steps after receiving an admissions decision. These students have one week to accept their offer of admission and two weeks after accepting to submit a 10% non-refundable deposit. Applications submitted for the extended deadline, or after it, have shorter windows to accept and pay.

What Happens After You Apply

Admissions decisions are sent via email and posted to the student portal. It can take up to three weeks to receive a decision after submitting a complete application. Students are encouraged to monitor their email closely after applying and to ensure their application is fully complete. Missing materials can delay the review process.

You can start your application or log into the student portal at the Tulane Pre-College Programs admissions page.

What to Have Ready Before You Apply

Application requirements differ depending on the type of course you're applying for. Getting these materials together before you start will make the process faster and less stressful.

There is no fee to apply, and students can request financial aid directly within the application. For a full breakdown of what to submit and how, visit the Tulane Pre-College admissions page or review our application checklist.

Tips for a Strong Application

The essay is one of the most important parts of the application for both enrichment and credit-bearing courses. Admissions reviewers want to understand why a student chose a particular course and what they hope to gain from the experience. A specific, genuine answer will always stand out more than a generic one.

For credit-bearing applicants, choose a teacher recommender who knows your academic skills well and can speak to your ability to thrive in a college-level course. That matters more than whether they teach a subject related to your course. Applicants provide the recommender’s name and email, and Tulane Pre-College sends the recommender a brief questionnaire that ranks skills tied to student success, with space for a letter.

And for all applicants, applying earlier rather than later gives you the most options, both in terms of course availability and financial aid consideration. According to Forbes, families who begin researching and applying to pre-college programs early in the school year tend to have a significantly wider range of options available to them than those who wait until spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs?

No. There is no application fee, ensuring that all students can access the application process regardless of financial circumstances. Financial aid can also be requested directly within the application.

How long does it take to receive an admissions decision?

It can take up to three weeks to receive a decision after submitting a complete application. Decisions are sent via email and posted to the student portal, so students should monitor both after applying.

Can I apply to more than one course or session?

Yes. Students can select multiple sessions when submitting their application and can opt for different experience types. All classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so enrollment in two courses that run during the same dates is not possible. If you've already submitted your application and want to add a session, contact the team at summer@tulane.edu.

What happens if I miss the priority deadline?

You can still apply by the regular deadline or the extended deadline. However, course availability may be more limited, and international students cannot apply after the priority deadline due to visa processing requirements.

What happens if I submit my application for the extended deadline?

You’ll have less time to finalize enrollment if you’re admitted. Extended-deadline applicants have 72 hours to accept their offer of admission and one week to pay the 10% non-refundable deposit, compared with one week and two weeks for regular-deadline applicants.

Can I apply after the extended deadline?

Sometimes, but space is very limited. Late applications are only considered for the few spots still open, and most courses are full by late April. Admitted late applicants have 24 hours to accept their offer and 48 hours to pay the full program balance.

See more answers to questions here.