international fashion branding personal statement

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Fashion marketing personal statement example 6.

The global fashion industry is ever-changing and developing; its unpredictable and innovative nature excites me. I agree that what goes on behind the scenes of creating a product is just as important as the item produced, which is why fashion marketing and buying appeals to me so much. The last few years have changed the retail environment massively, sustainable fashion is something that I think is a very important cause. The ideals behind the 'Conscious' range at H&M is something I strongly believe in, retailers should strive to achieve this across all lines.

I have been lucky enough to travel to various countries around the world and visiting these places has allowed me to experience just how vast the fashion industry is. Fashion can shape a culture and give a person their own identity. Regions around the globe form part of the history and identity of that place. For example, the Balinese Temple Dress originating from Indonesia, these dresses showcase fabrics and weaves unique to Indonesia in an elegant and elaborate way. Fashion should incorporate elements of cultures from everywhere so as to appeal to everyone. Through research that I've done into various cultures I think that there are some amazing cultural outfits that should be more widely shared.

At school, I feel that my A-levels have helped me to develop my analytical and research skills. Psychology has allowed me to look further into the way people think and why they act in certain ways. I believe this could assist me when doing market research into fashion trends and forecasts. It has also assisted me with problem solving. English has provided me with a greater understanding of different media types within the Language element of the course. Through various topics in History and English I have expanded my fascination with trends that have previously been in fashion, for example 1960s fashion in Britain and also 1920s fashion in America and the time of the 'flapper' shown in 'The Great Gatsby' by F.Scott Fitzgerald. The transferable skills I have learnt from studying for my A-levels have improved my extended writing skills and prepared me for life at university.

My part time job at Mothercare has enabled me to learn the basics of retail and has also helped focus my understanding of merchandising and how a customer can be influenced. My role involves developing relationships with customers in order for them to receive the best service possible and to further promote the brand and products. The briefing staff receive each day includes statistics and sales figures and has aided my understanding of the retail environment. I am often responsible for dressing mannequins to inspire customers, something I love doing as it lets me express my creativity.

The task for my GCSE Textiles coursework involved researching, designing and creating a product inspired by the stimulus 'All Things British'. I thoroughly enjoyed this project, especially the research behind it. The project incorporated elements of marketing, branding and merchandising. It inspired me to further my knowledge of the textiles industry and was the main indication for me that working in fashion was what I would love to do as a career.

During my time at school, I have taken up various roles. I have organised multiple assemblies and this involved working as a team and organising a large group of people ensuring everything was completed by the deadline and to an excellent standard, improving my time management and leadership skills. I have been playing the piano for 12 years and have achieved my Grade 5 practical and theory Exams. Having been a part of my local swimming club for many years has improved the way I motivate myself and I have had to overcome various hurdles, especially when training for galas.

Studying fashion in depth at university will allow me to express my creativity but also to think critically and develop skills, helping me find the career path suitable for me.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

Courses applied to- University of Southampton: Fashion Marketing with Management BBB (conditional offer) Nottingham Trent University: Fashion Management BBB (conditional offer) De Montfort University: Fashion Buying with Merchandising BBC (unconditional offer) Manchester Metropolitan University: Fashion Buying and Merchandising BBC (conditional offer) Solent University: Fashion Buying and Merchandising CCC (unconditional offer)

Predicted Grades: Psychology: A History: B English Lang/Lit: B

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

This site requires JavaScript to be enabled

• Skip to navigation
• Skip to content

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Masters in Fashion Marketing

Ready to apply for a fashion Masters ?

Once you’ve perfected your CV, it’s time to write your accompanying fashion marketing personal statement.

This must demonstrate your relevant experience and express your passion for the course.

Follow our top tips below to help you create yours and boost your chances of getting accepted onto the course.

What is a personal statement?

According to graduate careers site Prospects,  a personal statement is a piece of writing  that you submit as part of your postgraduate application and is your first real chance to sell yourself to the university and demonstrate that you are a right fit for the course.

The personal statement should act as a supporting document to your CV that primarily highlights your work experience in more detail, alongside why you are interested in the course and what you are planning to do with the Masters.

At the University of Leeds, academics are looking for students to go into detail about why they are applying for their particular university, so it’s worth discussing which modules in the course content you are most excited by (read the module guide thoroughly before starting this) or if there are any  research projects underway  that you are interested in.

Why do I need to write one for a Masters in fashion?

In a highly competitive market, universities are looking for fashion students who can bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the course to enhance everyone’s learning experience.

Therefore, the need to provide a personal statement is becoming increasingly common as a mandatory requirement at the application stage of fashion Masters courses. This helps universities ensure that the highest calibre of applicants who are realistically able to succeed at postgraduate level are accepted onto their course.

Personal statements act as a unique opportunity to introduce and sell yourself to course academics and make sure that your application stands out from the rest.

How do I write a personal statement for a Masters in fashion marketing?

Your personal statement will be included in your online application. There is no definitive structure for the personal statement to allow flexibility in how you summarise your motivations but in general it should cover these three areas:

• Your previous background in relation to the qualification
• Why you are choosing the university in particular
• What you are planning on doing with the Masters and how you will use this in the future

If you meet the standard entry requirements, you’ll need to focus your personal statement on why you want to study with the University of Leeds. On the other hand, if you do not meet the standard entry requirements (are a non-standard applicant), change the focus to show you are eligible through cross-transferable skills and demonstrate how you’ll make a difference to the course by outlining your career journey to date and justifying why you are switching to the fashion industry.

What shall I include?

When writing a fashion marketing personal statement, we’d recommend that you include:

• Your reasons for applying for the fashion Masters course.
• Which specific fields within fashion marketing and design management interests you the most.
• Your academic experience to date, including the subject areas and modules that you most enjoy.
• The most significant research project or dissertation you have undertaken, discussing the title, research methods and overall outcomes.
• Any previous experience of engaging in quantitative research alongside the research methods and statistical packages used.
• Your career plans and how the course might help you achieve them.

How long should a fashion marketing personal statement be?

Although there is typically no given word count, at a Masters degree level, your personal statement should be no less than one page in length. The course leader will be checking your writing capabilities, so it needs to be professionally written and thoroughly proofread for spelling and grammar before it is submitted.

Did you enjoy this blog? Here’s some related fashion management content that you may be interested in:

• 5 reasons to study International Fashion Marketing and Design Management
• Careers in fashion management: 5 roles to explore
• Introducing our online fashion marketing masters
• Leeds School of Design: leading the way in fashion research

Want to learn more about our online International Fashion Marketing and Design Management course?

Check out the course content and how to apply.

• Visit the MA course page
• Visit the PGCert course page

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

How to write a personal statement for fashion

Fashion courses at university are incredibly competitive, so how do you make your personal statement stand out? Be original, think business, and don’t quote Chanel

"F ashion is not simply a matter of clothes; fashion is in the air, born upon the wind; one intuits it." That's a quote from Coco Chanel – and it's how not to start a personal statement for a fashion degree.

When applying for a university fashion course, your personal statement won't even be read though if your portfolio is not good enough.

Willie Walters, programme director for fashion at Central St Martins, said the personal statement is "secondary" to portfolio work.

"I don't even read the statements unless the work looks interesting," she says.

Walters advises applicants to make their portfolio work as clear as possible, and to include research and sketchbook work, as well as photographs of design pieces. "We look for originality and something fresh."

When it comes to the written statement, saying you have a "passion for fashion" is an immediate no-no, says Josephine Collins, course leader for fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion.

"It's easy to do and sounds great but we've seen it so many times before," she warns. Similarly, admissions tutors cringe when confronted with yet another tired quote from a fashion icon.

Fashion related courses are notoriously competitive, so avoiding clichés is an important way to make your application stand out, says Andrew Groves, course director for fashion design at the University of Westminster.

"Put yourself in my shoes," says Groves, who reads over 1,000 personal statements each year. "How would you make yours different from all those other applications?"

Although mentioning your favourite designer is a good idea, you should think carefully about who you cite, says Mal Burkinshaw, programme director of fashion at Edinburgh University.

"We always have the same designers quoted. Every now and then someone says they are interested in a more conceptual designer and it makes them stand out. You can tell they are engaging more deeply."

Evidence of engagement with fashion is essential, agree tutors, but make sure you are thinking about it as a serious industry.

"Fashion is the third largest industry in the UK," says Jane Gottelier, programme leader of the fashion department at Falmouth University.

"I steer clear of students who talk mainly about celebrity fashion and TV programmes in their personal statements because it makes me think that they see fashion as something rather fluffy," she says.

As well as explaining why you want to study fashion and listing any relevant work experience, it's also important to show interests outside of fashion, say tutors.

"Some of our fashion courses are really business-orientated," says Liz Barnes, senior lecturer in fashion at Manchester University, "so demonstrating a commercial mind is key."

Outside interests show an engagement with general society that is important for a fashion student, and key to fashion admissions tutors.

It's important to be up to date on current news, to prove an academic interest and to show curiosity about the world and an inquisitive mind. If you have an unusual hobby don't be afraid to mention it as it might help yourself get noticed.

"I've had ice skaters, an Olympic-standard gymnast and stick insect collectors," says Anne Chaisty, principal lecturer in fashion studies at the Arts University Bournemouth.

Fashion may be portrayed as a cut-throat industry, but people who are interested in giving something back interest Chaisty.

"We look for students who want to make a positive difference through what they do as a designer," she says.

Accuracy and a good flow are things all tutors agree on when it comes to a good personal statement, but Barnes says you should also be in tune with the specifics of your course.

"There are lots of courses that are called fashion marketing, for example, but the content of those courses will vary enormously," Barnes explained.

"Understand the course you are applying for and tailor the personal statement to match."

For courses where a portfolio carries a heavier weighting than the personal statement, it is still important to express personality in your written statement.

Tutors say individuality and character are perhaps the most important things to convey.

"Don't contrive something for the sake of it," advises Chaisty, "just be honest, be natural and be yourself."

Just don't quote Coco Chanel.

This article was amended on 19 September to correct an error, changing Willie Walters' job title from course leader to programme director of fashion at Central St Martin's.

• Guardian Students
• Personal statements
• Higher education
• Applying to university
• Advice for students

More on this story

What to wear in your first week at university: Monday

What to wear in your first week at university: Tuesday

What to wear in your first week at university: Wednesday

What to wear in your first week at university: Thursday

What to wear in your first week at university: Friday

How to prepare an art portfolio for university

Comments (…), most viewed.

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Effective Guide: Fashion Design Personal Statement Example

Table of Contents

Fashion design is a fascinating and ever-changing field. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in fashion design, it’s essential to create a personal statement that showcases your skills and interests.

In this article, we’ll provide a fashion design personal statement example and share tips on writing your own personal statement. So whether you’re still brainstorming ideas or putting the finishing touches on your personal statement, read on for inspiration!

What Is a Fashion Design Personal Statement?

A fashion design personal statement is a written document that outlines your goals and motivations for pursuing a career in fashion design. It explains why you are the best candidate for a coveted spot in a fashion design program. In addition, it also highlights your experience or qualifications related to the field. A well-written personal statement can be an effective way to demonstrate your passion for fashion.

Why Write a Personal Statement for Fashion Design?

A personal statement for fashion design is a great way to highlight your skills, experiences, and motivations behind pursuing this field . It can be a helpful tool when applying for colleges or scholarships. It allows admissions officers or selection committees to get to know you better as an individual.

When writing your statement, stay focused on what makes you passionate about fashion design. Avoid simply regurgitating information that can easily be found elsewhere in your application package.

Instead, take the time to reflect on what has drawn you toward this creative industry. Share stories of how your interest in fashion has developed over time. Showing off your unique perspective will help differentiate you from other applicants while demonstrating that you’re serious about pursuing a career in fashion.

Tips for Writing a Fashion Design Personal Statement

When it comes to writing a personal statement for a fashion design program, there are certain things you want to keep in mind. Here are five tips that will help your statement stand out:

• Be specific about your design experience and interests. What sparked your interest in fashion? Why do you want to study fashion design specifically? Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve undertaken.
• Show off your personality! A strong personal statement should give the reader a sense of who you are as an artist. Share some of your creative inspirations and how they inform your work.
• Keep it concise and well-written. Avoid extraneous detail and highlight what makes you unique as a designer. The admission committee is likely going to read dozens (if not more) of statements, so make sure yours is sharp and easy to follow.
• Get feedback from others before submitting the final version. It can be helpful to get feedback from classmates, teachers, or anyone else with editorial expertise. This will help ensure that your statement represents yourself in the best possible light!

What to Avoid Writing in the Personal Statement?

When writing a personal statement, be sure to avoid the following:

• Generic statements about your love of fashion. Be specific about what intrigues you about the field and why you want to study it.
• Discussing other unrelated experiences or interests. Your focus should be on explaining why you want to pursue fashion design specifically.
• Writing anything that could be perceived as negative or self-deprecating. A positive attitude is vital when selling yourself in any application materials.

Fashion Design Personal Statement Example

A personal statement is your chance to share with the admission committee who you are and why you want to attend the program. It is a chance for you to voice your interests and desire to study in the field of fashion design. Below is a fashion design personal statement example to inspire you to craft one for yourself:

Personal Statement Sample

As an artist, I have always been intrigued by how clothes can dramatically change someone’s appearance and express their personality. For me, fashion design is not just about creating beautiful clothing; it is also a form of storytelling and self-expression.

Ever since I was young, I have loved playing with different textures and fabrics, experimenting with color palettes, and putting together unique outfits. When I discovered fashion design as a career option, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I believe nothing is more satisfying than taking an idea and turning it into something tangible that people can wear or see on TV.

Fashion Design has allowed me to develop my artistic skills while also giving me a practical understanding of how garments are made and marketed. Over the years, I have participated in many fashion shows as a designer and model manager/coordinator. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about working as part of a team, dealing with last-minute changes, and interpreting feedback from others.

I am confident that my passion for artistry combined with my organizational skills would make me an excellent candidate for any Fashion Design program.

When writing a fashion design personal statement, the most important thing is to be yourself. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s style; instead, let your personality shine through.

Be sure to focus on what makes you unique and why you want to pursue a career in fashion design. Above all, make sure your statement is well-written and error-free. Following the tips in this post will help ensure that your personal statement stands out from the rest.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

University of Kent

South East England · 96% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

University of Roehampton

Take your computing skills to the next level. Discover the perfect Computing Degree for you!

Surrey has been ranked 4th for overall student satisfaction [NSS 2023].

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example fashion promotion and fashion pr.

Submitted by Rosie

Choose a highly employable course with Marketing

Marketing at Bedfordshire will give you both a professionally accredited degree and a thorough understanding of modern marketing.

Top 10% for Business graduate earnings (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2022)

Gain real-world business skills and experience at University of Brighton in an AACSB-accredited business school​​​​. Explore Business degrees at Brighton.

Fashion Promotion and Fashion PR

Fashion is at the heart of today’s generation and has the power to create new identities and influence lifestyles. From the logos seen so often on the streets, to the renowned and timeless brands like Valentino seen on the catwalks - branding and promoting is the most vital piece of the entire process. I strongly believe that Fashion Promotion is the right course for me and the degree in which I will thrive.

I have chosen a degree in Fashion Promotion as I believe it combines two of my strongest attributes; a creative flair and a commercial mind. There are several aspects of the degree that I am drawn to, for example, the opportunity for industry placement, fashion film and photography.

In December, I will be taking part in a Fashion PR and Marketing short course at The London College of Fashion. During the evenings I will be visiting galleries and exhibitions that will further support my studies. This course will be covering topics such as; the fashion calendar, segmentation, the marketing mix, press releases, the use of social media and much more; thus helping me to hone in on and improve my marketing knowledge whilst introducing me to the fashion industry.

In GCSE Media Studies, I learnt about the compelling ways in which brands communicate and draw consumers in and the psychology involved. I learnt in depth about marketing by studying advertising campaigns across industries. A Level Business Studies has given me a broader understanding of how brands operate on a daily basis, and has provided me with an apt knowledge of the marketing mix, trends and forecasting.

Whilst studying Photography, I have seen major development in my work. I have fostered my own personal style and learnt invaluable portfolio skills. I have improved my time management, presentational, planning and organisational skills. This has helped me meet deadlines, organise my time and enabled me to present myself and my work effectively. For my current project, I am questioning traditional portraiture by conveying personalities through alternative images.

Studying Spanish has taught me resilience, reasoning, cultural awareness, problem solving, attention to detail and most importantly communication skills which are essential in the fast moving industry of fashion. It has been proven that being able to converse and understand a second language improves our cognitive ability.

During Year 12, I took part in Young Enterprise which allowed me and a group of peers to innovate, promote, finance and sell a product. Throughout this project, I established a prominent role as Head of Marketing and Production, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of how essential social media is for promoting and how ingrained it is in the industry.. During this project, we marketed our product effectively to a specific age range (30-40 year old women) by utilising Facebook and targeting primary school fayres where there were parents of attending students.

I have always been an active part of my school’s community; in debates, Student Voice, peer mentoring, sports competitions, drama performances, culture days and fundraising. I was also appointed a prefect of Business Studies where I support younger students, organise classroom displays and volunteer at open evenings. Working in a restaurant means the pressure of operating in a fast-paced environment has become a second nature to me. I have learnt how to multitask, how to deal with difficult situations, how to communicate and work efficiently as a team and how to satisfy different consumer needs. Working so closely for two years with the brand Pizza Hut has given me an insight into their marketing techniques — something which will translate well when studying how fashion brands do the same. I believe that the knowledge and skills I have developed will thoroughly support me in this degree.

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Advertising and Brand Management Personal Statement

Advertising and marketisation can be found almost everywhere today. From the glowing Times Square to a fiv...

Submitted by Autumn

Fashion Marketing and Management Personal Statement

As an individual I have always had a passion for creativity and a keen eye and attention to detail. I stro...

Submitted by Dané

Marketing Management Personal Statement

It began during my daily commute to school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Although it was incredibly common to ...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Ravensbourne

Uni of Surrey

434 courses

Uni of Kent

413 courses

Goldsmiths, UOL

273 courses

Swansea Uni

771 courses

238 courses

Northeastern Uni

Uni of Roehampton

268 courses

Uni of Reading

391 courses

West London IoT

Middlesex Uni

470 courses

Uni of Leicester

267 courses

Uni of Sunderland

201 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

305 courses

Uni of East London

317 courses

Uni of Winchester

154 courses

Uni of Chester

398 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

415 courses

Uni of Bradford

265 courses

Coventry Uni

444 courses

Uni of Suffolk

110 courses

528 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

327 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

457 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

324 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

208 courses

Queen's Uni

411 courses

Staffordshire Uni

272 courses

Escape Studios

Uni of Portsmouth

547 courses

Uni of Westminster

338 courses

UWE, Bristol

252 courses

Kingston Uni

373 courses

Uni of Essex

801 courses

Leeds Arts University

Anglia Ruskin Uni

464 courses

353 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

458 courses

Uni of C.Lancashire

531 courses

Wrexham Uni

171 courses

Uni of Brighton

257 courses

Bath Spa Uni

292 courses

Edge Hill Uni

243 courses

Uni of Hull

274 courses

Nottingham Trent

537 courses

Edinburgh Napier

184 courses

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Law

Ranked Top 20 amongst English universities in the 2023 National Student Survey, learn more here!

SOAS, University of London

Ranked in the global top three universities for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

• Fashion Personal Statement Example

If you’re considering applying to university to study Fashion, this Fashion personal statement example can provide helpful inspiration for your UCAS application.

Fashion Personal Statement

I have always been fascinated by the way fashion can serve as a medium of artistic expression and personal identity. From the bold and pioneering designs of Coco Chanel and Diane von Furstenburg to the contemporary creations of today’s leading designers, fashion has the unique ability to reflect and shape the cultural landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, I also appreciate the practical aspects of the fashion industry, such as the need for efficient management and marketing to bring a designer’s vision to fruition.

My interest in fashion has been nurtured by my experiences and studies. As a summer intern at Xun Image Management in Hangzhou, China, I had the opportunity to work closely with the head of the company and learn about the role of the professional image consultant. I assisted with projects related to fashion styling, the psychology of colour, and client management. In addition, I have completed a number of courses at the London College of Fashion, including the “Essential Guide to Fashion Business” and the “Fashion Marketing Intensive”. These courses have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, from its history and key players to the practicalities of retailing, buying, and manufacturing. My studies in art history and photography, as well as my interest in reading fashion magazines and books, have also contributed to my creative development and knowledge of the industry.

My ambition is to use my passion for fashion and my understanding of the industry to make a meaningful contribution. I hope to begin my career as a fashion editor, where I can gain valuable experience and insight into current trends and developments. In the long term, I aspire to run my own personal image consultancy in China, offering my clients the best possible service, including full-image makeovers, style consultations, and advice on colour analysis, makeup, and etiquette. I believe that the LCF course, with its focus on IT, communications, and cultural studies within the context of fashion, would provide me with the ideal foundation for achieving my goals. I am academically capable, enthusiastic, and full of creative ideas, and I am confident in my ability to succeed in the fashion industry. I hope you will consider my application.

My goal is to work as a fashion editor to gain experience and knowledge and eventually establish my own personal image consultancy in China. I am confident in my abilities and eager to pursue a career in fashion.

Personal Statement Examples

• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Finance Personal Statement Examples
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example
• Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
• Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

• Current students
• New students
• Returning students
• Support for current students
• Semester and term dates
• Policies and regulations
• Online learning tools
• Your feedback
• Studying off campus
• Results and graduation
• Student Portal
• Student handbook
• Student news
• Postgraduate

International Fashion Brand Management: Fashion Buying and Merchandising MA

• Course detail & modules

Entry requirements

• Fees & funding
• Study & career progression

If you are passionate about fashion but do not want to follow the design route then our MA International Fashion Brand Management: Fashion Buying and Merchandising is perfect for you.

This course places a distinctive emphasis on fashion product management, covering the entire fashion chain and encompasses a wide range of aspects including:

• development and range planning
• brand management
• buying and merchandising
• PR and communications
• omnichannel strategy
• consumer promotion focusing on digital developments and sustainable strategies. 

Throughout the course, you will enhance your interpersonal, creative, technical, and critical abilities to make informed decisions while gaining a solid academic foundation around the processes and elements of the fashion industry.

As well as preparing you for a diverse range of career opportunities within the global fashion industry you will also benefit from access to the wealth of resources available in London such as retailers, suppliers, museums, prominent shows plus world-famous fashion and retail events.

The course seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and welcomes applications from mature students.  

View some of our students' recent work .

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study International Fashion Brand Management: Fashion Buying and Merchandising with us?

What our students say…

The industry links on my course are really important to me, as is the community feel of the University.

Course detail & modules

The curriculum of MA International Fashion Brand Management is informed by contemporary and international professional practice in the fashion industry.

The course places strategic fashion brand management at its core and offers a unique combination of fashion buying, merchandising and supply chain subjects to equip you with the high-level professional skills and knowledge needed to succeed. 

You will be encouraged to innovate and experiment with innovative ideas to produce distinctive and original work as solutions to real-world problems as well as develop a critical and self-directed approach to fashion brand management practices.

Additionally, you will develop your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills throughout your course, all while establishing valuable industry connections. 

Live project briefs

The briefs for live projects are prepared jointly by UWL staff and industry consultants to satisfy academic and professional learning outcomes and include an option to collaborate with fellow students from other MA pathways within UWL. 

Industry exposure

The program's experimental and collaborative approach is reinforced by a meta-module, "Professional Fashion Contexts," designed to provide you with the highest level of industry exposure and accelerate your employability through visits to companies, exhibitions, events and talks by guest speakers. 

Optional study trip

There is a possibility of an optional study trip to one of the key fashion cities, for example, Paris. The cost, estimated at approximately £450 and not included in the tuition fees, is dependent on student numbers and economic factors at the time.

There is an option of undertaking a placement within the Professional Fashion Contexts module in the third semester or undertaking an industry research project. 

You will have the opportunity to present your work at our annual presentation of highlights from UWL students' portfolios, showreels and performances. To learn more about this platform, please visit ArtsFest  .

Compulsory modules

Research methods for creative industries.

(20 credits) On this module you will develop the academic and research skills/tools, and learn the latest research methodologies and strategies, used in creative industries’ research, to underpin the creation and critical reflection expected in all other course modules.

Strategic Fashion Brand Management

(20 credits)  This module incorporates the latest thinking and developments from both academia and the fashion industry, and provides you with an interconnected understanding of fashion branding and business strategies by combining a comprehensive theoretical foundation with numerous techniques and practical insights for making better day-to-day and long-term fashion brand management decisions and thus improving the long-term profitability of specific fashion brand strategies. 

The module uses a "how-to" and "why" approach throughout, and enables you to take a strategic approach to branding at a product/service level so that it is consistent with the corporate brand and impacts reputation positively. It provides you with specific tactical guidelines for establishing and positioning fashion brand strategy, and also managing the brand so it continues to deliver the brand promise.

Professional Fashion Contexts

(40 credits) In this module, you will begin by getting acquainted with the common specialism and academic jargon, following exposure to and discussion of current social, economic, political, environmental, technological, cultural, and artistic issues and contexts that have been or are influencing the fashion industry. 

You will gain professional creative and technical skills that anchor industry through seminars and practical workshops, while exploring the working life of a professional, the fashion industry narratives, and historical approaches to the field. Visits to companies/exhibitions/events, guest speakers take place within the context of this module.

MA Project/Dissertation

(60 credits) The Master’s Project or Dissertation module will provide you with the opportunity to develop a personally relevant topic and will translate the research ideas and concepts you have developed throughout the whole MA course. 

You will achieve a resolution to your Project/Dissertation Proposals and the key research questions by demonstrating evidence of advanced conceptual and theoretical capability over an extended period of self-directed study.

As the course progresses, you will be introduced to combined and alternative approaches in your field of interest. At the end of the Define stage, you will present and submit your Master’s Project proposal.

Fashion Buying and Merchandising

(40 credits) In this module, you will gain vital knowledge of current fashion buying and merchandising practices, in addition to professional communication, presentation and negotiation skills. The curriculum combines the research of fashion trends and consumer analysis with product design practice. You will learn how to integrate buying, merchandising, design and garment technology functions into a fashion range in the current omni-channel fashion retail context. This will help ensure that the merchandise mix has the appeal to turn potential customers into shoppers and maximizes turnover and profit margins, and minimizes the inventory risk. The module culminates in a live-industry project.

• Requirements: UK
• Requirements: International

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or equivalent.

We may also offer you a place based on relevant experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications are considered individually. Find out more about our  processes for recognising previous experience .

We look for students with enthusiasm and a passion for fashion, you will have previous study or professional experience.

You will need to provide the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)  Your CV should include your full education and employment history. It is not a requirement to have any work experience to apply for this course.

2. Extended personal statement  Tell us why you want to study this course in no more than 750 words. You can use the following points as a guide:

• a strong interest in and understanding of retail branding, visual merchandising / retail space design and brand communication
• your potential for creating original visual merchandising concepts
• any fashion / creative industry experience,
• team working skills
• your main area of research interest.

3. Portfolio A portfolio is not a requirement for this course but it will increase your chances to be accepted. You can submit a link to your online portfolio of your fashion related work, you must evidence problem solving, creative thinking, learning journeys and the development and completion of independent projects through your portfolio. You can include a link to your portfolio at the end of your Personal Statement.

Please attach the documents requested above along with your online application.

All applicants, who fulfil the above criteria, will be either invited to an interview in person or via video conference.

You need to meet our English language requirement of 6.5 overall score for IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents .

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements. Find out more about our English Language courses .

Fees & funding

• Funding: UK
• Funding: International

Additional costs

There may be an opportunity to engage in an optional study trip to a key fashion city (e.g. Paris) depending on interest and numbers. If a trip goes ahead, the cost (accommodation, travel, food, visa fees, personal expenses etc.) would be in addition to the course tuition fee.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

A range of loans, bursaries and scholarships are available to help you fund your studies.

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan , this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students. 

Within the university, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries . View full details including conditions and eligibility.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs .

Study & career progression

When you graduate you may be qualified for a broad range of careers. You could work as a:

• fashion buyer
• fashion merchandiser/planner
• fashion product manager
• concept designer  
• wholesale/Inventory coordinator
• retail manager
• e-Commerce manager 
• creative director
• brand partnerships manager
• demand manager/planner
• digital marketing executive 
• web merchandiser
• business development coordinator 

You may also be able to work with international fashion and luxury brands or progress to study a  PhD at UWL .

How to apply

• How to apply: UK
• How to apply: International

You can apply online at any time by following the link below.

Our application form will ask you for some information about:

• what you want to study
• your previous qualifications or experience
• your references 
• how we can contact you.

Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:

• 0800 036 8888
• [email protected]

Apply for this course

Next steps after making your application.

We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.

In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an  open day  or join a campus tour .

• Applying for an undergraduate course
• Applying for a postgraduate course
• Our Admissions Policy

Visit us and see for yourself

Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.

We're here to help

Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on [email protected].

Our postgraduate prospectus

All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.

• your references
• your visa (if required)

Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.

• email [email protected]  to submit a question

More information about international student applications  

Related courses

Ma interior environment design.

MA Brand Design and Innovation

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles with Foundation Year

Search for courses

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Fashion ARTSFEST page.

Student life at UWL

• Seven reasons to study with us
• Accommodation
• Student support
• Our campus and sites

Important notes for applicants

* Modern universities  - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

** The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 -   Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

Fashion's New Guard Is Assembling Around the World

Apart from the major fashion houses that have found ways to remain relevant for decades, most brands, like trends, cycle through periods of highs and lows. As hard as that may be to come to terms with, it’s the way of the industry. Consumers only have so much attention they can pay to fashion, which means that not every brand can sit at the helm forever. New names replace old favorites, and while we’ll never forget the designers and labels that came before, one of the most refreshing aspects of this business is the never-ending pool of fresh talent that brings forth unexpected trends and introduces us to unfamiliar perspectives. 

As we speak, the next generation of industry-shaping designers is assembling around the world in established capitals like  Paris and  London as well as growing fashion bases like Cape Town and Barcelona. Rather than hold on to what we know, it’s our mission to usher in this collective of creatives, adding their pieces to our wardrobes and their stories into fashion’s history books. Leading the charge in 2023 are eight designers, all of whom have vastly different stories and craft vastly different pieces, ranging from ready-to-wear to couture. Keep scrolling to familiarize yourself with their work. Tip: Take notes. In fashion’s new world order, these are the names you’ll need to know.

Growing up with brothers, Alice Fresnel sought comfort in their oversize shirts and loose trousers, two articles of clothing that she could never find from womenswear brands. "No one was offering feminine yet comfortable clothes,” she tells us. Like so many designers before her, frustration was the root cause of her founding her brand, which she named Alfie. If she couldn’t find clothes that combined elegance and comfort, she’d have to make them herself. "I started developing the idea of Alfie while I was studying in Milan in 2019 at Bocconi University,” she says. "During this year, I had the chance to learn a lot about Italian craftsmanship and the beauty of a clean cut—I am a strong believer that the simplest idea stands the strongest and longest.” 

For her debut collection, Fresnel studied the entirety of the ’90s, focusing on the era as a whole rather than just its fashion archives. "It is important to understand the broader picture and not focus on one theme only if you want to draw inspiration from a period in time,” she explains. "Naturally, my first muse was Christy Turlington. To this day, when I design a new collection, I think of how it would look on her and how she would style it.” When it came down to actually producing the collection, she was readying to move back to Paris after graduation and found an atelier in the French fashion capital that checked off every box. "Despite being told that it would be too expensive, my only focus was to produce really high-quality clothing that would last through time,” she says. "Three years later, our production is entirely based in Paris, and all our pieces are hand-cut before being sewn by the 13 seamstresses working there.” 

Like so many around the world, Fresnel takes inspiration from the Parisian women she sees every day. "Paris is one of the only cities that is simultaneously full of energy and nonchalant, the same way Parisian women can be,” she says. "I design to dress these women, and I am always conscious of the fact that I want my collections to be easy to wear on any occasion. Elegant yet relaxed.”

Where do you go in Paris when inspiration runs dry?

I love to sit at cafés and watch people walk past. A single silhouette or attitude can catch my eye and inspire an entire collection. It is just so interesting to study how people hold themselves. How someone walks, talks, or dresses says a lot about them. But mostly, I am mindful of what my gut is telling me. I think creativity works best when it is guided by intuition.

There was never a question whether or not Mexico City–based designer Nia Thomas would go into a creative field when she grew up. "From as early as I can remember, I was always making things with my hands,” she says. "From hand-beaded necklaces I would sell at school for $5 to dance-recital costumes [that I would deconstruct and reconstruct], ideas were always brewing in my head, and art was a therapeutic release for me.” Thomas learned to sew at the age of just 13 years old in her aunt’s alteration shop and immediately began tailoring thrifted clothes to make them fit just the way she wanted them to. Becoming a designer and starting her own brand was practically written in the stars. "The moment I decided to pursue my career was after I had a fashion show/live-performance art presentation in October of 2018,” she recalls. "Seeing everyone’s reaction to the clothes and how I presented my concept was so empowering. People ran up to me after the show asking where they could buy the clothes immediately.” Two weeks later, about a year after she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in fashion design, her e-commerce website was up and running. 

From the very beginning, Thomas has been adamant about her brand being a catalyst for change in the industry. "I wanted to integrate my core values into a brand, which includes ensuring that we create things in small batches with responsible production, that all of our products are artisanally made with an extreme emphasis on natural fibers using only plant-based dyes, and that we highlight diversity whenever possible,” she explains. "We don’t retouch our images, especially of our underpinnings, as we want our brand to accentuate the feminine figure in all of its natural beauty.” Women play a huge role in influencing Thomas’s designs, as does travel and the city she grew up in and continues to call home. "My design inspiration usually comes from many of my muses—such as Donyale Luna, Solange Knowles, and Donna Summer—but also my travels in places like Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, and Hawaii,” she says. "The diversity in NYC inspires me the most. The way that all of the most intriguing cultures from around the world seamlessly wrap up in the bubble that is New York never ceases to amaze me.”

Where do you go in NYC and Mexico City when inspiration runs dry?

Since I’ve been spending so much time between NYC and Mexico City, it feels as if I have endless inspiration. From the vibrant colors of Luis Barragán’s house to the intricate lines of the Guggenheim Museum, architecture always stimulates me creatively. Also, street style in each of the cities is always a vibe. Seeing how people put together outfits in ways I would never think of definitely informs my design process. My personal favorite currently are very chic couples that complement each other’s style. I am constantly sneaking photos of outfit styling details I see on the subway or when sitting in the park.

Cynthia Merhej never felt like she fit into the traditional fashion-designer mold. Instead of giving up, she made her own mold, one that would allow for an Arab woman like herself who didn’t come from a classical fashion-school background to find success and garner acclaim within the industry. "I love world-building, and I love clothes,” she says. "I came to the conclusion that if I really wanted to make this happen, I would have to create my own space where I could combine my love for storytelling with clothes.” 

In 2016, this dream became reality when Merhej founded her line Renaissance Renaissance, which is now sold in some of the industry’s most trusted retailers, from Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom to Moda Operandi and Ssense. "It’s been a very wild journey, which has had a lot of experiments—many not working out—but I learned huge lessons,” she says. According to Merhej, the first few years of Renaissance Renaissance were humble ones. "I started out in my mom’s atelier doing small collections and pop-ups and selling directly to my friends,” she explains. (Both Merhej’s mother and great-grandmother were couturiers.) In the years since, she’s tested a bevy of other sales models, only to come to the conclusion that those quaint methods of selling and sharing her brand with the world were the most sustainable and responsible ones. "I see unchecked growth to be something that is terrible for designers, mentally and creatively, and terrible for the planet,” she explains. Like in those early days, she makes everything at her family’s atelier in Beirut, a city that inspires everything she does in life and work. 

"In Beirut, we have been through and we go through a lot,” she says. "What inspires me about this city is that we are made very aware of the temporality of everything.” Because of that, Merhej says that its inhabitants enjoy every second of life, dressing up and going out frequently, all the while knowing that everything could change in an instant. "There is a constant juxtaposition of decadence and decay that is very unique to us here and which inspires my outlook on life and my work,” she explains. 

Where do you go in Beirut when inspiration runs dry?

Personally, I am very introspective, so whatever helps me recharge. Sometimes, I don’t have to go anywhere, and sometimes, it could mean a day at the beach.

For Gabriela Comella, following in her mother’s footsteps was never the plan. The daughter of beloved Barcelona-based fashion and interior designer Gema Sach, Comella went in the direction of journalism rather than design, but it wasn’t long before genetics took over and the itch to create set in. "I was always interested in aesthetics, so I started to create those bags I was looking for and couldn’t find at the market,” she says. According to Comella, at the time that she decided to go off on her own and start Gabriel for Sach in 2015, there was a gap in the accessory offering. She was constantly searching for bags that felt unique but also comfortable and practical. Nothing felt like her. "So I started to do my own patterns and search for local providers,” she explains. "Fortunately in Spain, there is a certain tradition for leather and production. Seeing how it was possible to convert my designs into a product was something that got me hooked and motivated me to continue.” In her mind, this was the best possible way to start—without the goal of becoming a designer clouding her creativity. "Without the pressure,” she says. At first, the brand lived inside her mother’s, but before long, she established herself but kept the name to remember her origins. 

Comella’s surroundings, like her mother’s influence, play a huge role in her brand’s identity. "Everything is designed and made in Barcelona,” she says. This allows there to be a constant connection between herself and production. That way, her pieces are always changing and improving until the perfect final product is reached. "It allows you to be present in the whole production process, from the designing until the assembling,” she says, adding that the city’s diverse landscapes and architecture provide endless inspiration and vision as well. "I love to see how architects combine and play with color, materials, and forms. Fortunately in Barcelona, you can find a wide variety of modern and contemporary buildings, which I love to walk around.” Like in architecture, Comella feels compelled to design pieces that have more than one use and purpose, giving them a timeless character. "I hate that fashion has to be linked to temporality and expires every season. That’s why I defend pieces that last over time,” she says. 

Where do you go in Barcelona when inspiration runs dry?  

If you drive one hour north, you can get to the Costa Brava. It’s my way of taking distance from my city routine, [where I] hike, swim, and refresh my brain to go back to inspiration. Nowadays, city life is very demanding, so one of my better ways to reset and get back to it is staying two days a week away from that dynamic and just touch the ground. This is how the most genuine ideas emerge.

New York City–based publicist and creative consultant Camilla Mayer started her NYC- and Phnom Penh–based resort brand Nary in May of 2020 alongside her two sisters, Stephanie Mayer-Guidi and Sarah Mayer . Named after their Cambodian mother, Phannary or Nary for short, Nary was founded with the goal of honoring her and her survival of the Khmer Rouge. Khmer Rouge, or the Communist Party of Kampuchea, took control of Cambodia in the ’70s and was responsible for one of the most significant mass killings of the 20th century, with nearly two million fatalities, according to the BBC . "Above all, our foremost objective was to pay tribute to our mom’s heritage and make a positive impact in this developing country,” Mayer says. 

To combat the dominance of fast-fashion production in Cambodia, Mayer and her sisters made a deliberate choice to establish a sustainable and ethical brand based in the city where their mother grew up, Phnom Penh, which is home to a number of small sewing centers. "By doing so, we create safe and meaningful employment opportunities for women who are vulnerable to exploitation in the realms of labor or sex,” she says. At these sewing centers, local women craft Nary’s beloved shirred resortwear using leftover deadstock materials from fast-fashion brands that manufacture nearby and oftentimes abandon excess fabric. "We tap into this secondary market by sourcing all our fabric locally, thereby significantly reducing our carbon emissions and limiting more waste,” Mayer adds. 

As part of their mission to support the city their mother grew up in, rather than opening the first Nary store in NYC, where it would almost certainly be easier and more convenient to kick-start a brick-and-mortar business, Mayer and her sisters just opened one in Phnom Penh. This, despite being difficult, is what Mayer considers one of the many ways that Nary stands out against other brands starting out in NYC.

Where do you go in Phnom Penh when inspiration runs dry?

When we face a lack of inspiration, we make it a point to travel around Southeast Asia, reconnecting with its people and culture. This region is incredibly diverse, with stunning mountains, oceans, islands, and rainforests. It also has bustling cities like Bangkok, Thailand, which reminds us of our home city of New York City. The kindness and distinct culture of Southeast Asia greatly influence our designs and drive us to showcase them through our brand to a U.S. audience.

"Being a ’90s kid and growing up in the era of the rise of MTV, supermodels, and daytime soap [operas], I was a 5-year-old kid that was left in a chokehold, and I mean that in the best kind of way,” says Lukhanyo Mdingi of the inspiration behind his namesake fashion brand, which he founded in Cape Town in 2015. "The creativity and energy that centered around these worlds is something that was instant.” According to the designer—who was a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2021 and one of three winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize that same year and has been featured in British Vogue —inspiration isn’t something he’s ever been short on, whether he’s getting it from the community he’s built around himself and the brand, those ’90s references he grew up on, or Cape Town itself. "There is a relaxed and eclectic sensibility that is woven within the city of Cape Town,” he says. "I feel that this is a sentiment that is indicative of the LM cosmology.” 

Between all of these areas, though, Mdingi says that it’s his community that he owes his success to the most. "The premise of Lukhanyo Mdingi began with intentional and considered design,” he explains. "It was through the practice of design where I realized the value of collaboration. We’ve been fortunate enough to have an extraordinary cabinet of people that have added their time, talent, and trust as a means of service to the LM brand, and it’s been through their ingenuity and spirit that has made the label what it is today.”

Where do you go in Cape Town when inspiration runs dry?

My home or my studio. These are immediate spaces to me where I’ve created my own universe. These places spark a fire in my heart and bring peace to my mind.

Frustrated by the imbalance that’s present between men’s and women’s suiting for corporate workplaces, Sydney-based designer Gabriella Pereira left her career in finance to begin another in fashion. "I continually struggled to find chic and simple luxury suiting that was ethically made,” Pereira says. "My male colleagues seemed to have a plethora of options, but I felt as though the professional woman who wanted to look chic while not worrying about what to wear was not thoroughly catered for.” Now, after launching her brand Beare Park during the pandemic in 2021, Pereira uses the highest-quality materials found in Australia—mostly Australian merino wool—and has them woven in century-old mills in the Biella region of Italy. "From there, I selfishly design the collection around what I wish I had in my wardrobe,” she says, making only limited batches of each garment and relying on local master tailors to ensure that the craftsmanship in each piece can be felt when you put it on. 

Sydney’s influence on Beare Park goes far beyond just manufacturing, though. "The brand has a distinct sensibility of ease and optimism that is synonymous with Sydney,” says Pereira. "My constant proximity to Sydney’s glorious beaches definitely influences the fact that every Beare Park piece can be effortlessly paired with a chic flat sandal.” For her, an ideal outfit consists of an oversize wool suit, an organic cotton tee, and sleek sandals. Dressing simply like this is at the core of the Beare Park world, Pereira insists. The ability to find pieces that check every box, after all, is the reason Pereira founded her brand in the first place. 

Where do you go in Sydney when inspiration runs dry?

When I feel stuck creatively, I find there is nothing better than clearing a day’s schedule and spending some solo time with the heavenly freedom of no commitments. To invite true inspiration, I have to spend time with a calm and clear mind. Taking time away from our Redfern studio to be with my own thoughts is an important part of my creative process. It’s a challenge to pull away from the day-to-day of the business, but sometimes, the best inspiration will come during an unscheduled day at home spent cooking, painting, going for a long, meandering walk or drive. It’s been a real challenge for me to learn that you can’t schedule creativity and good ideas.

"I’ve always wanted to make clothes,” says Talia Loubaton, founder of the London-based brand Liberowe. "I was sketching before I could write my name.” It wasn’t until she was 15 years old, though, when she was at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris at the retrospective exhibition of Christian Lacroix that she realized exactly what it was that she wanted to design. "I remember being blown away by all the work, the details, the embroideries, and laces. … There was a little black bolero jacket styled on a puffy dress,” she recalls. Stuck on it, Loubaton says it was then and there that she knew jackets would be her life’s work. All these years later, despite a brief journey into knitwear during her studies at Central Saint Martins, they still are. 

Loubaton started Liberowe in 2021 with the Raja Signature Jacket , which was inspired by traditional menswear jackets in India, called sherwani, that she saw during her travels in Delhi. "They reminded me of the opening scene of Manon 70 —my favorite French movie from the late ’60s—starring Catherine Deneuve, in which she wears a Nehru-collar jacket,” she says. "I came back to London and started making my own version of sherwanis—a little more feminine yet not too much. I reshaped it again and again until I found the right balance and a perfect fit.” The Raja Signature Jacket remains a core piece for Liberowe and is one Loubaton develops and adapts season after season. 

Though a majority of her design inspiration comes from growing up in Paris and hearing stories of it in the ’60s from her grandmother and her travels in India, her current home base in London isn’t irrelevant in the least bit. "London inspires me for its multiculturalism and its freedom,” she says. "What amazes me here, in comparison to Paris where I grew up, is the absence of judgment and prejudice against one’s look. Religions are expressed freely. Nothing is a taboo. There is no dress code, no lines to follow. It feels like a great blank canvas.” The city’s energy is also partially responsible for pushing Loubaton to begin this entrepreneurial journey in the first place. "There are always great shows, exhibitions, new shops, libraries, and endless museums,” she adds. 

Where do you go in London when inspiration runs dry?

To be honest and luckily, inspiration hasn’t run dry yet. My issue is often having to edit the collection and narrowing down ideas. But yes, going to a fabric shop always makes me electric. The contact of fabric, the feel of the drape, the shine, the texture, it’s always magic.

Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns,  Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear ; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning , Diane Kruger , Katie Holmes , and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits , running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.

Summer's biggest beauty trend has arrived.

By Kaitlyn McLintock

An Alexander McQueen original.

By Eliza Huber

Wardrobe heroes you'll wear forever.

By Avalon Afriyie

A sneak peek into my wish list.

Easy tweaks taking over the capital.

By Natalie Munro

Put your French foot forward.

The most elevated staples.

By Bobby Schuessler

You could say I'm an expert.

The ultimate dose of outfit inspo.

By Maxine Eggenberger

I'm joining them.

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Accessibility Statement
• Advertise with us

Who What Wear UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

tulane essays examples

What are your chances of acceptance.

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Tulane University Essays 2020-2021

Located in the vibrant and multicultural New Orleans, Tulane University is a private research university that began as a medical college to combat cholera. To this day, the school continues to uphold their commitment to service. Tulane has integrated community service into its curriculum and mandates it for all students. If you’re looking for ways to give back, the school has ample opportunities including service learning courses, public service research, and service-based study abroad programs.

The university is ranked #40 by the U.S. News & World Report and is #4 on the Princeton Review’s List of Colleges with the Happiest Students. In 2015, the school had an admissions rate of 31%, but it now has a much more competitive rate of 11% acceptance as of 2019. Of the admitted students in 2019, the middle 50% had an ACT score between 31-33 and an SAT score between 1410-1510.

The college has five different schools spanning science and engineering, architecture, business, liberal arts and public health. Something that makes Tulane stand out is that it encourages cross-disciplinary studies; a third of students double major! If you are looking to explore multiple areas of study, this college could be a good fit for you. 

The Tulane “Green Waves” represent the university in NCAA Division I, enjoying particular success in men’s tennis and achieving moderate recognition in baseball and women’s basketball. If varsity athletics are not your cup of tea, there are also over 200 student organizations to join (including Aikido, Quidditch, Fencing, Cat Mafia Comedy and Hallyu Youth Practicing Emotional Dance), and 20 fraternities and sororities to rush.

Has the allure of Tulane’s academic excellence convinced you to apply? Are you on the edge of your seat because of the ever-dropping acceptance rate? Never fear, our essay specialist team at CollegeVine is here to breakdown the tips and tricks to writing the Tulane University supplemental essays.

Want to know your chances at Tulane? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Tulane will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Tulane needs to know.

Tulane University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (20-250 words)

Prompt 2: Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (50-800 words)

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words max)

Although you probably already listed out your extracurriculars on your application, chances are you those one or two lines didn’t accurately capture the hard work and dedication you put into your extracurriculars. This prompt attempts to mitigate that by allowing you to expand on one of your extracurriculars. This is an opportunity to add depth to your application in a way that shows rather than simply telling readers your passions and character traits. Answering this prompt also lends credibility to your application overall by detailing your specific contributions to the organization or activity you previously mentioned.

When choosing an activity, use the following steps to determine which one would fit best into this prompt:

Choosing the activity :

• Step 1: Replicate your extracurriculars list from the Common App on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet.
• Step 2: Create a column to the right and write down any accomplishments, interactions, conversations, phrases, or words that are particularly memorable for each activity.
• Step 3: Further to the right, write down in a separate column the corresponding/related student organizations, events, and programs available at or in the vicinity of Tulane.
• Step 4: Rank your activities in order of content, with the ones with the most impressive accomplishments, most interesting conversations, and most corresponding Tulane programs at the top, and the ones with the least at the bottom.
• Step 5: Choose the top-ranked activity to write about, unless you feel very strongly for another high-ranked item.

You can approach this prompt multiple ways, but we recommend either a narrative- or collection-based approach. A narrative approach involves focusing in on one particular memory, event, or instance for the majority of the response. A collection approach would entail detailing a few of these events in a way where your response emulates some sort of connecting, underlying theme. Because of the smaller word count, a narrative approach will probably be easier to tackle, unless you have two or three strongly interconnected instances.

When constructing this prompt, it is important to focus on showing, and not telling your audience what you have done. While listing out the number of hours you spent volunteering or the board positions you held over the years does quantify your efforts, the essay prompt is a space to demonstrate these things more creatively, so avoid stating these facts directly unless they can be smoothly woven into your narrative.

The key to showing and not telling is specificity and descriptive language. A natural inclination many students have is to list out every event they volunteered at or contribution they made to the extracurricular, but within this word limit, this approach can leave much to be desired in terms of detail. Rather than pursuing quantity, try to zero in on one or two quality instances that you feel best showcase your contributions to the extracurricular, and use descriptive language rather than plain statements to illustrate how you feel about the activity rather than merely describing the steps you took to complete it.

Here are two versions of an essay about dance.

In my sophomore year, I stumbled into the dance studio by chance one day, and was invited to audition to be placed on a team. During the audition, I noticed how free yet powerful the advanced dancers looked when performing, and became determined to emulate their techniques. Ever since then, I have become a loyal member of the dance club at XXX High School.

In that first audition, I was selected to perform with the largest dance organization in school, which performed a variety of pieces, including house, modern, and freestyle at school fairs, annual productions, and charity events. As I learned to nail down the basics of hip-hop and modern dance, I began to choreograph for the team on occasion, and organizing extra practices for other members to perfect our upcoming set.

Dance is the newest thing I have learned in my life. In exploring this novel territory, I have learned the determination and humility necessary in nurturing a craft from scratch, characteristics that will certainly help me succeed in performing with the Newcomb Dance Company at Tulane. Other than this prestigious student dance organization, I am also interested in joining the Tulane Ballroom Dancing Club to supplement my repertoire of dance styles. It would be very interesting to experience and investigate the roots of social dance that we see today and I look forward to bringing my expertise in modern dance and choreography to the Tulane dance community.

Upon first pointe, I was immediately enraptured by the power (and delicacy), freedom (and discipline) of dance. Ever since, I have committed my creative spirit to cultivating the dance subculture at XXX High School, in a consummate mélange of my passion for hip-hop and community building .

With no prior training, I auditioned and was selected to perform with the largest dance organization in school.

To perfect our set and provide fellow budding dancers with the opportunity to expand their repertoire, I taught snippets of other styles — house, modern, freestyle… — in the bi-weekly extra practices I coordinated for the team.

The rest of my spare time I spent configuring my limbs into novel silhouettes in choreography for our upcoming set.

In exploring the exquisite art of dance, I grasped the humility and tenacity necessary in nurturing a craft from scratch, characteristics that will surely assist my transition into performing with the Newcomb Dance Company in the successors of its current production Above the Oaks. This annual student-run performance will prompt me to hone my technique in the three core styles that cement the foundation for all creative choreography: ballet, modern and jazz, perfecting my grand j été in the process.

Between rehearsals, I can be found waltzing into the Lakeside Room of the Reily Center to take lessons with Tammy Clark as a member of the Tulane Ballroom Dancing Club, foxtrotting across the floor, further into my dance journey.

While version 1 and version 2 both discuss the same activity, sequence of events, and even mention joining the same organizations at Tulane, version 2 is much more effective in illustrating an image of you enhancing the dance community’s spirit with your choreography of “novel silhouettes” in the admissions officers’ minds.

Here are some of the mistakes found in version 1:

• Failed to highlight the most impressive part of the candidate’s accomplishment in dance, which is being selected to dance with the largest organization in school with no prior training. While version 1 does mention performing with that organization after the first audition and mentions stumbling into that audition accidentally, it does not spell out the candidate’s lack of experience in plain words, and hence does not sufficiently emphasize her talent.
• Used very plain and commonplace phrases on applications such as:
• “I noticed how… and became determined to…”
• “Ever since then, I became a…”
• “Other than this… I am also interested in joining…”
• “It would be very interesting to…”
• Try to avoid these commonly used sentence structures. Otherwise, embellish them by rearranging the structure of the sentence or packing the rest of the sentence with unique words (that fit the context of course) and vivid imagery.
• Version 1 “told” without “showing” anything. Version 2’s  “ Upon first pointe, I was immediately enraptured by the power (and delicacy), freedom (and discipline) of dance” effectively conveys the idea that the candidate was hooked by dance upon her first encounter, but with much more powerful illustration than version 1’s statement of events that led to the candidate’s participation in dance. Version 2 also makes reference to “pointe,” which is a ballet term, further showcasing her true depth of experience in dance. If possible, try to incorporate relevant references to the activity throughout your essay.

Just remember, less is not more in terms of the level of detail in admissions essay-writing. In your first drafts, try to pen as many details about your anecdotes as you can possibly think of; you can decide which ones are not essential later.

Writing them all down on one page allows you to make a more objective decision about which ones are critical and which ones are not. Besides, in revising your essay, you never know which details you will need later on; therefore, it is beneficial to have an archive of all possible details in a longer first draft.

Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. (optional, 800 words max)

Many universities employ a “ Why This College? ” prompt to better assess your interest in the school and knowledge of their current offerings. Writing a strong response serves to set apart candidates who may have similar academic statistics and extracurriculars. You should absolutely respond to this essay, even though it’s technically optional.

Your response to this prompt helps admissions officers determine  if Tulane is a good fit for you – and in return, doing this type of research can also help you determine where it falls on your prospective school list. Therefore, it is important that you paint a detailed and accurate picture of what you are looking to get out of your college experience at Tulane. While it is impossible for you to truly know what your college experience holds, you can use your current skills and interests as a starting point to determine which communities you may inhabit at Tulane.

Since you have up to 800 words, you have ample space to talk about multiple aspects of Tulane that interest you, and you’ll be able to also provide plenty of detail on how those Tulane resources connect to your interests and goals. 

One potential starting point is thinking about your prospective major and potential courses you could take. A great starting point is Tulane’s website, where there is a list of Majors and Minors. Under this tab, you can choose your prospective major and then see a list of course requirements with course descriptions. You can also browse a list of professors and find one that participates in research that intrigues you. 

However, it is important to note that simply name-dropping a class or professor can have an adverse effect rather than contributing to your application. This might be the case if you choose courses that are too generic or mention professors without connecting them to your interests. Remember, while this essay is about your interest in Tulane, it is also about you. Therefore, establishing a personal connection to the college is important . 

For example, think about your current clubs and which of them you would like to pursue in the future. Tulane’s website has a Campus Life tab that contains multiple avenues to learn about the school’s offerings and its connection to the surrounding community. Just as with classes and professors, it is important to find clubs and events specific to Tulane and your interests. For example, if a student has a history of fighting food insecurity, Tulane has a Food Recovery Network organization. Because most schools have some form of community service, it is important to name the specific club and also specific goals and activities that you wish to participate in. You should describe what you wish to do at Tulane and tie it back to work that you have already done in this field. 

Here are two potential responses:

Bad: “I have always been very passionate about community service; in particular, fighting food insecurity is very important to me. I am interested in Tulane because I wish to make a difference in the community and there are clubs that fight food insecurity in the local area. I can use the resources at this college to further pursue my passion and help others. This will also help me gain leadership skills for my future career, which I hope will involve some form of community service in this manner.”

Good: “At my high school, I established a program to combat food insecurity where students could drop their unopened leftover food from the cafeteria lunches in a box that anyone could grab from. I worked with my principal to establish a program where the food that was left at the end of the lunch period was taken to a local food shelter. My passion for food redistribution is one that I hope to continue at Tulane, a school that prides itself on its commitment to community service. Through an organization like the Food Recovery Network, I can help package leftovers from The Commons to donate to a homeless shelter. I also plan on starting my own initiative to fight food insecurity on campus, by working with dining hall staff to create a program to increase accessibility to food insecure students.”

The first response may be factual but lacks the detail and depth necessary to sound convincing. The generic approach does not really convey the student’s background in this topic, or how they plan to pursue it at Tulane. The second response bridges the student’s past with their potential future at Tulane, and establishes a realistic and goal-oriented path for readers to follow. Adding these specific details signals a deeper interest in Tulane itself while also communicating your passion for this type of community service. 

Finally, because Tulane is a small, private university, it can be helpful to mention people affiliated with the university, especially if they influenced your decision to apply. Tulane espouses this as it can be helpful for their admissions office to know if you have an indirect link to the school. This can include current students, alumni, and recruitment officers. If you don’t know anyone yet, no worries! Tulane has a Green Wave Ambassadors program where prospective students can read about and contact current campus tour guides at the university. Networking can both help you learn more about Tulane and also give you valuable information for this essay prompt.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Need help with your college applications?

We’ve helped thousands of students write amazing college essays and successfully apply to college! Learn more about how our Applications Program can help your chances of admission.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Tulane Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Tips

September 11, 2023

If you blinked at some point during the 2010s, you may have missed Tulane’s meteoric rise in selectivity that resulted in a 13% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027. However, today, this mid-size private research university in New Orleans is among the most selective schools in the country. The average incoming freshman possesses 95th percentile standardized test scores and a strong academic transcript. This brings us to the topic of this blog — the Tulane supplemental essays for 2023-24.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Tulane? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Tulane University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like Tulane that rejects nine of every ten applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the supplemental essay. Below is Tulane University’s supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Tulane Supplemental Essay 2023-24

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.

This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Tulane is inviting you to share more about your experiences, talents, and/or values through the lens of how that will impact your experience at the university. Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

Tulane Supplemental Essays (Continued)

• A perspective/value you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity
• A particular talent/skill

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)?

You’ll then need to discuss how your experiences, talents, and/or values will influence your distinct contributions to Tulane’s community. Further, you’ll need to explain why you’re interested in joining that community in particular. We’d recommend being as specific as possible.

For example, given your visual arts background, perhaps you’re excited about contributing to and learning within Tulane’s thriving arts scene, including the NOLA Through Visual Culture interdisciplinary experience course and Tulane Art Club . Or, perhaps your experience fighting food insecurity in your community has made you interested in Tulane’s Food Recovery Network, and you hope to contribute to Tulane’s community service-centric culture and values .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Tulane’s immense resources both inside and/or outside of the classroom by citing specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , service learning , study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Tulane supplemental essays?

Tulane lists four factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee: GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, and the rigor of your secondary school record. The Common App and supplemental essays are “important”.

Want personalized assistance?

Interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Tulane supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Sign Up Now

How to Ace the Tulane University Supplemental Essays: 2023-2024

Are you hoping to be part of the next class of Green Wave at Tulane University? Look no further, because in this blog post, we're going to guide you on how to best approach the Tulane University supplemental essays. These essays give you the opportunity to show the admissions officers why you're a perfect fit for Tulane.

1. Why Tulane? (50-800 words)

This question is a classic when it comes to college applications. The admissions officers want to know why you're interested in Tulane specifically. Make sure to dive into your specific academic, extracurricular, and community interests. How does Tulane meet these interests better than other schools?

Since I was young, I've been intrigued by environmental science. When researching universities, Tulane immediately stood out due to its interdisciplinary Environmental Science program. This program's blend of the physical and social sciences is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm also excited about the opportunities for hands-on fieldwork in the Gulf Coast region. Tulane's location in New Orleans, a city on the frontline of environmental issues, provides an ideal setting for my studies. Outside the classroom, I’m looking forward to engaging with the Green Club to contribute to local sustainability efforts. In short, Tulane provides the ideal environment for me to explore my passion and make a meaningful impact.

2. Tulane's Values (50-800 words)

This prompt asks you to reflect on Tulane's values, particularly its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how they align with your own. Consider a personal anecdote or experience that illustrates your commitment to these values.

Growing up in a multicultural household, I've always cherished diversity and the different perspectives it brings. I'm particularly drawn to Tulane's commitment to diversity and inclusion. One instance when I had the opportunity to engage with diversity was when I volunteered at a local community center, tutoring children from diverse backgrounds. This experience enriched my understanding of different cultures and made me appreciate the value of an inclusive society. At Tulane, I hope to contribute to this commitment by getting involved with the Center for Public Service, utilizing my tutoring experience to give back to the New Orleans community.

3. The Optional Essay

While this essay is technically optional, we strongly advise you to write it. This prompt gives you an opportunity to speak more about yourself, which is always beneficial in helping admissions officers get a fuller picture of who you are. Remember, every essay is a chance to show a different side of you!

My love for music started at a young age when I picked up my first guitar. Over the years, music has become a way for me to express my feelings and connect with others. It was a lifeline during difficult times and a source of joy during happy ones. I believe that it’s these personal passions that shape us, and at Tulane, I look forward to sharing my love for music, perhaps by participating in the Music Rising program or joining a student band.

Short Answer Questions (50 words)

These short answer questions might seem simple, but they require a thoughtful response. Remember, you only have 50 words, so you need to be concise and straightforward.

Writing the Essays

When you approach these prompts, remember to be specific. Concrete examples are always more impactful than vague statements. Make sure to do your research on Tulane and refer to specific courses, professors, clubs, or community initiatives that excite you. This shows the admissions committee that you have a genuine interest in Tulane and are familiar with what it has to offer.

Reflect on your personal experiences, achievements, and challenges. The admissions officers want to get to know you , so don’t shy away from adding personal touches or stories to your essays.

Finally, always keep the values of Tulane in mind. The college is known for its commitment to community service, global perspective, and celebration of diversity and inclusion. If these are values that resonate with you, make sure to highlight this in your essays.

Who or what inspires you? The courage and resilience of Malala Yousafzai inspires me. Her unwavering commitment to education rights, despite facing extreme adversity, motivates me to fight for social justice issues in my community.

Describe a community that you belong to. I belong to a community of book lovers in my neighborhood. We meet monthly to discuss a chosen book, share insights, and broaden our perspectives. This community nurtures my love for literature and fosters close-knit bonds among us.

Remember, these essays are your opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants and showcase your fit for Tulane University. Take your time, reflect on the prompts, and make sure to proofread before you hit submit. Best of luck, and Roll Wave!

Related posts

Mastering the Tufts University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Mastering the Boston University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Mastering the University of Rochester Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Tulane Essay Guide: 2022-2023

Tulane Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Tulane acceptance rate : 10% — U.S. News ranks Tulane as a highly competitive school.
• In U.S. News list of National Universities Tulane University ranking is #44.
• Common App essay
• 2 (50-500 words) optional essays
• 1 (250-word) extracurricular essay
• Tulane application note: Students can apply via the Common App or Tulane’s online application .
• #1 Tulane Essay Tip: Though each Tulane supplemental essay is “optional,” think of them as required. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to answer each Tulane supplemental essay comprehensively and thoughtfully in order to stand out to Tulane admissions. 

What are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

Each Tulane essay for the 2022-2023 application cycle is posted on the Common App site . The Tulane supplemental essays asks you to discuss your experiences, background, and reasons for applying to Tulane.

Think of the Tulane supplemental essays as an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond what you already wrote in your Common App personal statement . Successful Tulane essays will present a clear, cohesive, yet dynamic picture of who you are.

Tulane Supplemental Essay Requirements

Your Common App essay is a key part of your Tulane application. Tulane requires students to respond to the Common App essay prompt essays. 

Beyond the Common App essay, you’ll find three Tulane supplemental essays that are all optional this year. However, we recommend that you complete each Tulane supplemental essay to maximize your Tulane admissions odds, especially given the low Tulane University acceptance rate. Think of each Tulane essay prompt as a required part of the Tulane supplemental materials. 

Remember, Tulane also receives your personal statement submitted through the Common App or the online Tulane application. This means that you will submit your Tulane essays as well as your Common App essay.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .

How many essays are required for Tulane?

There are three optional Tulane essays. This year, each Tulane supplemental essay is technically optional. However, hopeful applicants should consider them all required. One Tulane essay prompt asks you to write a “Why Tulane” essay, another asks you to discuss your diverse perspective, and the third asks you to elaborate on an extracurricular experience.

In short, students are only required to complete the Common App essay in their Tulane application; all three supplemental essays are optional.

In addition, consider each “optional” Tulane essay a vital part of the Tulane supplemental materials. Tulane admissions is extremely selective. Hopeful applicants should think of every Tulane supplemental essay as an opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. While each Tulane essay isn’t technically a part of the Tulane application requirements, they still can make a huge difference in the Tulane admissions process. 

The Tulane University acceptance rate is relatively low (just 10%), so each Tulane essay can help you stand out . With so many hopeful applicants, you need to do everything possible to present yourself as a dynamic, serious, and motivated student. Competitive applicants will treat each Tulane essay as a required and important part of the Tulane application process. 

Tulane essay #1: “Why Tulane” Essay 

Please describe why you are interested in attending tulane university (up to 500 words)..

This Why Tulane essay is a classic type of essay. You may wonder whether you should write the Why Tulane essay since it’s listed as optional. However, if you are serious about being admitted, you should consider the Why Tulane essay a required part of your application. The word limit is as vague as it gets, so we recommend 300-500 words. Your Why Tulane essay will be more effective if it is focused and concise instead of long and rambling.

An effective Why Tulane essay will think beyond the Tulane University acceptance rate and Tulane University ranking. Though these factors feel important, they do not ultimately relate to your application. When answering this Why Tulane essay, don’t just write about why you want to attend Tulane. Think of this Why Tulane essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the Tulane community.

Successful Tulane supplemental essays will reflect the mission and key values of the school—a strong research institution with a tight-knit campus community and small class sizes. In your Tulane essays, capture the essence of Tulane’s demanding academics and community engagement.

Service-oriented

If you are committed to serving others, Tulane is an excellent place for you—and this “Why Tulane” essay is a perfect opportunity to discuss your commitment. The school has many opportunities to explore service learning courses , service research projects , and service abroad .

When writing your Why Tulane essay, be specific about classes you want to take, research opportunities you want to pursue, clubs you want to join, and places you want to serve. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will take these a step further, however. Don’t just name-drop. Instead, connect them to your experiences and goals.

Strong “Why Tulane” essays will incorporate some or all of the following questions: How and why will you choose to spend your time at Tulane? In what ways will your involvement help you pursue your major ? How will the ways you spend your time light up your curiosity to learn? How will they spur you forward in your career? In your Why Tulane essay, describe specifically how Tulane’s offerings will help you succeed.

Make it personal

Avoid cliché phrases, generalizing, and overly emotional appeals. Don’t discuss traditions that are too well-known or frequently written about, either. Instead, make it personal. Perhaps you attended a campus tour that left an impression on you or you attended a webinar that inspired you to apply. Mention these specific and personal connections to Tulane in your essay. What put Tulane at the top of your college list ?

This essay prompt is so broad that you have lots of freedom. Make sure to discuss both academic and non-academic reasons for applying to Tulane. No one expects you to have your future fully planned when writing the Why Tulane essay. However, the admissions team does want to see that you can articulate a genuine plan based on your interests and goals.

For each Tulane essay, brainstorm , research, outline, draft, and proofread before submitting. Your Tulane essays should represent your best content and writing ability.

Tulane Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your essay highlight why you would succeed at Tulane specifically?
• Is your Why Tulane essay both specific and personal?
• Does your essay “show” instead of “tell” through vivid details?
• Do you clearly and concisely write your response to the Why Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay # 2: Diverse perspectives essay

Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. if you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here. (up to 500 words).

This Tulane essay prompt, like the Tulane why school essay, is also optional. However, we strongly recommend that you complete it to maximize your chances against the lower-than-average Tulane acceptance rate. 

By explaining a specific perspective that has shaped your background , your response to this Tulane essay prompt will enhance your application. The prompt provides several suggestions for perspectives—family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, or religious group—but also allows for others.

Does something on this list resonate with your identity? What makes you stand out among your peers? Do you have a special hobby or interest? Are you soon to be a first-generation college student ? Did you take a meaningful gap year ? What else have you not shared about yourself with Tulane? Ultimately, how can your response to this Tulane essay prompt illuminate who you are?

Since there are only three Tulane supplemental essays, you’re bound to have some part of your identity you haven’t yet shared with admissions. Rather than thinking of this Tulane essay prompt as another box to check, think of it as another opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are. Successful Tulane supplemental essays will delve into diverse perspectives you haven’t discussed elsewhere in your application.

When answering this Tulane essay prompt, you may have trouble being personal and specific when others share your identity. The most effective Tulane essays will make a broader identity unique to you by telling a compelling story and detailing how your identity has impacted your own life.

• Does your response to the Tulane essay prompt highlight something that you have not discussed elsewhere on your application?
• Is your Tulane supplemental essay personal and specific?
• Do you tell a compelling story about who you are for this Tulane essay prompt?

Tulane Essay #3: Extracurricular essay

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words).

Choosing a topic for this Tulane essay prompt can feel overwhelming. Brainstorm several ideas before selecting one. Most strong Tulane applicants will have many options to choose from when responding to this Tulane essay prompt.

The most successful Tulane supplemental essays will be well-written and unique. You don’t have to write about the activity that you are most involved in, especially if you already discussed that activity in your Common App personal statement . Just make sure that the activity you choose matters to you.

Focus on impact

Effective Tulane essays will discuss why you chose to get involved in your activity or work experience , how you have dedicated yourself to it, and how this activity has impacted your community, growth, and character. As you address these questions, focus primarily on impact. What did you do, why did you do it, and what was the result? Choose the experience where you have made the biggest difference when writing your Tulane supplemental essays.

This Tulane essay prompt is quite straightforward but like some of the other Tulane essays it is very broad. You have the freedom to tell your story to the admissions committee. The best Tulane supplemental essays will either focus on one experience—one conversation, one interaction, one day—or discuss your involvement in an activity over time. The more detail you can provide, the stronger your response to this Tulane essay prompt will be.

Tell your story

When answering this Tulane essay prompt (and all others), be vivid in your storytelling. Instead of just stating what happened in your Tulane supplemental essays, use specific examples and descriptions. Be vivid without being wordy—successful Tulane supplemental essays will be concise. You only have 250 words, so don’t be too long-winded when answering this Tulane essay prompt.

Most importantly, include the “So what?” in your Tulane supplemental essays. While you should outline what you did, you should spend most of your Tulane essay describing why your actions mattered. What skills can you highlight? How did your mindset shift? What values does this activity reveal about who you are? Ultimately, why did you choose to tell this story instead of another?

• Is your response to this Tulane essay prompt original and personal?
• Did you select a topic that is interesting and important to you?
• Does your Tulane essay focus on your growth, skills, and values?
• Do you avoid repeating content that has already been discussed in your Tulane application?

How do I write the Tulane supplemental essays?

The admissions team evaluates your Tulane supplemental essays for both content and writing ability. So, what you choose to write about for your Tulane essays matters as much as your writing skill. Proofread your Tulane essays for all grammatical and syntactical errors. Finally, remember to review your essay for the message it sends to the admissions committee.

With three Tulane supplemental essays, you have plenty of freedom to explore different parts of your identity. Consider your application as a whole package. Each of your Tulane supplemental essays should provide a new and deeper window into who you are.

It may feel overwhelming to complete three Tulane supplemental essays. However, if you give yourself adequate time to plan, draft, and revise your Tulane essays, you can eliminate much of the stress in the application process. 

Additional tips for “Why School” essays

The why school essay is one of the most common types of essays that you will see during the college application process. The why school essay basically asks students to elaborate on why they want to attend that specific university. In a why school essay, students should be specific. 

In a why school essay, you can talk about the Tulane-specific programs that have caught your interest. Or you could discuss what clubs you would get involved in on campus. Alternatively, you may want to incorporate specific values and missions of the university. How do you personally resonate with that mission? What will you gain from attending that school? And what would you bring to its campus? 

Top 4 tips for writing a great “Why School” essay: 

#1 – brainstorm.

For each school that requires a why school essay, start by looking at the specific offerings. Write down what you like and would participate in. 

#2 – Demonstrate your passion

Use your brainstorming list to decide what you want to write about. You should talk about the programs or extracurriculars unique to your school that most excite you. What makes you want to apply?

#3 – The more detail the better

Remember that being general or vague in a why school essay is the kiss of death. It won’t impress Tulane admissions, or any other admissions committee. Elaborate on what interests you (unique to that school) and why. You can also mention specific professors, counselors, etc. 

#4 – Demonstrate “fit”

You want to use your why school essay to say what makes you want to attend, but you also need to show that you would be a great fit for the university. Why should you be selected out of the large pool of applicants trying to impress Tulane admissions? What will you bring to campus? And how will you carry your Tulane education into the future?

How important are Tulane’s supplemental essays?

The Tulane acceptance rate is just 10%. The slim Tulane acceptance rate comes from the school’s widespread acclaim. Given the low Tulane acceptance rate, the high Tulane University ranking, and the school’s holistic admissions approach, your Tulane essays can make a major difference. Your essays can strongly influence your admissions results and your chances at beating low acceptance rates .

You should approach each of the three Tulane supplemental essays with thought and care. In your response to each Tulane essay prompt, you have an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your Tulane application. Consider each Tulane essay as another one of the Tulane application requirements. 

There are several key elements of your application that you must submit in addition to your Tulane supplemental essays in order to meet the Tulane application requirements. Read the complete checklist to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll notice that Tulane admissions has gone test optional another year. This makes your essays even more important. While many students will have impressive test scores, GPAs, etc., you should use your Tulane essays to help you stand out from the pack.

Check out these college essay examples to see what makes a successful college essay. 

Five tips to make your Tulane essays stand out

Writing each Tulane essay may seem overwhelming. You may even be tempted to not add them to your Tulane supplemental materials as they technically aren’t part of the Tulane application requirements. However, that would be a huge mistake when it comes to your admissions odds. Competitive Tulane applicants need to consider each Tulane essay as “required.”

Five more tips for your Tulane supplemental essays: 

#1 – start early.

Give yourself ample time to complete each Tulane essay. In your writing process, leave plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, outline, and edit your Tulane supplemental essays. The Regular Decision deadline for Tulane is on January 15th.

#2 – Be authentic

Make it your goal to write unique and compelling Tulane essays that tell your authentic story. Your Tulane essay shouldn’t be able to pass as anyone else’s. Before submitting, reread your application and proofread your Tulane supplemental essays to make sure it truly shows who you are.

#3 – Show passion

Each Tulane essay should show your passion for the school. Don’t fake it. After brainstorming topics, choose to write on what got you genuinely excited about attending. Be sure to be specific and not vague in each Tulane essay. 

#4 – Ignore stats

When writing each Tulane essay, don’t get hung up on factors like the Tulane University acceptance rate or the Tulane University ranking. At the end of the day, focus on why Tulane is the school for you, and use your application to show the admissions team why.

# 5 – Invest time in the Why Tulane essay

The why school essay is extremely important to Tulane admissions when evaluating applicants. Make sure your application shows that you’re genuinely interested in attending Tulane. Even if the Tulane University ranking initially helped you learn about the school, you should focus on Tulane’s specific offerings in your Tulane supplemental essays

Tulane Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

In your Tulane supplemental essays, show the admissions committee who you are as a person, student, and community member. Research Tulane so you can write the most tailored and specific Tulane supplemental essays. Choose topics for each Tulane essay that genuinely get you excited about attending. 

Remember that the Tulane application requirements include the Common App essay prompts. Leave yourself plenty of time to write thoughtful responses to not only each Tulane essay, but to each Common App essay as well. Every Common App essay and Tulane essay is another opportunity to impress Tulane admissions. 

You can also visit resources like the Tulane University admissions blog . There, you’ll find Q&As from the Ask the Dean event and other helpful information for applicants. There is not one successful type of Tulane student, so be yourself in your Tulane supplemental essays. Good luck!

Still not sure how to approach the Tulane essay? For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click he r e . Want help crafting your Tulane University supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation online .

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

WAITLISTED? Act now. Get expert guidance to write a standout Letter of Continued Interest!

Command Education Guide

How to write the tulane university essays, updated for 2023-2024, essay prompt .

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count.

Explanation:

This prompt offers you the opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you are interested in Tulane distinctly—what about Tulane is uniquely appealing to you as a prospective student? While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

In order to respond to this prompt, you will first need to conduct in-depth research on the university’s website, looking particularly at programs, initiatives, and opportunities that are highlighted as distinct Tulane offerings. Tulane’s admission page states: “Admission to Tulane is extremely competitive, and our admission counselors look for high levels of academic and extracurricular achievement; however, we’re building more than a class, we’re building a community. We review each applicant with an eye toward shaping Tulane and making it stronger and more vibrant each year, so it’s important that we look at each applicant as a whole.” Because of this emphasis on community and holistic consideration of prospective students, use the word count to cover multiple different aspects of Tulane’s academic and nonacademic offerings as well as how these offerings are compatible with your own multifaceted experiences and interests.

For instance, you might discuss the university’s research opportunities, the average class size of 20 students, or the public service project required as a part of Tulane’s undergraduate program. As you mention Tulane’s distinctive offerings that appeal to you, be clear about how these opportunities would uniquely advance you in the pursuit of your personal, professional, and academic goals.

Keep in mind that as you describe your particular interest in Tulane, you should also be thinking about how your answer conveys more about you—your interests, passions, and goals—and how you would be a strong fit for the university’s community as well. This will allow you to explicitly answer the second part of the prompt, which specifically asks about how you can contribute to the Tulane community. Your answer should not only be specific with regards to the university’s offerings, but it should also be specific about your intentions for your academic and professional future.

“Wait a minute, Ms. Carver. Are you telling me that none of the school’s recycling actually gets recycled?”

I was dumbfounded to learn from my high school environmental science teacher that our school had an environmentally unfriendly waste management program. We had separate bins for recycling plastic, but students used them wrong, and at the end of the day, it all went into the same landfill pile. Instead of frustration, I felt fascination. I knew from my AP Environmental class that recycling is a complex issue. I decided to try a solution: I printed bold, easy-to-read flyers explaining what goes in which bin and posted them in front of the school trash. With faculty support, I recruited a team of the students to come to school an hour early to get our hands dirty–literally–and we sorted the recycling. Through this experience, I felt the extreme pride and satisfaction that comes from combining my intellectual interest in Environmental Science with action-oriented initiatives for change.

At Tulane, I know I’ll be able to continue learning in an environment that prioritizes giving back. With incredible opportunities like the TIDES courses (this fall’s Climate Change Solutions is perfectly suited for my interests), I will be able to put my learning into making a tangible difference in the New Orleans area starting in my first semester. I’m also excited to take impactful, hands-on courses like “Urban Gardening” and “New Orleans Case Study.”

I believe with Tulane’s service-minded curriculum, I will continue using my passions to make a positive impact on my community.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Tulane University

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Tulane University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Tulane University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Apply to vetted scholarship programs in one click

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations.

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Tulane University Supplemental Essay Prompt

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Learn about our editorial policies

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).

Tulane University is a private research university located in the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans, Louisiana. The overall acceptance rate is only 10% , so the optional Tulane supplemental essay is a vital part of the application process. Use this guide for tips and tricks for your Tulane supplemental essay!

Writing the Tulane supplemental essay is a sure way to  demonstrate your interest and desire to attend. Tulane is an institution that considers demonstrated interes t in their admission review process, so it is in your best interest to answer the optional question. In fact, they state that “while submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.” Let’s start writing! 

The Tulane prompt 

“ Optional : Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.” (250 words max)

While this prompt appears general in nature, this is your chance to get specific and tell a story that is genuine to you. Think about what makes you unique, and don’t be modest! This is the time to make the most of your talents and the set of beliefs that you value. For example, do you love animals and volunteer at a shelter? Maybe you would like to be part of organizing a “Puppy Comfort” day during exams. Were you raised in a particular faith and plan to continue on your spiritual journey while at Tulane? Share 

There are plenty of options available to you, especially since the prompt is so broad. However, don’t think that your essay has to exactly 250 words in order to be a success. Everyone’s story is different, so when you feel you’ve reached an appropriate conclusion, be confident and end it there. The application states that the statement should be “250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count.” So, 

Questions to consider

• What do I do in my spare time that brings out my best self?
• How do I hope to contribute to the campus community by making use of my specific talents?
• Are there any clubs or groups I plan to join?
• How has my family and community positively shaped who I am?

Final thoughts for students

When you start your essay, keep an open mind about different ways of writing. The usual formal writing you might’ve used in high school essays shouldn’t be used to answer these prompts. Instead, take on a conversational tone or become the narrator to your own story. The possibilities are endless and luckily, the essay is about you (who knows you better than you?). 

See also: How to write an essay about yourself

Additional resources

After you’ve completed your Tulane supplemental essay, no doubt there are more steps in the college application process to complete. Luckily, Scholarships360 has the answers to your college questions. Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself! 

Wondering when you should take the SAT or ACT? Read our guide for tips and recommendations for choosing the best time for you. If you are trying to decide between the ACT or SAT , or whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, we have you covered. 

Tulane University accepts the  Common Application as well as their own Tulane specific application. Remember to fill out the FAFSA, and if you need some help, our “ How to Complete the FAFSA ” guide is free!

Keep reading..

• How to fill out the Common App activities section
• Having trouble figuring out your major?
• What are some scholarships you can apply to?

Start your scholarship search

• Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
• Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members

Scholarships360 Recommended

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2023-2024: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What Are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Tulane University Supplemental Essay Prompt. “Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this ...

Paragraph 2: Location. It’s not inherently bad to talk about a school’s location, as long as that isn’t the essay ’s primary focus. In this paragraph, the student can include the reflections already included in the essay about how New Orleans influences Tulane ’s culture and values. Paragraph 3: Diversity Resources.

Essays . Mistake #1: Writing about the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking. Mistake #2: Simply using emotional language to demonstrate fit. Mistake #3: Screwing up the mascot, stadium, team colors or names of any important people or places on campus. Mistake #4: Parroting the brochures or website language.

Step 1: Replicate your extracurriculars list from the Common App on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet. Step 2: Create a column to the right and write down any accomplishments, interactions, conversations, phrases, or words that are particularly memorable for each activity. Step 3: Further to the right, write down in a separate column the ...

He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020). We look at the 3 Tulane supplemental essays for 2023-24. A review of the prompts and writing tips for prospective applicants are provided.

Writing the Essays . When you approach these prompts, remember to be specific. Concrete examples are always more impactful than vague statements. Make sure to do your research on Tulane and refer to specific courses, professors, clubs, or community initiatives that excite you.

Tulane Essay Prompt: Required/Optional: Word Count: Please briefly describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. Optional: 50-500: Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world.

Essay Prompt. Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length.

Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so. Option 1.

Updated: October 10th, 2023. Tulane University is a private research university located in the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans, Louisiana. The overall acceptance rate is only 10%, so the optional Tulane supplemental essay is a vital part of the application process. Use this guide for tips and tricks for your Tulane supplemental essay !