Tulane Secondary Available

[drmota]

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tulane was one of my top choices before the storm. after the storm i was a bit reluctant to send in my application again, mostly because I had a completely skewed idea of what the city was like. i gave my M1 friend at Tulane a call and he strongly encouraged me to apply. My parents (who's graduation present was to pay for my application process) refused to pay for the secondary. so i coughed up the money myself. ironically, it ended up being the first school i got into. at this point in time, tulane is not an opportunity i see myself giving up. the institution is still what it always has been. i haven't felt at home at any interviews since, and the city will be brought back to life in due time. patients will need treatment and we will treat them. simple as that. the manner in which that will happen is beyond my imagination. everything has kinda come into place for me to make me think tulane is where i'm SUPPOSED to be. hard to explain that...but its the way things in my life usually happen. signs lead me in the right direction. tulane's first class post-katrina. that's gonna be a story to tell for the rest of our lives. can't wait.
-mota

 

[fiji128]

Has anyone who has been accepted to Tulane received any info from them in regards to financial aid? Does anyone have a working phone number for the financial office? Thanks.

 

[KAI1927]

Has anyone who has been accepted to Tulane received any info from them in regards to financial aid? Does anyone have a working phone number for the financial office? Thanks.

The financial aid literature is supposed to be mailed mid march, other than filling out the fafsa there really isn't much else you can do right now. I would call Karen Joia at student affairs/admissions for more info about how to contact the fin aid office her # is 504-988-6660, she is very helpful. I hope this helps

 

[fiji128]

The financial aid literature is supposed to be mailed mid march, other than filling out the fafsa there really isn't much else you can do right now. I would call Karen Joia at student affairs/admissions for more info about how to contact the fin aid office her # is 504-988-6660, she is very helpful. I hope this helps

Thanks, wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

 

[drmota]

anyone receive MPH info in the mail? a friend who interviewed the same day as me got something in the mail last week. so i called today but susanna said nothing was sent out, and gave me the # of someone to talk to.
-mota

 

[theunderdog]

anyone receive MPH info in the mail? a friend who interviewed the same day as me got something in the mail last week. so i called today but susanna said nothing was sent out, and gave me the # of someone to talk to.
-mota

MPH information and other dual degree programs were mailed out in february. i got mine in mid feb-- about a week later than everybody else.

fin aid information will be out during the spring break time, around mid-march. scholarship information is included.

EDIT: housing information for those who already made tulane their final decision will be arriving soon as well.... since deming applications are due on april 2nd.

 

[drmota]

MPH information and other dual degree programs were mailed out in february. i got mine in mid feb-- about a week later than everybody else.

who sent it out? susana said that to her knowledge nothing had been sent out.
-mota

edit: and since i didn't get anything but "everybody else" did can someone post the basics of what it said? would we need to start this summer for the mph? or can you complete the courses at your own pace? thanks in advance.

 

[drmota]

EDIT: housing information for those who already made tulane their final decision will be arriving soon as well.... since deming applications are due on april 2nd.

they're not due ON april 2nd. that is the first day that you can submit them.
-mota

 

[Doc.Holliday]

thanks for the overwhelming responses guys.

any of you know how much you think i would be paying for a furnished studio apt per month.. granted it's off campus but close to tulane? like around $500/monthly rent?

its possible, with a bit of luck, to find something like that uptown, not furnished though. just keep your eyes peeled, though not being here would make that far more difficult.

as for the 1205 St Charles apartments, they are so close the streetcar would be overkill.

You should really limit your search to the city, plus uptown... jefferson parish would suck imo, too much traffic, just another hastle to deal with. The west bank is a fine option if you absolutely have to look elsewhere. convenience will be a very important factor when its my turn, but i'll probably settle for deming, cant beat the location, and your surrounded by classmates...

 

[Nodelphi]

I'm a Tulane employee who was on the team that coordinated the re-entry. If anyone has any questions about the school or the surrounding area please feel free to ask.

 

[Doc.Holliday]

I'm a Tulane employee who was on the team that coordinated the re-entry. If anyone has any questions about the school or the surrounding area please feel free to ask.

i apologize for asking such a general question, but... How do you feel about the medical schools future? as far as education, specifically 3rd and 4th years. people on this thread seem to think there's a sort of silver lining to Katrina's clouds, do you agree, what is it? you could simply write a positive negative list of how the school/education will change, both short and long term. thanks

 

[anon-y-mouse]

who sent it out? susana said that to her knowledge nothing had been sent out.
-mota

edit: and since i didn't get anything but "everybody else" did can someone post the basics of what it said? would we need to start this summer for the mph? or can you complete the courses at your own pace? thanks in advance.

It was just a brochure type thing inviting candidates to apply. No real specific details. You're seriously missing nothing. It was from the school of public health, so that's why susana probably doesn't know. it didn't really say anything about timelines.

I also got an email today from Karen that finaid information would go out in a couple of weeks, that the packets are delayed this year. The addendum from last year is still online, so just use that to see what they require for this year.

Under FAFSA, we can all apply as 'independent'. However, if we want to be considered for need-based scholarships, we have to include parental information in the addendum... which sucks for me because there's no way I would ever be eligible if they looked at pure parental income/assets (my parents paid $160k for undergrad, they tell me it's time I pay for school...). I don't think it's fair that they look at parental assets for professional school. I'm probably not eligible for any loans or need grants, but the financial aid director advised me to apply anyway and see what happens. Every little bit helps. And hey, I'm sure doing boob jobs will pay off some day jokes.

 

[drmota]

thanks anon. i just got off the phone with the public health lady. they sent it to the wrong addy.

anyone else notice that tulane has very few academic scholarships compared to other schools? or am i missing something.
-mota

 

[KAI1927]

thanks anon. i just got off the phone with the public health lady. they sent it to the wrong addy.

anyone else notice that tulane has very few academic scholarships compared to other schools? or am i missing something.
-mota

When I spoke with the financial aid guy he said there wasn't a whole lot, and I believe the scholarships that are availible are predominately need based.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

anyone else notice that tulane has very few academic scholarships compared to other schools? or am i missing something.
-mota

they have tons if you're of the right ethnicity or minority group. unfortunately. however, they do have a lot of academic scholarships for *continuing* students. (just not as much for entering first-years)

 

[drmota]

we're the first class that needs 36 units to get the MPH, all previous classes only needed 30. WHAAAAACK.
-mota

 

[anon-y-mouse]

we're the first class that needs 36 units to get the MPH, all previous classes only needed 30. WHAAAAACK.
-mota

strike 3 for the mph. 🙁 (for me).
i don't think i'd really use it in my future career... it'd just be another degree. but it seems great for anyone who wants to do public health at some point.

 

[Nodelphi]

i apologize for asking such a general question, but... How do you feel about the medical schools future? as far as education, specifically 3rd and 4th years. people on this thread seem to think there's a sort of silver lining to Katrina's clouds, do you agree, what is it? you could simply write a positive negative list of how the school/education will change, both short and long term. thanks

That is a hard question to answer because a lot of it hinges on what people do in the next couple of years and what mother nature does. The area is currently very, very underserved in the medical department. As a 3rd and 4th year looking for lots of "hands-on" experience this is a boon.

Unfortunately Tulane lost a lot of good faculty members and staff. This will have an effect on the educational programs. Many professors will be teaching subjects they don't normally teach. This isn't necissarily a bad thing, just be prepared to encounter a few "hiccups" as everyone adjusts to the new environment.

The faculty and staff that remain are redoubling their efforts to provide the students with the best possible experience and I think overall the positives will outweigh the negatives.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

I'm a Tulane employee who was on the team that coordinated the re-entry. If anyone has any questions about the school or the surrounding area please feel free to ask.

Do med students need cars? Or would riding a tricycle in downtown NO be ok?

As far as the MPH goes. Don't do it thinking that it's gonna be an easy way to pick up another graduate degree. Tulane's has a well-known public health school (programs in international health are among the best around). As a med student you dont take the watered-down intro courses for health professionals as in many other programs, you take them with grad students who are going into public health as a career. I've heard from faculty that it's a lot of work to get done in 4 years, since you pretty much load up on coursework during much of your elective time, summers, and evenings. That said, it's probably the one of the best integrated MD/MPH programs in the country and a great opportunity if you have a genuine interest in public health.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Also, there's a wide representation of schools of people receiving that financial aid email. Several top privates/ivy leagues. Thought Katrina might have scared people away. Guess not.

But, the total list of people does look thin. I'm on it. Are you?

 

[Nodelphi]

Do med students need cars? Or would riding a tricycle in downtown NO be ok?

I'd opt for a car personally. You can get by with an alternate mode of transportation (I knew a student who rollerbladed to school) but keep this in mind: rain. It rains plenty in late spring and all throughout the fall. You might enjoy your trike for a while during July-Aug. but once September rolls around you'll want to trade it in for a poncho and a pair of floaties. 😀

 

[drmota]

Also, there's a wide representation of schools of people receiving that financial aid email. Several top privates/ivy leagues. Thought Katrina might have scared people away. Guess not.

But, the total list of people does look thin. I'm on it. Are you?

they must've sent it out in batches. because according to my e-mail it looks like there's only gonna be 20 people in our class. and most of the addresses are @yahoo or @hotmail, one columbia, a bunch of LSUs, a notre dame, an emory etc. so...ya

-mota

 

[anon-y-mouse]

they must've sent it out in batches. because according to my e-mail it looks like there's only gonna be 20 people in our class. and most of the addresses are @yahoo or @hotmail, one columbia, a bunch of LSUs, a notre dame, an emory etc. so...ya

-mota

mine was filled with ivies / top privates, then a bunch of gmail addresses. no yahoos. probably a batch thing.

 

[tulane06]

Same here, it's probably based on the first letter of your last name or something.

 

[rebectar]

Here is some info I got from the school of public health when I emailed with a few questions:

PROBABLE COURSE SCHEDULING
In general, MD/MPH students can complete 2 public health classes per semester/summer session in addition to their School of Medicine (SOM) curriculum. Your MPH schedule would likely look something like this:
Summer '06
June session (June 6-30): 2 public health classes/6 hours
July session (July 3 or 4-31): 2 public health classes/6 hours

Fall '06
No public health classes

Spring '07
2 public health classes/6 hours

Summer '07
June session: 2 public health classes/6 hours
July session: 2 public health classes/6 hours

Fall '07
2 public health classes/6 hours

Spring '08
2 public health classes/6 hours

This schedule totals 42 hours, whereas you need a minimum of 36 public health hours. This schedule, then will give you some leeway to take fewer classes one summer session, or one semester, for example in your second year when you are studying for your boards.


When you are ready to submit your online School of Public Health and Tropical
Medicine application, remember to choose "Pay by check" and "Pay later." You
do not, however, have to pay later: your application fee is waived because
you've already been admitted to SOM. Please do not accidentally pay by credit card: you will not be able to receive a refund if you do.

If the application system requires you to type in names of recommenders and you intend to use the letters of recommendation from your SOM file, type in "SOM file" to "trick" the system into letting you submit your application.

If you are submitting additional letters of recommendation, your recommenders
can choose either to submit their recommendations online or to mail them
directly to me--whichever is most convenient for them! It's perfectly
acceptable to ask your references for your SOM file to draft new letters for
your public health application, especially if those references can articulate
your interest and accomplishments in, or your suitability for, public health.
____
Sorry about the big post, hope it helps though.

 

[drmota]

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival today announced additions to this year's Jazzfest line-up.

Topping the list of new performers are Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, Warren Haynes, Dave Bartholomew and three time Grammy Award winner Darius Brooks.

-mota

 

[KAI1927]

That is a hard question to answer because a lot of it hinges on what people do in the next couple of years and what mother nature does. The area is currently very, very underserved in the medical department. As a 3rd and 4th year looking for lots of "hands-on" experience this is a boon.

Unfortunately Tulane lost a lot of good faculty members and staff. This will have an effect on the educational programs. Many professors will be teaching subjects they don't normally teach. This isn't necissarily a bad thing, just be prepared to encounter a few "hiccups" as everyone adjusts to the new environment.

The faculty and staff that remain are redoubling their efforts to provide the students with the best possible experience and I think overall the positives will outweigh the negatives.

So Nodelphi, in your opinion, the class of 2010 will be adequately prepared for Step 1? I think that this is the immediate primary concern with respect to the faculty downsizing. It seems that clinically they won't be a shortage of exposure, and I don't foresee the TU faculty letting the curriculum be comprimised. Is my faith in the admisitration justified?

 

[Samoa]

i apologize for asking such a general question, but... How do you feel about the medical schools future? as far as education, specifically 3rd and 4th years. people on this thread seem to think there's a sort of silver lining to Katrina's clouds, do you agree, what is it? you could simply write a positive negative list of how the school/education will change, both short and long term. thanks

Honestly, I think the worst is over. December 2005 was the low point, when we learned of the faculty layoffs. The repercussions from that will probably continue for some time, at the institutional level. But I don't think you'll notice it much in the pre-clinical years.

In fact, I think you'll be surprised how little it affects the education you get in years 1&2. I say this because many of my classmates (c/o 2007) studied entirely on their own and with each other, and hardly ever went to class. All you really need is a list of learning objectives and a test date to serve as a deadline for learning them. Class notes are helpful, but not necessary. There's a whole cottage industry out there producing study guides and learning material just for med students, and the fund of knowledge you need to acquire for Step 1 is a known quantity.

I do think years 3 & 4 will suffer to some extent. The clinical years are an apprenticeship, and good apprenticeships provide lots of quality time with talented and knowledgeable teachers. An underserved population is only a gold mine if you have someone like that looking over your shoulder and showing you what to look for and what to do about it. There are nuances of clinical medicine that you can't find in a textbook, and these are things that separate average from outstanding clinicians. And talented students thrive best when they have good teachers. Merely adequate clinical teaching produces average clinicians, regardless of how rich the opportunities are to learn. If you don't know what you're looking for, you won't be able to see it, even if it's right there in front of you.

So I would argue that we did indeed lose some quality in years 3 & 4 of our program. Now, I think it's recoverable, and certainly this entering class has a good chance of getting a top notch education, even better than we would have gotten had there been no hurricane. But there are gaps in the quality of it right now. The holes will have to be filled, and Tulane is committed to improving the quality of its education, and the medical training we receive. So I'm very optimistic about Tulane med's future, despite the difficulties we face today.

 

[Nodelphi]

So Nodelphi, in your opinion, the class of 2010 will be adequately prepared for Step 1? I think that this is the immediate primary concern with respect to the faculty downsizing. It seems that clinically they won't be a shortage of exposure, and I don't foresee the TU faculty letting the curriculum be comprimised. Is my faith in the admisitration justified?

Yes I'd say the remaining faculty will be able to adequately prepare you for step 1. The curriculum's the same, there will just be some new people teaching the classes (or some people teaching more than they usually do). Like I said I would expect to see a few complications as so many people take on new roles/wear multiple hats but with a bit of patience on everyone's part the university and the students can make it work. I don't know a single professor who isn't willing to go out of their way to help a student who's having trouble with a concept or two, as long as you show them you're willing to work for it.

 

[KAI1927]

Thanks to you both for your optimistic, yet realistic analyses.

 

[drmota]

so i take it y'all recommend not going to class and studying independently instead? are the lectures videotaped? thanks a lot for your input. it means a lot to us incoming students.
-mota

 

[Samoa]

No, I don't necessarily recommend that. What I do recommend is finding what works for you and sticking with it regardless of what everyone else is doing. Some people started skipping the very first week, and did fine. Others went to class religiously, and also did fine. The pre-clinical years are a race to see how fast, how well, and how much you can learn in a given period of time, and whether you can use the knowledge in a context slightly different from that in which you learned it. For first year material, I found that group study worked really well. But it depended on the composition of the group, and what we were studying. Trying to study physiology with a bunch of engineers just about made me cry--and I come from a family of engineers. But learning biochemistry with them was well worth the time spent. And the wanna-be neurosurgeons had our own neuroscience study group, and I think we all benefited from it.

Second year I studied mostlyat home, in the library and in coffee shops, and rarely went to class. One of my study buddies from 1st year had a key to one of the dean's conference rooms, and he made a little nest for himself there, and basically parked himself there for the entire school year and studied. The rest of us would join him off and on, and before tests we would get together and discuss the material. We'd go through practice questions, and share any bits of info we had heard about what to focus on. But mostly I studied on my own, by reading the text and writing down any information pertaining to the learning objectives.

My point is, we all did different things, and the classes are always so diverse that no one thing works for everyone all the time. So you just have to experiment and find what works for you. But it does help to have a study group. I can't tell you how many times a classmate has given me some little pearl of knowledge about something I just didn't get from studying on my own.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

So Nodelphi, in your opinion, the class of 2010 will be adequately prepared for Step 1? I think that this is the immediate primary concern with respect to the faculty downsizing. It seems that clinically they won't be a shortage of exposure, and I don't foresee the TU faculty letting the curriculum be comprimised. Is my faith in the admisitration justified?

I think at most schools, studying for the boards and completing your basic sciences courses are two separate endeavors, since very few schools actually teach to the boards. I've never heard anyone say that their curriculum helped them earn high Step 1 scores.

As far as faculty downsizing goes, the department chairs and core faculty members are all still there. Really that's what's most important because you will be depending on their reputation when they submit LOR's on your behalf. Having fewer faculty members actually puts you closer to the big dogs.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Samoa,

Where are the incoming 3rd/4th year students going to complete their clerkships? Ochsner? What steps have been put in place to ensure that their education isn't compromised?

 

[Samoa]

That's a good question, and I don't know the answer. I do know that Tulane and the VA will definitely be rotation sites, and West Jefferson and Ochsner and Lakeside and Lakeview hospitals. Possibly sites in Slidell as well. From what I understand, they're trying to reconfigure the entire medical infrastructure in New Orleans, to make it more community-based and seamless. It's a public health bonanza, and definitely a great time to be a public health student.

I've been in Houston since finishing my medicine rotation at Tulane in August, so I haven't had firsthand experience with post-Katrina Tulane rotations. But I will say categorically that next year's 3rd years will have a better clinical experience than we've had. Don't get me wrong, I think our administration has done the best job possible under the circumstances. But the bottom line is that your home school has far more invested in you and your future success than any other school where you might do a rotation. Both the schools here in Houston are stretched thin, trying to help us out, and Tulane itself is stretched thin, trying to be in two cities at once. In July when everyone is back in New Orleans, that will no longer be a problem.

 

[drmota]

so samoa, sorry to bombard you with questions but do you think Deming's a good place to live first year? any other recommendations?
-mota

 

[Samoa]

Definitely. The people from my class who lived at Deming became great friends, and in general were the people who ran most of the clubs and student groups 2nd year. Plus you can't beat rolling out of bed 5 minutes before class and still being on time. Some people actually came to class in their pajamas.

 

[TUgrl04]

Also, there's a wide representation of schools of people receiving that financial aid email. Several top privates/ivy leagues. Thought Katrina might have scared people away. Guess not.

But, the total list of people does look thin. I'm on it. Are you?

Hey guys, I didn't receive any email in regards to financial aid. Are they sending it out to everyone or in in groups of 20s or 50s at a time? Where can I go about getting that information in case I never do get the email. Thanks.

 

[theunderdog]

the only thing katrina scares away are the fishes in the ocean....

tulane wil be back up and running by the time we enter in august. everything will be back to normal and our education will be the same, if not better than before.

for that fin aid email... i think they sent it out to 20 peoples as a time... here is the email for those who didnt get it...
-----
Hi Class of 2010,

Here is information on Financial Aid. The web address is
www.finaidhsc.tulane.edu Also, It's time to fill out your
FAFSA
<http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm>http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
and our school code is 002029.

The Office of Admissions and Student Affairs up dates the Financial
Aid office with names and addresses of all accepted students, for
the purpose of mailing Financial Aid packets. The packets are a
little delayed this year. I heard they will be mailed in the next few weeks.

The Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will be closed March
15th., 16th. and 17th., the staff and myself will be attending Match
Day at Baylor in Houston. We hope to have a few pictures for you to
view on the web.

Take care and you will be hearing from me again in the near future.

Karen


---

 

[KAI1927]

Speaking of deming, is anyone looking for a roomate? I am trying decide if I want a studio, or a double. I don't know how people find other people to live with, but i imagine this forum is a good start.

 

[drmota]

Speaking of deming, is anyone looking for a roomate? I am trying decide if I want a studio, or a double. I don't know how people find other people to live with, but i imagine this forum is a good start.

i'm going with a single. my second choice will probably be a double. i figure the kids going to tulane with me will hopefully be chill enough to room with, no problem. we'll see.
-mota

 

[mstald1]

Since everyone is talking about housing I figured I'd let ya'll know that I am purchasing a duplex uptown and will be looking for somebody to rent to. It may be a little pricey for someone living off of loans, but with a room mate you never know. It's 2 bed/2 bath and 1400 sq. ft. with a garage and small yard. If you want more info pm me.

 

[tulane06]

I just got an email from the school stating that Clinton and Bush (older one) are going ot be the commencement speakers this year....sweeeet!

 

[Doc.Holliday]

I just got an email from the school stating that Clinton and Bush (older one) are going ot be the commencement speakers this year....sweeeet!

yea, i envy you, whoever will speak next year will obviously pale in comparison. Now i just have to find away to finagle my way in there to see it... hopefully i'll be able to find a senior with some extra spots, or else i'll have to be more creative.

 

[Doc.Holliday]

sorry if this is a teensy bit off topic, but this seems to have largely become the place to discuss all things tulane. so...

what do you guys think about me applying Early Decision? I was born and raised here in New Orleans, and never had any real desire to leave, thats why I'm here at Tulane for undergrad. that, and if ive ever felt a bond with the city it cant compare to what i feel now after the hurricane. So, Tulane is my top choice. For a while there I was worried about the med schools future, and i still am, but now im at the point where i want to be a part of whatever happens, and do my best to make the outcome a positive one. so early decision seems like a good fit for me...

my stats are on par. i have the exact average mcat score (w/ a 13 verbal however, which is good in that sense, but bad in that the science scores are a bit low- both 9s), and my gpa is a bit low 3.4ish, but i have 3 majors (History, cell bio, & envioronmental bio. maybe some leniency). and i'll be applying as a disadvantaged applicant. my extra curriculars are solid, ive got some pretty good unique stuff, and ive done a boatload of research (which given their recent push to up the research dollars might give me a plus?) and ive got a good bit of nonmedical volunteering done (tutor, homeless shelter, hurricane relief, boy scouts especially), and am shadowing a bunch of tulane med grads. good fit, yes? i hope so.

just wondering your opinions, or if you know anyone who did it that i can get in touch with. I see it as an easy way to prove to them i'm serious about their school. (i can tell them all i want, but everyone else will be doing the same, and i figure that at least in some sense i will be in direct competition with other tulane students, and therefore need to have some extra way of showing my desire to attend).and an extra special bonus is i'll save myself a ton of money in the process. Im a disadvantaged applicant, and i qualify for the fee assistance program with amcas, but regardless, id be taking out loans to get to interviews etc, something id really rather not do.

 

[drmota]

for sure go for it. if anything that 13 verbal will help you. father don told me during the interview that that is the most important section to them because "we can teach you the basic sciences, but we can't teach you how to think". and applying early obviously shows the ultimate amount of interest possible, and interest is the #1 thing they're looking for right now. best of luck.
-mota

 

[Samoa]

I say, go ahead and apply early decision. With your stats you might not get the early interviews elsewhere anyway, and your reasons for wanting to apply ED are exactly what early decision is all about. I can't speak for your chances, but if I were in your shoes, with your stats, and knowing my school as I do, I'd give it a shot.

 

[fiji128]

Before you make any plans, I would arrange a meeting with Dr. Beckman in the admissions office and discuss your application with her. At least this way if you apply early they will know who you are. Also, I know some schools have high required min GPA and MCAT to apply early but don't know about Tulane.

 

[Doc.Holliday]

Before you make any plans, I would arrange a meeting with Dr. Beckman in the admissions office and discuss your application with her. At least this way if you apply early they will know who you are. Also, I know some schools have high required min GPA and MCAT to apply early but don't know about Tulane.

that sounds like a fine idea, but i hadnt considered that something of the sort was an option. how/when would i go about doing this?

and as for minimum stats, im only .1 below the school average gpa, i cant imagine that if they had a cutoff (which i dont recall tulane having) i wouldnt qualify

 

[Samoa]

that sounds like a fine idea, but i hadnt considered that something of the sort was an option. how/when would i go about doing this?

and as for minimum stats, im only .1 below the school average gpa, i cant imagine that if they had a cutoff (which i dont recall tulane having) i wouldnt qualify

It would be very uncharacteristic of Tulane to have a cutoff of any sort. But if you can't find that information anywhere, that sounds like a great excuse to go talk to Dr. Beckman about your application.