Tulane

[OneDay81]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Got my bill today and its due on May 31st yet I still haven't heard from Financial Aid. Is anyone else in the same situation, or am I just extra special? 😛

 

[shizzlenizzle]

Got my bill today and its due on May 31st yet I still haven't heard from Financial Aid. Is anyone else in the same situation, or am I just extra special? 😛

My financial aid package was completed yesterday. Haven't received a bill yet, but I won't be enrolling until Fall 2012, so that might be why.

 

[HSUReddie]

Got my bill today and its due on May 31st yet I still haven't heard from Financial Aid. Is anyone else in the same situation, or am I just extra special? 😛

Same here. I plan on calling them this week if they don't get things together.

 

[undergrad1234]

How exactly does the course waivers work again? I read the responses you guys posted awhile back, but do we have to make up the hours for these courses that we do get waivered? Also, do the grades of these courses factor into our GPA in anyway or is it just the hours transferred?

 

[shizzlenizzle]

How exactly does the course waivers work again? I read the responses you guys posted awhile back, but do we have to make up the hours for these courses that we do get waivered? Also, do the grades of these courses factor into our GPA in anyway or is it just the hours transferred?

Have you tried calling Tulane's registrar or admissions? This might be of help. Unfortunately, I haven't looked into this yet.

 

[OneDay81]

You might want to ask your advisor since it probably depends on the course. However, I'm sure you still need to get your 45 credits so unless you are transferring in credits you'll most likely need to take something in its place.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

 

[SB1234]

How exactly does the course waivers work again? I read the responses you guys posted awhile back, but do we have to make up the hours for these courses that we do get waivered? Also, do the grades of these courses factor into our GPA in anyway or is it just the hours transferred?

Generally, you will be waived from the course but it won't "credit" towards your total amount. So, if placed out of a three-credit epidemiological intro class, you won't have to take it but will have to make up the credits with something else.

The majority of institutions in the U.S. won't transfer grades earned elsewhere when accepting coursework credits.

 

[OneDay81]

I think if I hadn't already declined my other offers, I would seriously consider changing schools. For the past month and a half Tulane has been nothing but a headache and I already have a horrible taste in my mouth from trying to deal with this school. I really hope things improve or getting through this program is going to be a real test of my patience.

At this point, I would have a really hard time recommending this school to anyone. Hopefully the classes will make up for it. We'll see.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

I think if I hadn't already declined my other offers, I would seriously consider changing schools. For the past month and a half Tulane has been nothing but a headache and I already have a horrible taste in my mouth from trying to deal with this school. I really hope things improve or getting through this program is going to be a real test of my patience.

At this point, I would have a really hard time recommending this school to anyone. Hopefully the classes will make up for it. We'll see.

Well, hang in there. I do believe that Tulane with its current situation (e.g., national reputation, Katrina, etc.) and financial barriers have manifested in a certain stingy and apathetic mentality. The endowment has been running tight and the return from alumni hasn't been extraordinary to say the least.

My experiences haven't been as bad as yours, but I get the feeling that getting the most out of the school will require an extra amount of proactiveness/aggressiveness and patience.

 

[SB1234]

Well, hang in there. I do believe that Tulane with its current situation (e.g., national reputation, Katrina, etc.)

Can you expand on the "national reputation" part?

 

[shizzlenizzle]

Can you expand on the "national reputation" part?

Although Tulane's School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine is one of its highest ranking graduate programs (US News Public Health Schools #13), Tulane isn't nationally known for being an upper-tier educational institution or solidly recognized in public health. For example, my subscription to the Association of Schools of Public Health has yielded almost no publicity regarding Tulane's recognized faculty/students, received grants, or published research. Even lower-ranked/smaller schools like University of South Florida or LSU have received substantial NIH grants or publicity on new research/distinguished faculty, which bothers me a bit and is why I feel that entering this school is an uphill battle to solidify quality future employment.

I recognize that I'm being harsh here and that ranking systems are flawed/unreliable, but as I grow more aware of the "reality" of securing a job in public health and what employers' biases are, Tulane seems to be backpedaling in substantiating its prominence and relevance in public health to aid students during and after their education. Here in the Northeast, Tulane--if someone is actually familiar with the university--is viewed as a party school nestled in a tumultuous rift amongst corrupt government, rampant crime/poverty, and debauchery. Often, I have to dispel this myth to my colleagues, which concerns me, especially if employers share a similar mentality.

I do really like the school and am looking forward to matriculating in the Fall, but with job prospects being a common subject in this economy, I just hope that Tulane is doing its best to overcome these unfortunate obstacles and will do its best for the future of their public health students. After reading various forums and some other students' comments, I am worried.

 

[SB1234]

Although Tulane's School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine is one of its highest ranking graduate programs (US News Public Health Schools #13), Tulane isn't nationally known for being an upper-tier educational institution or solidly recognized in public health. For example, my subscription to the Association of Schools of Public Health has yielded almost no publicity regarding Tulane's recognized faculty/students, received grants, or published research. Even lower-ranked/smaller schools like University of South Florida or LSU have received substantial NIH grants or publicity on new research/distinguished faculty, which bothers me a bit and is why I feel that entering this school is an uphill battle to solidify quality future employment.

I recognize that I'm being harsh here and that ranking systems are flawed/unreliable, but as I grow more aware of the "reality" of securing a job in public health and what employers' biases are, Tulane seems to be backpedaling in substantiating its prominence and relevance in public health to aid students during and after their education. Here in the Northeast, Tulane--if someone is actually familiar with the university--is viewed as a party school nestled in a tumultuous rift amongst corrupt government, rampant crime/poverty, and debauchery. Often, I have to dispel this myth to my colleagues, which concerns me, especially if employers share a similar mentality.

I do really like the school and am looking forward to matriculating in the Fall, but with job prospects being a common subject in this economy, I just hope that Tulane is doing its best to overcome these unfortunate obstacles and will do its best for the future of their public health students. After reading various forums and some other students' comments, I am worried.

Thank you for answering honestly. I am actually quite familiar with Tulane, but asked you to expand because I wanted to hear from someone who is still on the "outside coming in" (if that makes sense). It's interesting to see how many of your concerns are similar to those many of us had years ago (I'm also from the NE), issues which I know the school has attempted to remediate but obviously we still has a ways to go in that regard.

 

[HSUReddie]

Well. I'll agree that financial aid is about to get on my last nerve. But I feel a little differently about Tulane's reputation. I'm sure it has a reputation of being a party school... but it is New Orleans. I don't know if you could expect college age kids to do much of anything else. I went to a small school in a small town, and I honestly think the boredom caused by that can lead to just as much trouble as a university in NOLA.

As far as Tulane's research reputation... maybe it's because I am from Arkansas, and I did attend a small school for undergrad, but I'm hardly worried about Tulane not having a big enough research reputation for me. I just graduated from a very small public college with a reputation of having a lot of first gen students, which I am. One of my biggest role models is the chair of pediatrics at UAMS, who graduated from my alma mater. He never went to a big name school and is probably one of the most successful people I know. Tons of publications, president of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, etc. I know funding and respected faculty are important. I'm not saying it's not. But I think our experience and our passion for what we will have done at the end of all of this far outweighs the school on our resume. What do I know though.... I'm an optimist. 🙂

 

[GregPikitis]

How are people dealing with the housing situation? I can't come until the day of our orientation and it's freaking me out. I'll be in NO in July (early July), but it seems like most postings I see are only up to 2 weeks out. I've moved to a new city before and that really showed me how important it was to see the area, place, and people I was going to be around before making a decision. Any suggestions?

 

[shizzlenizzle]

How are people dealing with the housing situation? I can't come until the day of our orientation and it's freaking me out. I'll be in NO in July (early July), but it seems like most postings I see are only up to 2 weeks out. I've moved to a new city before and that really showed me how important it was to see the area, place, and people I was going to be around before making a decision. Any suggestions?

Since I'm coming from out-of-state and flying in, I'm planning to move in a few days before Orientation and will be staying at Deming Pavilion for a couple of months until the 4-day weekend in October. I'm hoping to have an apartment lined up and move out to someplace with better extracurricular opportunities.

Depending how much money you're willing to put aside for housing, you could try looking into Papillon Apartments (Tulane's nicer graduate housing), but you will need to look into transportation. You could try the shuttle, but I'm not too sure how reliable it is. I wish New Orleans was a little more bike friendly...

Other suggestions would be St. Charles St., the Uptown campus area, and maybe the French Quarter--if you have some more money to burn.

I visited the city briefly and took a look around. If you need any other help, feel free to post here, so we can all help each other out! 🙂

 

[SB1234]

Staying in Deming initially, particularly due to the flexible lease, and transitioning into non-student housing later on in the year is a smart choice for those coming from out-of-town. It's what I did when I first came here, and it allowed me ample time to research/inspect suitable off-campus housing before signing a lease in the uptown area. For those without vehicles, it would be a smart choice to find housing either on or immediately around the downtown campus as it will be easier to get to class. A lot of folks bike, but, with the unexpected rain showers here, this can be a bit risky on a daily basis.

The Green Line shuttle is the most frequent and timely; however, the Papillon Apartments is only serviced by the Papillon Shuttle, which is slightly slower (unless something has changed). There is shuttle service on the weekend for grocery and entertainment venues.

Feel free to ask/PM any questions to me about Tulane SPHTM.

 

[astdngirl]

Hi!
I had a very late application/late admission, so I am a little behind on my preparation for moving to NOLA/Tulane in August. I am starting an MPH in the Epidemiology department this fall.
The housing situation makes me a little bit nervous as well because I've only been to NOLA once, approximately 8 years ago and there is no way I am going to be able to head down there before moving in August. I have thought about Deming, but I heard from a past student that it is not the greatest place. Also, as the studios only have "kitchenettes," what do people eat?? I am waiting for more information from the Financial Aid office before doing anything official with housing for right now.... Papillion seems like a nice option, but I hear it's expensive. It's difficult for me to judge apartment prices these days because I'm coming from NYC so everything seems inexpensive to me! So, I guess if anyone has any other suggestions or knows of anyone looking for a roommate, let me know!
So excited about August! It's going to be difficult to sit through my non-public health job for the next month!

 

[SB1234]

I have thought about Deming, but I heard from a past student that it is not the greatest place. Also, as the studios only have "kitchenettes," what do people eat??

All apartments in Deming, including studios, have a kitchen with full-size refrigerator, microwave, kitchen sink and 4-burner stove/oven. Not sure what else you would need.

The only thing that is missing is a dishwasher, which is largely unnecessary for a single individual with limited amounts of cutlery.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

All apartments in Deming, including studios, have a kitchen with full-size refrigerator, microwave, kitchen sink and 4-burner stove/oven. Not sure what else you would need.

The only thing that is missing is a dishwasher, which is largely unnecessary for a single individual with limited amounts of cutlery.

Thanks for the informative replies, SB1234. I would also add that I have heard and am experiencing the indifference and money-centric mentality of most of their staff, so I think this adds to the disappointment with Deming. They are negligent to most inquiries about provisions and the housing contract unless one plans to extend their stay. Something is rotten in the "state" of Deming...

Anyway, I had a question about food shopping. Are there any wholesalers besides Sam's Club in the area? I will have a car, so traveling isn't a big deal, but I am sure going to miss Costco and BJ's if there aren't any decent substitutes. Is it true that New Orleans is a bit of a food desert--lacking in food diversity and fair pricing due to a shortage of grocery stores?

 

[OneDay81]

There's a Rouse's not too far from the school, so its definitely not a food desert. Most downtowns don't have a lot of grocery stores.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

There's a Rouse's not too far from the school, so its definitely not a food desert. Most downtowns don't have a lot of grocery stores.

Thanks for suggesting Rouse's, but I will restate that New Orleans does qualify as a "food desert." Here are two articles that delve deeper into this if you're interested:

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/asi_federal_credit_union_to_st.html

http://www.csnews.com/top-story-new_orleans_ranks_as_worst_food_desert-59574.html

 

[OneDay81]

As I said, like any city there are areas where grocery stores are few. Since you have a car, finding a grocery store isn't an issue. The town that I live in doesn't have a single grocery store.

And why would you even ask if its a food desert when you obviously already have read articles and done research on the issue?

There is a Sams on the westbank. That's the only one that I know of, but I try to spend as little time in that city as possible. I'm sure the Costco and BJs websites can enlighten you.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

As I said, like any city there are areas where grocery stores are few. Since you have a car, finding a grocery store isn't an issue. The town that I live in doesn't have a single grocery store.

And why would you even ask if its a food desert when you obviously already have read articles and done research on the issue?

There is a Sams on the westbank. That's the only one that I know of, but I try to spend as little time in that city as possible. I'm sure the Costco and BJs websites can enlighten you.

I respect that the concept of "food desert" is relative; although, the articles and the USDA do try to discern a quantitative vs. qualitative distinction--because food desert status is a valuable indicator of public health and socioeconomic disparities.

Even equipped with this information, I am still curious what current or past residents of New Orleans make of this and just want to get some first-hand knowledge about other options in the area. I have inquired with Costco and other websites, but since I am from out of the area, I am unaware of local retailers/brands. As like any human being, my knowledge of the area is imperfect and I hope to utilize other resources like SDN to guide me.

Overall, I'm not trying to be abrasive or brash with my comments, so let's try to maintain an amicable and productive environment for myself and others on the forums. I appreciate your input and help so far, but the sardonicism is unnecessary. Anyway, it's Friday--no need for a quarrel... 😱

 

[OneDay81]

I'm rather sure there wasn't any " sardonicism" in my reply. Perhaps I have a bad habit of stating the obvious when it seems necessary.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

I'm rather sure there wasn't any " sardonicism" in my reply. Perhaps I have a bad habit of stating the obvious when it seems necessary.

Snarkiness then. 🙂

 

[SB1234]

Anyway, I had a question about food shopping. Are there any wholesalers besides Sam's Club in the area? I will have a car, so traveling isn't a big deal, but I am sure going to miss Costco and BJ's if there aren't any decent substitutes. Is it true that New Orleans is a bit of a food desert--lacking in food diversity and fair pricing due to a shortage of grocery stores?

The only wholesale place right now is Sam's Club (outside of the city). The City recently approved a Costco which will be inside the city limits, but it hasn't been built yet. BJ's is primarily a northeastern thing from what I've seen.

Anyways, as mentioned, there's plenty of Rouse's (large grocery store comparable to A&P etc.), Whole Foods, Wal-Greens Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie, along with numerous smaller stores. As long as you live in the main parts of the city you shouldn't have an issue finding food. For those without vehicles -- Tulane offers a grocery shuttle.

There is a Sams on the westbank.

There's also one on Airline Hwy in Metairie. This could be closer depending upon your location in the city.

 

[shizzlenizzle]

The only wholesale place right now is Sam's Club (outside of the city). The City recently approved a Costco which will be inside the city limits, but it hasn't been built yet. BJ's is primarily a northeastern thing from what I've seen.

Anyways, as mentioned, there's plenty of Rouse's (large grocery store comparable to A&P etc.), Whole Foods, Wal-Greens Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie, along with numerous smaller stores. As long as you live in the main parts of the city you shouldn't have an issue finding food. For those without vehicles -- Tulane offers a grocery shuttle.



There's also one on Airline Hwy in Metairie. This could be closer depending upon your location in the city.

Awesome--the comparison of Rouse's to A&P really helps my perspective of what a Rouse's is like. Very much appreciated, SB1234. 😀

 

[atiyaH]

Does anyone know about Tulane's policy on International students? Do they like to accept them? I have a M.B.B.S. degree from Central Asia and completed my licensing exams in India. I want to apply to the Epidemiology program. Can anyone shed some light on what my chances would be?

 

[OneDay81]

All I can say is there seem to be a lot of international students in my classes, with various backgrounds.

 

[atiyaH]

that's pretty much all I needed to find out =D
I know some universities aren't too big on accepting international students and I didn't want to waste my time applying to one of those programs.

 

[OneDay81]

I think given the global focus and reputation of the school and programs they consider international students a big asset since they can bring global experiences and perspectives to the table and take their knowledge and training back to their home countries.