Outstepping increases at universities across the nation in numbers of applications, Tulane received double the applications submitted last year before it stopped accepting them. As reported by the Times Picayne:

In comparison with this time last year, applications are up by 24 percent at Loyola, 28 percent at Xavier University, 43 percent at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 85 percent at the University of New Orleans and nearly 100 percent at Tulane University.

The story goes on to explain that much of the surge is the result of  high school students coming to volunteer with the rebuilding of New Orleans  after Katrina and falling in love with the people, place and culture. A good example of the unexpected benefits of getting out of our comfort zone and helping others.