Most of my professors at OU have been very good and actually care about their students. No one will hold your hand through college, but they definitely encourage independent thinking and hard work. OU emphasizes a liberal arts education, so they require you to take classes outside of your major: 3 semesters of a foreign language, classes in art, history, English, ect. Although this requirement might seem like a pain, I have taken classes that I would have never taken otherwise and consequently have learned a lot!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love the OU campus, and Norman is pretty safe. The landscaping is beautiful and there are lakes and trails nearby to run at. The only complaint I have about Oklahoma is the wind. Although a breeze feels nice in the summer, it makes the winter ten times colder (on a positive note we get a few days off for inclement weather every winter). Norman is about 20 minutes away from Oklahoma City, about 1 1/2 hr from Tulsa, and about 3 hrs from Dallas, so you can easily drive to the city if you can't find anything to do. In addition, there are a lot of volunteer opportunities in Oklahoma that you can take advantage of (pre-med students especially can go volunteer in the many free clinics in okc). OU places a lot of emphasis on greek life and sports, which I am not a big fan of, but I live off of campus, so I feel like it is easier to get away from all that.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Out of state tuition is expensive! Although I get some of the cost waived through a scholarship, it still is not nearly as cheap as in state. Also DON'T BUY BOOKS FROM THE BOOKSTORE. Buying used online or renting online is definitely the way to go. Take as many community college classes or AP classes as you can. Also look for classes at OU that count for multiple requirements, so you don't have to take multiple classes.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The biggest secret to college is time management and hard work. In most classes you are not going to get an A by doing the minimum. Professors expect you to work for your grade. Free points for attendance and homework and bonus are rarely give in college, so take advantage of them when they are. Always attend class because you never know what you might miss that day. Even if it seems boring and a waste of time, you are still interacting with the material you need to be learning. Use pick a prof, but don't swear by it. I have taken teachers that got horrible reviews and ended up being some of my favorite professors. A lot of times the fault lies with the student for not studying enough, and they like to blame it on the teacher. On the flip side, some professors are just not good (that is a rarity at OU however).
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who are into sports
Students who like Greek life
Students who want a good, well-rounded education
Students who want to be close to a city but not actually in one
Pre-med students who are looking for good volunteer opportunities and a committee letter when they apply to medical school
A large school with a small feel to it
AWESOME interaction with professors and good opportunities for recommendation letters
Most of my professors at OU have been very good and actually care about their students. No one will hold your hand through college, but they definitely encourage independent thinking and hard work. OU emphasizes a liberal arts education, so they require you to take classes outside of your major: 3 semesters of a foreign language, classes in art, history, English, ect. Although this requirement might seem like a pain, I have taken classes that I would have never taken otherwise and consequently have learned a lot!
I love the OU campus, and Norman is pretty safe. The landscaping is beautiful and there are lakes and trails nearby to run at. The only complaint I have about Oklahoma is the wind. Although a breeze feels nice in the summer, it makes the winter ten times colder (on a positive note we get a few days off for inclement weather every winter). Norman is about 20 minutes away from Oklahoma City, about 1 1/2 hr from Tulsa, and about 3 hrs from Dallas, so you can easily drive to the city if you can't find anything to do. In addition, there are a lot of volunteer opportunities in Oklahoma that you can take advantage of (pre-med students especially can go volunteer in the many free clinics in okc). OU places a lot of emphasis on greek life and sports, which I am not a big fan of, but I live off of campus, so I feel like it is easier to get away from all that.
Out of state tuition is expensive! Although I get some of the cost waived through a scholarship, it still is not nearly as cheap as in state. Also DON'T BUY BOOKS FROM THE BOOKSTORE. Buying used online or renting online is definitely the way to go. Take as many community college classes or AP classes as you can. Also look for classes at OU that count for multiple requirements, so you don't have to take multiple classes.
The biggest secret to college is time management and hard work. In most classes you are not going to get an A by doing the minimum. Professors expect you to work for your grade. Free points for attendance and homework and bonus are rarely give in college, so take advantage of them when they are. Always attend class because you never know what you might miss that day. Even if it seems boring and a waste of time, you are still interacting with the material you need to be learning. Use pick a prof, but don't swear by it. I have taken teachers that got horrible reviews and ended up being some of my favorite professors. A lot of times the fault lies with the student for not studying enough, and they like to blame it on the teacher. On the flip side, some professors are just not good (that is a rarity at OU however).
Students who are into sports Students who like Greek life Students who want a good, well-rounded education Students who want to be close to a city but not actually in one Pre-med students who are looking for good volunteer opportunities and a committee letter when they apply to medical school A large school with a small feel to it AWESOME interaction with professors and good opportunities for recommendation letters