The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma, United States. It was founded in 1890 and has since grown into a comprehensive university with a wide range of academic programs. In this essay, we will examine the pros and cons of attending the University of Oklahoma.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: OU has a wide range of strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and the natural sciences. The university has been consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Research opportunities: OU is a research-intensive university, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects in a variety of disciplines. The university has several research centers and institutes, including the National Institute for Risk and Resilience and the Stephenson Cancer Center.
- Active student life: OU has a vibrant student life, with over 500 student organizations and clubs, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and diversity groups, and sports and recreation clubs. The university also has a Division I athletic program, with 21 varsity sports teams competing in the Big 12 Conference.
- Beautiful campus: OU’s main campus is located in a picturesque area and features beautiful architecture, well-maintained green spaces, and a variety of amenities. The campus is also home to several art galleries and museums, including the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
- Affordable cost: OU is relatively affordable compared to other public universities in the region. In-state tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year were $12,150, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $27,432. Room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses can add significantly to the cost of attendance, but overall, OU is still a good value for the money.
Cons:
- Limited diversity: OU has been criticized for its lack of diversity, particularly in terms of its student body. According to U.S. News & World Report, only 22% of OU students are minorities.
- Location: While Norman, Oklahoma is a nice town, it is also somewhat isolated, with few large cities or cultural centers nearby. This can make it difficult for students who are looking for a more urban or diverse experience.
- Weather: Oklahoma is known for its unpredictable weather, with frequent tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather events. This can be a concern for some students, particularly those from other parts of the country.
- Limited graduate programs: While OU has a strong undergraduate program, its graduate programs are relatively limited, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
- Class sizes: While OU has a low student-to-faculty ratio, some classes can still be quite large, particularly in introductory courses. This can make it difficult for students to get individualized attention from professors.
Conclusion:
Overall, the University of Oklahoma is a strong public university with many advantages, including strong academic programs, research opportunities, a vibrant student life, a beautiful campus, and affordable cost. However, the university also has some drawbacks, including its limited diversity, isolated location, unpredictable weather, limited graduate programs, and large class sizes. Ultimately, whether OU is the right choice for a particular student will depend on their individual priorities and preferences.