OWU class of 2013

kethomas
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:12:52 +0000

I stumbled on this site while doing research for an advanced reporting project of mine. I thought I’d take some time to answer some of the questions you guys had.

I’m a senior history and journalism double major, and I can say this: the reason our retention rates are lower than other schools is because we do tend to let in a lot of students who can’t deal with the academic pressure. One of my roommates freshman year failed out. As long as students are willing to A) go to class (because yes, it is a small school and most classes have attendance policies, and it’s generally necessary to go to understand the material) and B) do the work, they will be fine.

While many people look down on our retention rates, they don’t realize that our school happens to be a bit more difficult than many of the other schools comparable to our size and price. This could be a selling point for some, or a breaking point for others. It depends on how much work the student is willing to put in. But I know that a degree from OWU does garner some recognition, especially on the east coast. I recently visited a graduate school in Boston and the professor was very happily surprised when I told him where I went to school. Being from the Columbus area, I never really paid any attention to it. I chose a school that was close to home and fit all of my qualifications.

Because it is a small school, the professors truly take notice of their students. They genuinely care and are willing to work with their students if any problems should arise. But the school is challenging. Not all of the merit scholarships require a 3.5 GPA to retain them year after year, but most are 2.5 or higher.

Also, to the poster who mentioned they received the Trustee award, it’s a merit scholarship. It’s the only scholarship you will receive, but the financial aid package, complete with loans and grants you qualify for, will be sent out shortly. If you really need to know now, I would say call the Financial Aid office.

And I can say this: Many students do go to Columbus on the weekends, but there are things to do on the weekends if people want to search them out. The frats are always having parties (not all are alcoholic either). There are two or three bars in town, if students want to go there. One is 21 and up only, and the other is 18 and up. And the Small Living Units often have get togethers and parties.

The Greek life here does not take hold of the campus either. There are definitely people who love it and live and breathe it, but if students don’t care about the Greek life, they won’t be overwhelmed by it.

And lastly, you get out of OWU what you want put into it. If you don’t try to meet people, you won’t.