It is July 1 and time to start thinking about fall admissions. I’m the President of the University of Tulsa, and you can AMA.
Why should you consider TU?
First, TU is an amazing academic and social experience. TU has the highest percentage of National Merit Scholars in its freshmen class of any university in the nation. More than 30% of the incoming freshmen class are National Merit Scholars, and TU now has (I think) more TOTAL NMS in its freshmen class than any university. We have competed with Alabama and Florida in the past, but this year’s class has 250 NMS. I think that makes us #1 not only in density, but in total numbers. Our students are smart and good.
Second, we deliver the goods. Don’t just take my word for it. Last year, the Wall Street Journal published an article on the top engineering schools in the nation (determined by salaries). The usual suspects were all there: MIT, Princeton, Cal Tech, Harvard, etc. The University of Tulsa came in at #12. In the nation! Not too surprising, as a few years ago Money Magazine ranked our engineering school at #8 in the nation. Our applicants to medical school are admitted at twice the national average.
Third, we offer a comprehensive program. Yes, STEM is very strong, at 50% of the student body. But our liberal arts programs are very good. TU is one of the few universities investing in philosophy and the arts. We’ve formed a new Honors College that is already receiving national recognition for its emphasis on classical learning and the humanities. We’ve hired philosophers and novelists, just to start, all with incredible pedigrees and national and international awards.
Fourth, the student experience is, dare I say, remarkable. Every student (and their parents) gets my personal cell phone. I answer about 40 texts a day from parents and students. If you come here, we ensure you graduate, with wrap around support for students who need tutoring, behavioral health care, or have other needs. I am particularly proud of our Pathfinder program for neurodivergent students.
Fifth, we have a student-faculty ratio of about 10:1. So we get to know you well, and we root personally for your success. I came to TU from UVa, a great school, but classes were often big, and it was hard to get to know everyone. At TU, it is not a problem. I know personally most of the students. Need a recommendation? No problem. Career advice? Drop by. Apply to the Rhodes Scholarship? No worries, as I and two of my newly-hired deans are Rhodes Scholars and we can give you some good advice about international fellowships like the Rhodes, Marshall, Schwartzman, Gates, Fulbright, and many more.
Sixth, we have what I really believe is the most beautiful campus in America. No kidding. Come see for yourself is all I can say. And while you are here, check out the diversity of student life even though we have a small student body (4000). Greek Life? We have you covered. Greek life not for you? Ok, that’s fine and there are many other ways to get involved. LGBTQIA? A strong group on campus. Religious? We have a vibrant faith community.
Seventh, the word “and” captures TU’s spirit. By this, I mean, you can be “this” AND “that.” Mechanical engineer and concertmaster of the orchestra? Sure thing. In fact, our current concertmaster is a computer science major. Want to work on a nationally-renowned literary magazine and major in finance or nursing? Absolutely. At many schools, you have to, say, study music to be in the orchestra, but not so at TU. And as you’d imagine from all of those National Merit Scholars, the number of people who incidentally play violin or trombone will blow your mind.
So I dare you: if you’ve never been to Tulsa, just come check us out. Visit. I promise you that you will be surprised at the casual excellence of TU. In any event, I’m here.
AMA.