University of Oklahoma (OU)

The University of Oklahoma (OU), located in Norman, OK, outranks all other public and private universities in National Merit Scholars, and boasts 134 undergraduate degree programs. It is an "intellectually fertile, opportunity-laden public research institution" with a "rich tradition of community" that offers "an Ivy League quality education within a public university." OU has over 21,000 students, but still manages to have a "small town feel" that is "very comfortable and welcoming." Students call OU "not just a school," but "a place to meet others in the OU family, be a part of long-standing traditions," and "receive a quality education from challenging courses." Home of the Sooners football team, which won seven national championships, it's no wonder OU's school spirit is strong. The University also holds 43 overall NCAA National Championships, and a host of other athletic championships and accolades. Though OU "might be known for its athletic program," students say "academics don't suffer from it." OU has "fantastic," "engaging," "encouraging" "professors that truly care for the well-being of the students." "The professors here don't feel like your average teachers," notes a Psychology and Economics major, "but exceptional instructors who relate on a personal basis and actually help you comprehend the material." OU gives "tons of opportunities to its students," including "jobs, networking, study abroad" programs and more. The university combines "tradition with advancement to encourage you to become the best version of yourself possible" says an Elementary Education major. Student after student noted the sense of "family" everyone has at OU, as well as the importance of "tradition, unity, and togetherness."

A typical OU student is "friendly," "down to earth," "aware," and "motivated." They have a "nice balance" between their "academic and social lives" and are committed to "volunteering," "sports" and "Greek life." Many students join a fraternity or sorority. Incoming students are most likely to "fit in" by "being involved on campus" and joining "lots of organizations." Students describe their classmates as primarily "white, upper-middle class, and Christian," but "with a broad mix of international and minority students."

OU is home to a host of strong athletic teams and students frequent "football games and other athletic events for fun." During the fall, "most students attend at least one football game." "Greek life" is also "very important." Some complain that "if you're not in a fraternity or sorority, there's not a lot to do on campus on the weekends." Others, though, say "there are many opportunities to be involved on campus," including "free movie nights and pool." There is always "something going on, and whether it be a sports event or a fine arts event, the quality is always excellent." Students can visit the world-renowned art in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art or the 26-foot-tall dinosaur (an Apatosaurus!) at OU's Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. There is also "Campus Corner," which has "restaurants, bars and boutiques." And it's also "an easy drive to the movies, a nice restaurant, or night life." Students note that the "social atmosphere is very alive most of the time." But it's not all about football and parties. "People are very considerate of one another and make efforts to support each other during rough times," notes a Psychology and Mathematics major. That extends beyond campus as well, where students can find "all kinds of volunteering opportunities." In fact, "every year everyone on campus drops what they're doing for one weekend to spend all day volunteering in the local Norman and Oklahoma City communities." Students value their commitment to community service. "We genuinely care for one another and are very passionate about the university," says one student. "I cannot imagine there being a happier campus than OU anywhere in the country." Or, as another says: "Life is great."