Student Profile
Katie
- Class: Sophomore
- Major: Other
- Gender: F
- High School: Andale High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
The best thing about KU would have to be the atmosphere. Everyone comes together for sporting events, football and men's basketball, specifically. We have some of the best traditions that have been going on since the university was established. I can't really think of anything I would want to change at the university. The greeks are an overwhelming population, so I guess I would like to see the university advertise more ways to get involved than just by joining a sorority or fraternity. I believe KU is the right size for me, but an opinion on the size of a school depends on the individual. When I tell people that I go to KU, most react by saying I went to the "wrong" school. In other words, everyone from my hometown are huge KSU fans...and I chose to be different. Otherwise, a lot of people think that it's cool that I chose to go somewhere most of my high school classmates didn't go. Most of my time on campus is in a library. Being a pre-pharmacy student requires a lot of studying! Lawrence is a great college town. The best are the Lawrence residents, who support KU and the college students and have the same spirit we do for KU. The biggest recent controversy on campus would be gay pride week. Fred Phelps decided to show his presence. Most do not like Fred Phelps anyways, but he of course caused controversy with his radical ideals. KU has A LOT of school pride. How can you go to such a great college without having pride in it...especially after winning the Orange Bowl and NCAA championship within one year?! I love walking into classrooms and seeing the wave of blue, red, and white KU t-shirts. It just reminds me of how much school pride and spirit all of us have. I have had many experiences I will always remember. I will remember Mass St. each time after each big NCAA basketball game. I will remember my experiences going to basketball games in Allen Fieldhouse and the traditions we have there. I will remember the football games in Memorial Stadium, the band playing Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and many other things having to do with KU football. I will remember having the "famous" athletes in some of my classes. I will remember the first time I came to KU, when I fell in love with the campus, the great views from the hill, and the red rooftops. The most frequent student complaints are usually about Lew Perkins stealing all our money and parking. Parking is probably the most complained about. The scholarship halls have minimal parking for how many students live in them, the dorms can in no way support how many residents they have, and parking at the recreation center isn't that great, either. But parking definitely should not deter any decision of attending KU!
Academic Life
Academically, KU is great, as well. Most of my professors know my name, or at least recognize my face and can guess my name. I take many large science classes in the large lecture halls with 400+ students. I make the classes feel smaller by sitting up front. (Plus the professors usually know who you are if you make the effort!) My favorite class by far has been organic chemistry. Dr. Hanson is one of the best professors for the job, does great, and keeps all of us motivated when we're having a hard time with the subject. My least favorite class would have to be any English class, but only because I don't like the topic. Most study times depend on the students' dedication and major. Most people that I am surrounded by in classes study a lot, but we are all pre-med and pre-pharm. Business students seem like their classes don't demand as much dedication and study, but that of course is from a science major's perspective. Class participation is quite common. The professors work hard to get even the quietest students to chime in in class, even in large ones. KU students across the campus do have intellectual topics within conversations. College isn't all fun and games, you have to put something into it in order to take something away. The most unique class I would have to say was microbiology (BIOL 400) with Dr. Buechner. He kept us entertained and hammered so much information into our brains at the same time. And he gave some really good comparisons and presentations to relate to topics. And his ties were entertaining too! I am pre-pharmacy...one of the most demanding because things that pre-med students can take their third and fourth years we take our sophomore year. I enjoy my classes very much, though. The only classes I complain about are those not required by my major! I have spent time out of class with professors - that's how you get them to recognize you, know your name, and to know that you are dedicated. Any little bit helps in college! KU's academic requirements are not too demanding, and we don't have to take a physical education class because of the hills, which give you enough of a workout, if you don't take the bus, of course. The classes I have taken are definitely geared toward a career, not just learning for learning's sake. Like I have said, you must make the effort to get something out of college. If you are going to college just to slide by, you won't learn much or be very prepared for the real world.
Student Body
I honestly haven't participated in many racial, socio-economic, or religious groups like such. I do attend church, but have not become involved. The only group I am involved in is the pre-pharm club, which is very informative and helpful for any pre-pharm student or anyone interested in the field. I really don't think any student would feel very out of place at KU. KU has a great variety of students. I will say that anyone who is very close-minded will not enjoy the experience of KU. You must be open-minded and ready to explore and find yourself. Many different types of students interact due to academics. But overall, most interact with people they live with and have become comfortable with. Greeks usually hang out with greeks, and the schol hallers hang out with each other as well. Those who live in dorms have a chance to meet the most variety of people due to the amount of people housed in the dorms. Most students at KU are democrats and quite liberal. Thank God for Lawrence, since most everywhere else in Kansas is very conservative. Students talk about how much they'll earn one day every now and then, but it's not on our minds all the time. We're here for the college experience as well.
The Best Things
The spirit, the campus...basically everything!
The Worst Things
Worst thing would be that the Greek life is overemphasized at KU.
