Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR, USA

Reviews

Oregon State University

James from Cedar Knolls, NJ

accepted here and planning to attend soon
36 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
only school to offer ecologocal engineering at an undergraduate level
Will enjoy being here
Had a great time during the visit. The people were great and extremely friendly
Bang for the buck
cost although higher for out of state is still relatively resonable.
Tips for prospective students
even if you think you want to stay close to home, make at least one trip outside your comfort area. You may just find a hiiden gem
Great for these types of students
anyone interested in the environment and or animal studies.

Michelle from Auburn, WA

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Even if you know what you want to do, branch out and take a random class in a totally different subject. I took a Shakespeare course my first quarter (I'm majoring in Biology, going the pre-med route) and loved it. The professors are great, and you never know what subject will capture your interest. Plus, the requirements for graduation (which include mandatory liberal arts classes) are such that every student will achieve a varied education, in addition to fulfilling their major requirements.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone says it, but OSU is a really beautiful campus. Very green, very open...it's small enough that you can walk anywhere in about twenty minutes, but not not so tiny as to be completely claustrophobic. Sometimes it's nice to just walk leisurely through campus and take it all in. The dorms are pretty nice (as far as college residence halls go!) and there are lots of food options, on and off campus.
Bang for the buck
Non-resident tuition is a lot higher than resident tuition, but OSU offers a lot of scholarship opportunities depending on your academic and extracurricular interests, as well as your financial need. Considering that you're learning from nationally-recognized professors who are experts in their fields, and that virtually everything you'd need is either on campus or a short trip away, the price is not bad at all.
Tips for prospective students
Corvallis is pretty small (about 55,000 people), so it's a good plan to get involved in different activities on campus. You'll meet people who are interested in the same things you are, as well as those that are totally different from you. There's something for everyone; lots of clubs, Greek life, restaurants nearby to meet up with people. Don't hesitate to venture out and try something new.
Great for these types of students
There is more of an emphasis on agriculture, science and engineering than liberal arts. If that's what you want to do, then OSU will provide the education you need to get where you want to go. If you want more of an urban setting, you won't be satisfied here (although Portland is only about an hour away). But it doesn't hurt to check out a school you never pictured yourself at before. Sometimes putting yourself into the environment of a college is all it takes...

Jenna from Stockton, CA

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At first, when I decided on going to Oregon State, I wasn't sure if the courses were going to teach me as much as some of the other schools I had gotten into (mostly UC's). I was very wrong about that! From general biology to psychology, to tennis, and yoga, I was learning everyday, and surprisingly enough really enjoying it! The professors really enjoy what they teach, and are interested in the students' thoughts, even in a lecture hall of over 500 students
Am enjoying being here
It is a beautiful campus, with a lot of friendly people. There are a ton of people from all over the nation and world! The community really supports the Beavers, in all endeavors, sports and academic. Just be warned, if you are from a warm state, there is a chance of snow, and it can get very cold with all the rain,
Bang for the buck
In state tuition is a great deal, and out-of-state isn't too bad. The campus and the people make it worth it, and you feel lie you are walking through an Ivy League Campus, without paying as much! The professors love to interact with the students, so you don't get a bunch of research profs. holed up in their office all day, not teaching!
Tips for prospective students
Register for a PAC class (PE) like yoga, ballet, or tennis. It will allow you to relax during the craziness of your other classes. Use the library and all other academic resources. There are a lot on campus, and your professors will tell you about them. Don't be afraid of office hours, the professors won't bite and want you to succeed!
Great for these types of students
Students who want a big school, but don't want to be a number to their professors. Students who enjoy learning, and like interacting with their teachers, but if you don't like interacting, you will not be forced, or pressured to. Students who enjoy sporting events and supporting their team.

Caitlyn from Portland, OR

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My lectures do have a lot of people (200-600 students), but I haven't found that to be a problem. My professors are accustomed to teaching large groups (and thus accommodating a large amount of learning styles). Additionally, many of my classes have smaller recitation sections, with only 20 people. Also, every time I've had a question, my professors have been great about replying promptly to my emails.
Am enjoying being here
OSU offers a gorgeous campus that is small enough I can walk to all of my classes, but which is also extremely bike-friendly. The dorm experience has also been fantastic, as I've been able to find other students with the same interests (in fact, I've met many people in my dorm who are also in my classes, which is very helpful when it comes to finding study buddies).
Bang for the buck
If you're from Oregon, the tuition is very reasonable. The cost to live in one of the dorms is less well-priced, but your money is definitely put to good use. For instance, there was a dorm-wide LAN party (complete with free pizza, soda and energy drinks), plus the dorm provides all sorts of activities in the lounge, such as pool and ping-pong tables, an arcade game and a big screen TV.
Tips for prospective students
If you're going to be living in a dorm and with a roommate, take the time to look through the profiles people have filled out and e-mail your roommate beforehand. Having a fun, agreeable person to come home to (and your dorm will become your home, trust me!) is MUCH more pleasant than one you don't get along with!
Great for these types of students
Those who want to major in Science. I visited Montana State, which is known to have a great science program, and even as the representatives were trying to sell MSU, they mentioned Oregon State several times as being a good school for natural sciences.

Sam from Monroe, WA

researching this school
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
top rated forestry and eco engineering programs.
Will enjoy being here
beautiful campus.
Bang for the buck
out of state is $31k a year... in state is respectable though.

Jasmine from Beaverton, OR

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As with most colleges and universities not every course offering is entirely the same. It really depends on the instructor you get for a course, some have different teaching styles than others and may not match your learning techniques.
Am enjoying being here
The best part of OSU is the number and variety of activities/events held here. You can find just about anything from clubs, fitness, volunteer opportunities, sports, crafts, and hosted informational lectures. If you want to have an enjoyable experience here make time for something during dull hours or to break up the lull in studying.
Bang for the buck
Out of state is fairly high but there are many programs to include and provide international/national study abroad opportunities to fit your financial needs.
Tips for prospective students
Living in the dorms your first year can be an interesting experience! It allows you to get in touch/network with many fellow students and make lots of friends. Setting up hall activities and/or trips was a great way to spend your free time or take a break from studying. They are also a great way to get involved and get to know the people around you.
Great for these types of students
Animal science students because they offer many undergraduate classes and plus a graduate veterinary school right on campus! They offer many clubs, sports, and a variety of specialized activities through their animal science department.

Nicthe from Chandler, AZ

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
OSU has many resources for students to be successful. First of all the amount of tutoring with teacher assistants and at the library. Second of all, the open office hours of the professors are great because they really want students to go in and ask away. Many classes here are 200 or more students, but if you take the initiative of sitting in the front and asking questions once in a while, you can benefit from the class. At the end, it all depends on the student and how they approach the class.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone is friendly and open minded. Many resources are placed inside and outside of campus, so you never get bored. I am enjoying getting to meet many students from around the world and going to many of the cultured based activities inside OSU.
Bang for the buck
I am an out of state student so my tuition tends to be pretty high, at least 10,000 more than an in state student. For me becoming a resident and applying for scholarships will allow me to stay in my dream school. Whatever it takes, don't let the numbers scare you, because there are ways.
Tips for prospective students
1. Always go to class, because there might be a chance that the professor will go over important things to know for the midterm or test.
2. Always read the book chapter before class, allowing you to understand and ask questions later on (the unclear stuff).
3. Take advantage of the professor's office hours and tutoring
4. Have fun! go to college events and explore...there are so many open opportunities, you just need to look for them.
Great for these types of students
OSU is great for students who are not big city people, students that want a calmer town. It may seem small, but it has a lot to offer. Besides that any student can come here to explore the many opportunities (majors, study abroad, internships, culture, diversity,tolerance, etc.)

Alexandria from Corvallis, OR

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You definitely get out of every class what you put into it. On the whole the teachers are extremely willing to help you out in any way that they can. Teachers do want you to do well in your classes. The thing that is fun about OSU is that you are required to take courses in all different areas outside of your major, so you have some opportunity for variety in your schooling.
Am enjoying being here
The OSU campus is absolutely gorgeous with trees everywhere and the look of an ivy league school with brick buildings lining the streets of campus and 2 large grass quads that are perfect for lounging in the spring and summer.
In regards to the academics, there are some great engineering and science programs at OSU as well as good teaching and business programs as well.
Outside of school there is a thriving greek system and a variety of clubs and organizations that you can join as well as intermural sports and club teams for a variety of sports.
Bang for the buck
The in state tuition at OSU is very reasonable and for out of state, the best deals on classes are taking classes during the summer when you can get in-state tuiton rates.
Tips for prospective students
Take a pac class at some point and take a break from academics.
Also, take a class that sounds interesting and has nothing at all to do with your major, you may learn a lot from getting outside your comfort zone.
Great for these types of students
Engineering, math, education (any type), business, and a variety of other things.

Aivy from Portland, OR

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes can be difficult, but it makes one buckle down and study since the college education is very crucial.
Am enjoying being here
Students are mature compared to high school. I enjoy the environment and the outgoing people I run into. The town can get a bit boring. Also, if you enjoy running outside, it's mainly all pavement.
Bang for the buck
College is what you make of it.
Tips for prospective students
This is the time when school is taken seriously.
Great for these types of students
Those who are engineering or health majors, enjoy partying, outgoing and willing to try new things and take risks

Katelyn from Eugene, OR

researching this school
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The vibes that the campus gave off were good.
Academic Rigor
OSU offers many classes that I am interested in taking.
Dorm Life
The dorms seemed small compared to other colleges I have visited.
Food and Dining
The food during my visit was really good. I also liked their meal plan.
Campus Safety
The campus felt really safe.