If you could suggest one way for OSU to improve, what would it be and why?
Address this issue: http://www.thenation.com/blog/179920/what-makes-ohio-state-most-unequal-public-university-america#
In other words, fire the overpaid administrators who suck up students’ hard-earned tuition dollars.
Excellent response. That was the kind of off the beaten path insight I was looking for in response to my question.
Does anyone else have anything to share?
Even, it is just something that is a pet peeve or something you just were not aware of as you were deciding on whether or not to attend OSU.
I agree and disagree with adjunctified. The high cost of a college education today is one of the great American scandals. Many young people cannot afford to go to college, or if they do so, incur a great deal of debt.
That said, OSU is the best bargain around.
It has a relatively low cost tuition, especially given its stature. And OSU is quite generous to in and out of state students in terms of financial help. And once on campus, OSU is also generous in terms of providing a gorgeous campus, and day to day freebies and perks. And there is a huge support infrastructure for students with the goal of helping them succeed.
When I was in the student/parent orientations for the past couple of years, the OOS parents were all commenting on how much money OSU was throwing their way, as opposed to their instate colleges.
Okay: OSU should stop admitting kids who have helicopter parents.
adjunctified - Admissions can’t even keep up with the current processing of applications, how would you expect them to consider that additional constraint?
And, I’ll ask you - what 18 year old is fully capable of making a decision for expense the could total anywhere from $160 - $220K for 4 years on their own?
I don’t know–these questions are too complex for me because I got my degree at OSU, and OSU didn’t put much emphasis on actual education. But you’ve already dismissed that complaint as too “beaten path.”
BTW…A Robinson R-22, considered one of the world’s most economical helicopters, carries a base list price of about $250,000 brand new…rivaling the cost of a private college education!..Just saying!
adjunctified - Re-read my initial reply…I was not dismissing your initial response! I like it!
My apologies—I thought you were being sarcastic. And no offense meant to OSU–it’s actually a very good school.
Adjunctified: I confess I have a soft spot for you. You take me back to the day, when I was a first year doctoral student at OSU and subjected to the curmudgeony old boy professorial network. Makes me smile.
In terms of being over involved:
- I love OSU
- I love to help the parents and kids on this forum if I can
- Given the huge cost of undergrad and grad school, and the fact I am soon facing retirement and limited budget,
I need to keep an eye on my D’s college situation. Represents a huge investment. Would be silly and imprudent to ignore it.
@OSUmom - appreciate your input as we all try to help our children make their college decisions. Can you expand on what “day to day freebies and perks” you are referring to. Also, do you have any insight on sports ticketing…how do freshman go about getting tickets to sporting events such as football, basketball and hockey? There seems to be such a broad spectrum among the big schools on how tickets are purchased/distributed/allocated and attending the sporting events seems to be a big factor in my son’s college decision ( fortunately among good academic schools!)
Thanks so much for your insight and input.
The football question I can answer. Incoming freshmen are given the opportunity to purchase tickets. My daughter bought them her freshmen year. They give you a window, about 2 weeks in June, to purchase the tickets. My daughter is now a junior but when we bought hers, we paid about $250/season and her seat was in the student section. She opted out of purchasing her sophomore and junior year.
You can also purchase tickets through a student ticket exchange. My daughter sold the ones she didn’t want to go to and never had trouble finding a buyer, especially the UofM game. I imagine the same holds true for basketball and hockey as far as an exchange goes.
@adkdad I can’t really think of one thing that OSU could improve on. My oldest is a junior at the school and I just paid my youngest’s acceptance fee today for her to attend this fall. She chose OSU over Purdue and Case Western. She loved the campus, the layout, the modern feel of it. The area and the massive amount of things to do.
My oldest loves it there and loves the city. She is hoping to find a job in the area when she graduates because she wants to stay in Columbus, she loves it that much.
It’s been a great experience for us. 
fallschurchmom,
Momofsprinter is correct. Freshmen are notified of their window to buy football tickets, with various options and prices. I am not sure about b-ball or hockey tickets, but would imagine something similar.
Perks include discounts on Columbus city transportation, museums, etc. Also a number of special events through out the year, free movies and food at the union, free COSI night, opportunities to travel, freebie tee-shirts, mini back packs, notebooks, ID holders, from the various student programs. Access to one of the best rec centers in the US.
OSU has a constant stream of social, cultural and entertainment events, which I consider a big perk compared to when I was in undergrad.
PS adjunctified, my D has special medical needs requiring some assistance. She is living independently,
and doing quite well, but needs some help from time to time.
Thank you so much for responses… Very helpful! We are looking forward to our
accepted student tour / visit in late March!
fallschurchmom, OSU puts on a great tour. It is fun and informative.
They have an award winning freshman program and make a big effort for the students and parents.