OU HTC vs OSU Scholars

Colleges and Universities A-Z Ohio University
1

Hi,

I’ve searched and read all I could about Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College program, but it still isn’t enough, and I haven’t heard much about Ohio State’s scholars program. Let me explain a little bit more.

I’m in love with so many things about OSU. I love the size, I LOVE the diversity, and I love all of the opportunities such a large research campus can provide. I think with my stats (4.0 gpa, 33 ACT) I would be able to get into their scholars program. My only concern is being a mediocre sized fish in a very large pond, so for example, there are a ton of opportunities for internships and research opportunities and the like, but there are also so many other people competing for them that I actually won’t get everything I could at a smaller university.

OU’s HTC program interests me too, but I’m still confused about the basic layout. My fear with HTC is that I’ll only be taking a few tutorial classes that will be really interesting to me, and the majority of the time I’ll be taking classes that I’ll be bored out of my mind with. Though it is to my understanding that there are no prerequisite requirements for HTC students and no gen eds, so maybe I could start taking harder, more interesting classes right away. Also, I think, but I’m not sure, that the college is very supportive of funding studying abroad opportunities? Studying abroad is definitely one of the things I want to do. OSU has a program in South Africa that seems like it was made for me. OU doesn’t have a full list of their studying abroad programs online, as far as I could see, so they could have good animal science programs, but I don’t know. I guess I’ll just have to trust that they do.

I’m interested in pursing a biological sciences degree, with an interest in going to veterinary school. These schools are my top two choices, but without HTC, I’m not sure I would choose OU. Does that mean that I probably wouldn’t enjoy OU, even with HTC? I love the college, and I love the town, and I like the laid back atmosphere surrounding it, but at the same time, I also like to be around similar academically driven people. I don’t want a cut throat atmosphere, but I also don’t want an apathetic one either. I don’t mean to sound conceited, but there is a different air at OU than at OSU, at least for me. I hope I’m mistaken about that one though.

I kind of wrote this in a hurry. Sorry if there are any mistakes. Any feedback concerning the two colleges and programs would be very much appreciated.

2

I think part of the difference is the freedom you will have to choose the direction you wish your degree to take. It’s my understanding that one of attributes of the HTC is that the actual tutorials will push you to plan for your degree and the thesis project you will have. Since the tutors work with just a few students they can work with them to help them gain access to resources that would be difficult for the typical student. They might be able to help you tailor your degree to the veterinary sciences. The HTC is a better program for those who are self driven and wish some autonomy in their education.

I don’t know much about the OSU scholars program. I am sure that every advantage one might find within the HTC program could be found at OSU along with others that OU might not be able to offer. The difference is that you will need to work much harder to find them and will be competing with a much larger group of bright students. I would think the program would be more standardized and it would be difficult to deviate greatly form the formal degree path.

My guess is that the HTC will be more selective than the Scholars program. They typically have around 300-350 qualified applicants and accept around 80-90 or so with an expected class of 70-80. If your interest is getting into vet school it may be much like med school in that grades are very important. If that is the case being an academic big fish could work to your advantage. Contact Ohio University. They are very nice to talk to. It would be a great idea to visit and meet with both the HTC and the HTC Biology adviser. I would tell them about your potential goals and ask how the HTC might help to get to where you wish to be. I would do the same to Ohio State see what they say. Good luck.

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@rolltide9 - Just curious about where you ended up, decision-wise.

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@digmedia - I’m in the process of applying. Right now HTC is my top choice; and then it’s between Miami and OSU. I absolutely love OSU, but I think I might get more merit aid from Miami. So if I don’t get into HTC, then I’m just following where the money goes.

5

I have been told by multiple people that ou isn’t the best for grad school prep. However. Being in honors probably changes that drastically so it probably doesn’t matter. Good luck!