Why I chose UCO

It's nasty outside today. The streets are slick, and freezing rain is falling. UCO has cancelled classes for this afternoon/evening. And for that, I'm very grateful. 

A lot of people have asked me why I chose UCO over some of the other colleges around. We have OU in Norman, OSU north in Stillwater, and UCO of course here in Edmond. For my specific degree, UCO was relatively a no-brainer. 

I've heard great things about OSU's design program, but I wanted to live at home and make the commute to college. While I'm sure college life (living in the dorms, being a few steps away from classes, the numerous on-campus events, etc.) is great, I had goals and friends that would require me to save money living at home and commuting. UCO is the premiere school in the metro if you want to get into the design industry.

Not only does UCO have a great faculty, but they push you hard to think and be creative on your own. They are there for you when you need someone to bounce ideas off, but they by no means will hold your hand. I truly believe that some of the aspects of my life have changed dramatically because of the design department at UCO. 

Before taking a single design class at the school, I was afraid of various things. Public speaking, failed ideas, risking my reputation, etc. In other words, I was pretty scared of getting out on a limb...even if the limb was only a few feet off the ground. The faculty at UCO pushed us like no other, making us realize that we were responsible for our growth and that we all had great ideas, they just needed to be coaxed out. 

Not only is the design department great, but the staff and overall campus experience has been great. The campus is beautiful, and everything is within fairly short walking distance. There is a variety of events both on-campus and off that I can participate in, restaurants and stores that I can visit, and other community-related activities in Edmond. 

If you are a college graduate considering where to continue your studies, UCO has a great graduate program. The Jackson School of Graduate Studies offers plenty of degree programs from a Master's in Design to a Master's in Biology. 

Or, if you're just now researching where to go after high school or looking to go back to school, UCO is a great college that I recommend wholeheartedly.