University of Oregon Admission
University of Oregon Undergraduate Program
University of Oregon Application

The Facts

The University of Oregon is a large, state-funded school in the small city of Eugene, Oregon. It is popular with namy students who did not get accepted into the U California state schools, as the atmosphere and structure of the schools are similar. U of Oregon is made up of 7 different colleges: the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the School of Journalism and Communications and the School of Music. These schools offer over 77 majors in various areas of academic study. Some of the strongest programs include the university’s programs in journalism, international economics, business, music, psychology, cellular biology, mathematics, and interior architecture. However, the most popular majors with undergraduates include business, journalism, psychology, biology and political science.

Last year, approximately 10,193 students applied and 8,602 were accepted. Of those accepted, the average SAT score ranged from 989 to 1222 and an average high school GPA around 3.54. About 56% of the students were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class.

The school is perhaps the best known for the sciences, especially in the research fields such as biomechanics, computers, genetics, lasers and even neuroscience. Freshmen are also encouraged to join one of several Freshmen Interest Groups or FIGs that help them to have a positive integrative experience in a major state university. Students say that the program helps them to feel as though they are attending a small private college, and prevents them from feeling like just another number.

The Social Scene

The campus is gorgeous, and is situated on 283 acres of forested land deep in the lovely Wilamette Valley. It is only a five minute walk from downtown Eugene, which is rather small but is quite accomodating to college students as a whole. Even though it is a small city, it is not without its cultural draws; it is home to a professional ballet company, opera, museum, and several symphony orchestras. Both mountains and oceans are accessible to the students, so many opt to spend their weekends taking part in many outdoor activities.

There are fraternities and sororities at U of Oregon; however, students say they don’t really play a large part in the students’ social lives. The student population is quite liberal, and tends to look down upon the few students that do join a Greek organization. The school is not really known as a party school, however, students do have small group gatherings or hang out at one of the cafes and restaurants in Eugene.

The university is comprised of a nearly equal amount of girls and guys, so it looks like no matter who you are, your chances are pretty even. Expect to find both genders heavily-dreaded and mostly high.

What’s Good

“It doesn’t really feel as big as it is. I have to constantly remind myself we are at a big university.”

“The natural surroundings are awesome and every kind of outdoor activity is available to us.”

“ Eugene is a really fun town where hippy culture still reigns.”

What’s Bad

“It can be really boring. The dorms are pretty cramped and bland. There’s not a whole lot going on there.”

“Students tend to be pretty bull headed and set in their ways.”

“There is a definite lack of ethnic diversity, it’s pretty homogenous.”

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