Casey earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. She specializes in anatomy tutoring, math tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at The Ohio State University:
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Casey: The campus was absolutely beautiful. In the summer, the oval is packed with people. Both the city of Columbus and the Ohio State campus have easy-to-navigate bus systems. There is really no need for a car or bike your first two years. However, if you anticipate going off-campus for work, it might be wise to bring a car to get around the city.
How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Casey: The TAs are wonderful and will help you whenever you are in need, but you will ultimately determine how successful you are in your classes. Initially, classes can be as big as 700 students. As you move up in your major, however, your classes will become much smaller—sometimes as small as 10 or 12 students. In these classes, your professors are very accessible and approachable.
I had two advisers, one for psychology and one for pre-physical therapy. The university does not hold your hand through your collegiate career, but I found that to be an invaluable life lesson that I am grateful to have learned. Guidance counselors are there to guide you, but you will have to put in the work to succeed.
How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Casey: Ohio State is currently undergoing several renovations. I lived in Morrill Tower my freshman year with nine roommates. It was a great way to meet friends. I really wish I had appreciated how great dorm life actually was when I was living it. The dining options are great as well. The food offered to students is restaurant-quality, and there are small grocery store options for students as well.
There are so many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. There are fairs held every semester, filled with every organization to help students find their niche.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?
Casey: Ohio State has over 180 majors. Typically, we are known for the Fisher College of Business, but all of our programs are top-notch. Every student will have at least one adviser, sometimes two if a student pursues a pre-med route. I studied psychology with a pre-physical therapy focus. I really enjoyed psychology, because I love to learn about why people are the way they are. The university did a wonderful job of supporting my area of study.
How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Casey: It was seamless for me to meet people and make friends at OSU. I applied to be a Sport and Wellness Scholar (SWS) before I went to Ohio State, so I was roomed with people who were scholars as well. I also attended fairs for involvement, found my way into tutoring student athletes at OSU, and I became a University Host. In addition, I found ways to get involved with research through the university. The options for involvement are endless for students.
How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services?
Casey: The Career Center and student support services are very approachable. They are helpful, but you have to make the time to reach out to them. Given that OSU is one of the largest universities in the country, reputable companies seek out students from Ohio State. There is no shortage of job opportunities in the area.
How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?
Casey: There are over 20 libraries on campus. The libraries used by the majority of students are Thompson Library and the SEL Library. The SEL is a 24-hour library, so it is frequented by a lot of students due to its hours. Thompson can get over-crowded at certain times, specifically exam week. However, there are 10 floors to Thompson, so it isn’t too hard to find a spot to yourself. I really cannot say enough good things about the libraries and study spaces at Ohio State.
Describe the surrounding town.
Casey: There are so many fun spots in the surrounding area. There is an area called the Short North that is filled with young professionals. That area gets lively on the weekends, and there are so many small shops and boutiques that will keep you entertained all four years of undergrad. There is the German Village that hosts a lot of graduate students, with an amazing restaurant called Thurman’s. Columbus is also an incredible city to explore.
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Casey: Ohio State is huge; it’s home to around 60,000 students. It’s overwhelming if you allow it to be. However, it becomes small when you get involved with any clubs, sports, or organizations; this is a great way to make the university feel smaller. I was in classes that had 30 students and others that had 800 students, and was never bothered by class size. Generally speaking, Ohio State will always provide you with the tools necessary to be successful in any class, regardless of size. What will determine your success is the amount of work you put into it.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Casey: I had one class at OSU that will stick with me forever. I was a psychology major, with a pre-physical therapy focus. However, I decided one semester to take a class that I would enjoy, so I took Intro to Shakespeare. It was my favorite class that I ever took at OSU. The professor was so passionate about Shakespeare, and I found it so relaxing to go to a class that I was taking purely for my enjoyment. It was an incredible experience to listen to someone so expert in a subject that I had almost no knowledge of. I will hold that with me forever as an incredible class experience, and it will always serve as a life reminder to take time to do things for myself.
Check out Casey’s tutoring profile.
The views in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
