The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Shane received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fine Art and his Master of Arts in Education from The Ohio State University. He is currently a tutor in Columbus specializing in Art History, GED prep, PARCC prep, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at The Ohio State University:
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Shane: The campus is huge, with its own bus system that students use to get around. I sold the car I had in high school before I started college, and I didn’t need another car until I graduated. I did have a bike for getting to class every day, but for long distances, the buses were reliable enough.
How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Shane: It depends on the class. My art and education classes were small, and the professors spent a lot of time with individuals. My biology class had hundreds of students in it, so the professor had no time for individuals, and the teaching assistants didn’t always know the answers to questions.
How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Shane: I enjoyed living in the dorms. The food was excellent. I was placed with two roommates by the housing program. We didn’t get along, but I met someone in my first class who disliked his roommate too. We lived together for the next three years, and that made college much more fun.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?
Shane: The Ohio State University has a program of distinction in almost every area. I went for Art Education. The art school is highly ranked among public universities, as is the art education department. The Ohio State University also has top-ranked law, business, psychology, social work, engineering, and math programs, among many others, I’m sure. The Ohio State University is a “public Ivy.”
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?
Shane: Greek life is common at The Ohio State University. I didn’t involve myself with Greek life in any way, and I still had friends. The people in my program were like me, so we became close. I made friends with people in my dorm, as well.
How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services?
Shane: I didn’t get recruited, and I don’t know anyone who did. The Career Center didn’t help me one bit, but that’s okay. A goal is more meaningful when achieved alone.
How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?
Shane: All of these spaces are available, easy to get to, and big enough to accommodate many students. The library is the best place to study. The student union is more like a mall food court. Dorm lounges can get noisy, but every dorm has a study area in the basement.
Describe the surrounding town.
Shane: Columbus, Ohio, is the Paris of the Midwest. It was recently ranked as a Smart City by the Intelligent Community Forum, and it is a place of endless diversity and progressivism. Anyone can do anything they please in public, as long as it’s legal. No one will bat an eye, probably because they saw something weirder five minutes ago.
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Shane: In my program, class sizes were small, but I know many of the more profitable programs have fewer professors and many, many students. The student body is very large.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Shane: I took a class on art criticism from Terry Barrett, who has written quite a bit on the subject, and it totally changed how I look at art. It was comforting to know that all this crazy, new stuff I was hearing was coming from the man who changed how art is taught in every classroom in the country. It was like learning physics from Isaac Newton.
Check out Shane’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
