Bartlett
University of Missouri—Columbia
Location: Columbia, Mo.
Distance from Chicago: Roughly 400 miles
Number of undergraduates: About 23,000
Out-of-state tuition: $19,558 per year
What I liked:
At Mizzou, almost every student I saw was wearing something school-spirited, whether it was a scarf or a T-shirt, and many students are involved in Greek life. Many of the dorms were newly renovated, and there were plans to remodel the ones that were not. The recreation center is only five years old and had everything a student could imagine. A lot of the buildings were historic and really made for a beautiful campus. Though it was big, I loved how there were students in every part of the school. Mizzou's journalism school is top-notch and the journalism tour alone was very impressive. The Honors College seemed ideal for students who want more one-on-one time with professors, smaller class sizes and different course options.
What I didn't like:
At first, the number of students is very overwhelming, but I can see how students adjust to the size. The campus is also huge, which could make it more difficult to get to class each day. The dorm food was good, but the cafeteria was exceptionally crowded. For out-of-state students, the high tuition is a little intimidating as well. Traveling from Chicago to Columbia means a pretty long drive, which could be inconvenient when trying to get back home for visits.
Overall impression:
I really loved Mizzou, and I can totally see myself there. The journalism department alone is so pristine and top-notch that I think serious future journalists would be instantly attracted to the program. I liked how many students were involved in Greek life and how many student organizations there are. Though the journalism department was different than I expected, I love how real-world experience, also known as the "Missouri Method" is key part of the school's education. From dorms to the Honors College to the campus feel, Mizzou seems to be the perfect school for me. I definitely want to be a Mizzou Tiger.
A student speaks:
Eva Dou, sophomore journalism major
What do you wish you knew about Mizzou when you visited that you know now?
"I wish I got involved in more groups and activities earlier on because the college experience is a lot more interesting if you're involved on campus."
What types of students should consider Mizzou?
"I'd say people who want to get a really solid journalism education. Students who are serious about journalism should seriously consider this school because it's one of the best."
The best part about life at Mizzou is ...
"I would say the reporting classes. I really enjoy getting to work with the faculty members that have been all around the globe reporting, and they make me work hard."
