The University of Tulsa is preparing to welcome 151 National Merit scholars to campus as new students in August – more per capita than any other university in the country.
“We are thrilled that so many National Merit scholars have enrolled at The University of Tulsa as first-time college students. These students see TU’s legacy of high academic standards and what’s possible when students are supported holistically,” said President Brad R. Carson. “From internationally ranked STEM programs, a curriculum rooted in the arts and humanities, and a 9:1 student to faculty ratio, The University of Tulsa offers a unique educational experience for top students. Having met many of these scholars over the past year, I know that these academic superstars are seeking civic engagement, study abroad opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavors. TU works to ensure those goals can be met.”
TU is a small, private, research university with a total student body of just under 4,000. Known internationally for engineering and cyber studies, all undergraduates also receive a foundation in the liberal arts to create well-rounded alumni who solve serious global challenges through leadership, innovation and empathy.
“One of the main things that drew me to TU was the size of the school. I know that people cite teacher-student ratios as positives in college applications all the time, but coming from a very small high school and taking even smaller advanced classes within that environment, I have found that having a community matters to me much more than just having a place to go to school,” said National Merit Finalist Katherine Mitchell, 18, of Dallas. “I thrived from having the liberty to discuss what we were reading in literature with my teacher or coming in over weekends to study for tests with my math teacher and a handful of my classmates. I hope that being in a smaller college environment at TU will help me find spots like that where I can actively participate in what I am learning with my peers and professors in that way.”
TU anticipates 151 National Merit scholars this fall – nearly 80% of whom are from outside Oklahoma. The university provides generous financial aid packages to National Merit finalists and semifinalists for their undergraduate studies as well as a job placement guarantee for all new students, making a TU degree one of the nation’s most valuable. When they arrive on campus, students are paired with a peer mentor and a staff success coach. During their academic journey, students also benefit from many services and top-of-their-field faculty and alumni mentors.
“With a major in biology and a minor in neuroscience, I was delighted by the flexibility of the curriculum, particularly on the pre-med track. After a thorough evaluation of multiple factors, such as academic excellence, inclusivity, and career alignment, I confidently made the decision to join The University of Tulsa,” said National Merit Finalist Abhay Bindroo, 17, of Little Elm, Texas, who was accepted into TU’s Early Careers in Medicine program. “I eagerly anticipate becoming part of the TU family, and I am certain that the experiences I will gain in the coming years will pave the way for a successful and fulfilling future, both as an aspiring doctor and as a compassionate and knowledgeable individual.”
Many National Merit scholars and other academically successful students are drawn to TU by participating in the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. TURC allows the university’s youngest students to take part in meaningful research and faculty mentorship that aligns with their area of interest. Undergraduates are welcomed into labs and projects across campus and encouraged to contribute to papers and attend conferences.
TU’s new Honors College also attracts exceptional students who seek an accelerated liberal arts curriculum, focused on the study of classical texts in a vibrant intellectual community that fosters friendship, growth in excellent habits of mind and character, and service to the common good.
“When I was trying to decide which college to attend, TU was not originally on my list. I checked out the school website and was immediately attracted to the beautiful architecture, which I had not expected to find in Oklahoma. As I researched more, I was pleased to discover the college’s firm commitment to liberal arts and to the classical studies through the Honors program,” said National Merit Finalist Georgia Rabaey, 18, of Marshall, Minnesota. “I visited TU and was impressed by the kindness and care that the professors showed me. I also communicated with faculty via email and was again pleased with their promptness, accessibility, and flexibility. I think that my encounters with professors helped me to trust that TU as a college would care for my human development in addition to my intellectual development.”
Applications are now open to prospective undergraduate students who plan to enter TU during the 2024-25 academic year.