University of Kansas, Lawrence (KU)

[CBG321]

Alright I am really struggling to pick my graduate school program.  I wasn't expecting to get into more than one great program.

Does anyone have any first hand reviews or compelling information that helped you decide to accept here?  If I had more money I would attend the mixer but it is just too short notice to scrape up the money.

I'm not loving the idea of commuting between campuses (esp in snowy weather) so wanted a students perspective on how many semesters that happens if I plan on focusing on a lot of coursework offered at the Lawrence campus.

How big are class sizes, are classmates close?  What is unique about the program etc.  I did my research but two programs with a lot of positives have accepted me so it is going to come down to the tiny details.

Thank you anyone for providing any information good or bad!  Any little details at this point are super helpful in this BIG decision!

[rockchalk4253]

Generally you either have class T/R at the Lawrence campus or vice versa, so there pretty much is always driving. The clinic and LAP preschool are at the Lawrence campus but the med center obviously has many placements as well. One bad thing about the med center is the parking is terrible! KU is definitely more children's based, and we have a huge computer lab of all of the different AAC devices. The faulty is probably what makes KU ranked so high besides their research, they are all so down to earth and friendly, but also extremely smart. They're always willing to help and always in your best interest, regardless if it's for KU's best interest or not. The really only con they have is the driving part. If you want to live in a college town then live in Lawrence, but if you enjoy a bigger city, we have KCMO, which is catered for 20-30 year olds and is an amazing place to live. I think I forgot to respond to your question in a different thread, so ask any more questions you need! I'm happy to help since the Lawrence/KC campuses are confusing. 

[CBG321]

3 hours ago, rockchalk4253 said:

Generally you either have class T/R at the Lawrence campus or vice versa, so there pretty much is always driving. The clinic and LAP preschool are at the Lawrence campus but the med center obviously has many placements as well. One bad thing about the med center is the parking is terrible! KU is definitely more children's based, and we have a huge computer lab of all of the different AAC devices. The faulty is probably what makes KU ranked so high besides their research, they are all so down to earth and friendly, but also extremely smart. They're always willing to help and always in your best interest, regardless if it's for KU's best interest or not. The really only con they have is the driving part. If you want to live in a college town then live in Lawrence, but if you enjoy a bigger city, we have KCMO, which is catered for 20-30 year olds and is an amazing place to live. I think I forgot to respond to your question in a different thread, so ask any more questions you need! I'm happy to help since the Lawrence/KC campuses are confusing. 

I hate to have it come down to seemingly minor details but with two fantastic programs with great faculty I feel that I need to get into the nitty gritty bc both schools will do the job well haha.

What does T/R stand for? That is good to know b/c I have been commuting a very far distance the past 2 years and I am really sick of it so that will play in a bit.  

1) What is the teaching style?  Typical lecture format where they stand up front give information and you take notes or is there anything different?  Are classes big or closer to 30?

2) So would you say all 5 semesters of grad school will involve commuting to each campus or only the first x amount?

3) Do you start clinic your first semester at KU?

4) Are students stressed out during the graduate school years?  I know some schools students say it is the best school and greatest experience but also a very stressful period of time.  Where would you say KU students fall on that spectrum?  

5) What is there to do in the area?  Active stuff or just venues etc.  I know that is hard to answer since there are two campuses but draws from either area work.  Although i'd want to live just outside Kansas city not in it.,,

 

Thank you!

[rockchalk4253]

I'm not sure about the teaching style since I'm not in their grad program, but I believe it's just a normal teaching style of lecture. The commute would be about 45 minutes between Lawrence and KC. Usually one campus Tuesday/Thursday and vice versa. The classes aren't very big since KU's class size in general isn't that big, so everyone gets along and knows each other well. In KC there are many areas to live, we have a lot of really good restaurants especially BBQ, many breweries that we take a lot of pride in, and a lot of events and festivals. You start in clinic pretty much immediately. 

[CBG321]

10 hours ago, rockchalk4253 said:

 

 

1 hour ago, rockchalk4253 said:

I'm not sure about the teaching style since I'm not in their grad program, but I believe it's just a normal teaching style of lecture. The commute would be about 45 minutes between Lawrence and KC. Usually one campus Tuesday/Thursday and vice versa. The classes aren't very big since KU's class size in general isn't that big, so everyone gets along and knows each other well. In KC there are many areas to live, we have a lot of really good restaurants especially BBQ, many breweries that we take a lot of pride in, and a lot of events and festivals. You start in clinic pretty much immediately. 

Thank you!  

[Elizabeth D.]

I am in the same place of deciding between multiple programs. TN ere are so many things to look at when making a decision. I am using funding as my primary deciding factor but I want to be able to go the program that is the best for me.

[CBG321]

4 hours ago, Elizabeth D. said:

I am in the same place of deciding between multiple programs. TN ere are so many things to look at when making a decision. I am using funding as my primary deciding factor but I want to be able to go the program that is the best for me.

I am still struggling to decide, today I am going to write down each unique class I can take at each program.  Then if there are more than one class that I would be really disappointed to miss out on i'm going to strongly consider that.  

I'm using the price difference to motivate myself to fill out scholarship applications and hope for the best with FASFA...still waiting to hear back from them.  If I get a school specific scholarship it will be much harder to turn down but if I don't I can rest easy and decide based on class opportunities.  I was trying to base my decision on location since they are both fantastic programs but they came in even for different reasons so back to the drawing board!    

I'm going to feel badly saying no since both schools have so much to offer but i'm trying to remember that other students out there will benefit from my decision.

[Elizabeth D.]

On 3/29/2016 at 4:20 PM, CBG321 said:

I am still struggling to decide, today I am going to write down each unique class I can take at each program.  Then if there are more than one class that I would be really disappointed to miss out on i'm going to strongly consider that.  

I'm using the price difference to motivate myself to fill out scholarship applications and hope for the best with FASFA...still waiting to hear back from them.  If I get a school specific scholarship it will be much harder to turn down but if I don't I can rest easy and decide based on class opportunities.  I was trying to base my decision on location since they are both fantastic programs but they came in even for different reasons so back to the drawing board!    

I'm going to feel badly saying no since both schools have so much to offer but i'm trying to remember that other students out there will benefit from my decision.

I know exactly how you feel! It's so hard to make the decision!

[rose6593]

I declined my admission offer to KU today, hope that opens up a spot for someone hoping to go there!