U.S. College Road Trip! Episode 1 - University of Oregon.

If you’re shopping for colleges in the U.S. then it is essential that you get on the campuses and see how they feel. Pictures and virtual tours are a nice try but they cannot reproduce the experience. The challenge with over 2,800 four year colleges and universities in the U.S. alone is where to start? We would like to help you out with a series of blogs that highlight 100 schools in 100 days.

• Big schools, small schools, in between schools.

• East coast, west coast, the South, the Mountains, the Midwest and everywhere in between.

• Private schools and public schools.

• Highly selective schools and great schools that are more accessible to more students.

The goal is to remind students that their college experience is THEIR college experience and they should choose the school that is the best fit for them, not their friends or family or anyone else with an opinion.

We love the quote that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Teddy Roosevelt certainly lived his life with little regard for the opinions of others. The challenge is to live the life that is right for us and this includes choosing the university that is best for you without regard to rankings or social status. A great school isn’t great unless it is great for YOU.

For each post we would love to hear comments from alumni of the featured school. Any insight into your experiences there and then would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.

With that, let's start our tour in my home state of Oregon. Disclaimer: Both of my daughters presently attend this school and so did both of my parents. This Road Trip is a sample to get you thinking. The best information you can get is direct from the school and we apologize if any of our information is incorrect.

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The University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon

The University of Oregon: Where Trees, Track Stars, and Academic Awesomeness Collide

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying on a campus so green it makes leprechauns jealous, welcome to the University of Oregon! With over 4,000 trees from 500+ species, the campus is practically a forest with Wi-Fi. It’s a place where Phil Knight (aka the Shoe Dog of Nike fame), actor Kaitlin Olson, legendary runner Steve Prefontaine, and journalist Ann Curry once strolled through the shade of these majestic trees—probably contemplating their future greatness or just wondering where they left their bike.

Fun Facts About the UO

1. Sustainability Superstars: The University of Oregon isn’t just green in color—it’s green at heart. Their commitment to sustainability means the grass is always greener here. Seriously, it looks like a landscaping competition.

2. Ducks and Sports Galore: Whether you’re cheering for the Ducks at Autzen Stadium or trying to outrun them on the track, sports are a big deal here. UO boasts a top-notch NCAA Division I-FBS athletic program. Between rigorous academics and a roaring athletic culture, you’ll never run out of things to brag about.

3. Liberal, Loud, and Proud: UO is one of the most liberal colleges in the country. The student body is as diverse as their coffee orders, and social justice is more than a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. You’ll find activism alive and well among the Ducks, whether it’s a protest, a fundraiser, or a heated debate over composting methods.

4. A Major Buffet of Majors: With over 300 undergrad classes and programs in everything from business to journalism to marine biology, there’s something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, they even have a marine station in Charleston and an observatory in Central Oregon. Stargazing and sea life? Sign us up.

5. Research and Resources: With $137 million in annual research funding, UO isn’t playing around. Whether you’re studying the climate or developing the next big tech gadget, you’ll have plenty of chances to leave your mark.

6. Location, Location, Location: Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, the campus is a geographic jackpot. Want to hit the beach or the slopes? You’re just a short drive away.

7. A Warm Welcome for All: With an acceptance rate of 93% for the class of 2025, UO doesn’t believe in playing hard to get. Average SAT scores range from 1090-1330, and the early action deadline is November 1. No pressure, just remember: procrastination isn’t a good look.

8. The Rivalry is Real: Less than an hour away, Oregon State looms as the eternal rival. The two schools share a “healthy hate” that’s mostly about sports, but also probably about who has the better mascot (spoiler: it’s the Duck).

Ready to don some green and yellow and quack your way into the future? Check out the University of Oregon admissions page for all the details.

Go Ducks!

Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help.

Episode 2- Emerson College