Sam Houston State University : Eat ‘em up kats

I chose this university as it is close enough to home where I can still visit and I received a full ride (Smith-Hutson). It is a small town but not empty. The campus is outside the suburbs with so much nature. I had no idea what to expect. Being here has shown me my potential in the world and taught me what I do matters. There are so many students and different people you can interact with and meet. Every day is a new opportunity to network in your future career and to learn about yourself/studies. I am so excited to start my second year and see what these semesters have in store with me. I can’t wait to make more friends and dive deeper into my programs.

Every professor has their own syllabus and makes corrections/updates as needed. Yes, most science-related courses have a lab to take with them, exposing us to the industrial and research experience we will need in our 3rd and 4th years of college. We will need it as we take a field course over the summer and go out of state to do research and industrial works.

Because not as many students go into geology, my specific classes are about 20-30/1-2. The faculty and staff are so friendly and supportive. They are there to help you with anything and love questions so they can further assist us. Dr.Brian Cooper is the head academic advisor for my program and has been at SHSU for years. He has so much experience and loves talking about it. Dr.John Harris was my historical geology professor and he made the course so enjoyable and interesting. He too has so many connections and tons of experience.

There is always something every day to do on campus. They are welcome events for the first month. Many many events in our plaza throughout the year (especially regarding abroad students and cultural events). We have a ton of sports (intramural and club). Our programs also have their own clubs. A recreational centre with a nice pool. The library is insane! It’s huge and has four floors. A great place to get your work done, get tutoring assistance (I go frequently), or grab a cup of coffee as there is a Starbucks inside. The Lowman Student Center, we call it the LSC, is where you can grab CFA, Subway, Panda Express, and so many more food spots. They also have a game room called the Kat klub where you can bowl, play video games, and come to the watch parties for our football games.

My specific program has a geology club where we have workers from various companies with a lot of advice, guidance, and experience come to share with us and have lectures. You can network with them as well. The program also sends out emails (almost daily) with different job opportunities from different locations around the world (in the state, in the country, out country) or different internship opportunities (usually in the state or in the country).

You can rent textbooks “Bearkat bundle” as I mentioned previously. To rent books and calculators from the library is free but will charge your student account if lost/damaged/not returned. The dorms are shared unless you have a specific accommodation or the dorm hall isn’t filled up( but you still might get a roommate later on if it’s just an open space). There are studio apartments for seniors and graduate students.

- SAT scores Math 620 Eng 540. ACT scores are required in addition if SAT scores are not high enough - Foundation High School Program - rank 43/600 4.6 gpa (12), FHSP - rank 12/730 4.8 gpa (10) - Requirements: I did not have to submit SoP, LoRs, or CV. I also did not have an interview for the application. - Our programs doesn’t have interview unless you are to receive a scholarship from the programs at our campus (not all have them)

My cost is a bit over $28,000 per year, however, living on or off campus can affect your cost along with the selection of our meal plans and the classes you are taking. We also have a “Bearkat Bundle” where you pay about $350 ish for all your textbooks for the semester. It is very helpful if you are taking a lot of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Summer semester is about half the cost for the bundle.

Smith-Hutson scholarship : $20,000 a year Two - round selections 1st applications 2nd in-person interviews Essay, 2 recommendations, and previous year tax forms as scholarship is mostly based on financial need.